Afrin works well for me, too.
Also, have you tried, um, seeing a doctor?
M2Pilot wrote: The OTC Sudafed that you can buy without a hassel is phenylephrine, a not very good decongestant. You have to go to the pharmacy to set pseudoephedrine, you'll have to show ID & sign for it. That should work. The Neilmed Sinus Rinse also works well to get all that snot outta your nose. I'm a pharmacist, so I probably know what I'm talking about. PS Be careful of any oral decongestant if you have high blood pressure or heart issues. If you use the Sinus Rinse or Netipot, be sure your water has been boiled. The potential,but rare, problem with unboiled tap water in either of these is that you may be infected with some rare bacteria that eats your brain. Having said that, you have more risk of exposure from swimming than using Sinus Rinse or Netipot.
What he said. I use distilled water, warmed up. I cant take pseudoephedrine, but some nasal sprays, taken daily, will eventually help.
I'm a big believer in the Neilmed Sinus Rinse. I've used it for years to clear out sinus infections while avoiding antibiotics. My wife and I got a sinus infection at the same time, she went on antibiotics, I used the Sinus Rinse. My sinus infection cleared up quicker.
It's also good preventative maintenance, especially in allergy season.
In reply to M2Pilot:
Thanks for the detailed write-up. I trust GRM's health group way more than the Obamacare i can't afford.
It sounds like you're experiencing congestion in the sphenoid sinuses which are just behind the eyes rather than the more common paranasal maxillary sinuses which are just behind your cheek bones. This would account for the pressure you're experiencing and the lack of nasal discharge or congestion. OTC NSAIDs are probably not going to provide the relief that you're looking for since they act on inflammatory mechanisms of the body, not specifically on blocked sinuses. Tylenol would provide mild relief from pain, but probably not the pressure. My suggestion is pseudoephedrine (sudafed, but the generic stuff is just as good). If it's not available in the drug store aisle, ask the pharmacist. They should have it stocked behind the counter. I do not think that Afrin, etc. will work so well since I believe that, based on your description, the blockage is deeper. If it doesn't clear up in a couple of days, please go see your PCP or urgent care for a possible sinus infection. They can be such a PIA the treat and can last weeks.
Source: I'm a medic
penultimeta wrote: It sounds like you're experiencing congestion in the sphenoid sinuses which are just behind the eyes rather than the more common paranasal maxillary sinuses which are just behind your cheek bones. This would account for the pressure you're experiencing and the lack of nasal discharge or congestion. OTC NSAIDs are probably not going to provide the relief that you're looking for since they act on inflammatory mechanisms of the body, not specifically on blocked sinuses. Tylenol would provide mild relief from pain, but probably not the pressure. My suggestion is pseudoephedrine (sudafed, but the generic stuff is just as good). If it's not available in the drug store aisle, ask the pharmacist. They should have it stocked behind the counter. I do not think that Afrin, etc. will work so well since I believe that, based on your description, the blockage is deeper. If it doesn't clear up in a couple of days, please go see your PCP or urgent care for a possible sinus infection. They can be such a PIA the treat and can last weeks. Source: I'm a medic
What he said!! I have suffered with sinus problems most of my life. The variation in the pressure feeling may be due to the weather! If you have inflamation/congestion and the barometric pressure drops the air trapped in the sinuses wants to equalize the pressure and can't do it. Makes for a nasty "headache" behind the eyes. My eyes will tear up until I can barely see. I use a nasal rinse every morning to try to keep things cleared out and have a prescription for Sudafed if that doesn't work.
failboat wrote: Protip: Use the netipot in a hot shower and blow some sick snot rockets, with easy clean up.
I actually love standing in the shower when I have sinus pressure. Super hot water, stand so that it hits your head and neck, let your head hang down and forward so that water runs down around your face and drips off your nose.
I just stand there like that for a few minutes. It is soothing if nothing else.
In reply to Robbie:
Exactly, add the neti pot to that routine and sometimes you feel decent after, even if only for a little while
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