Sinus relief! Please!?

Question

What's the BEST for relieving sinus pressure and just feeling like CRUD?? I have a sinus infection, folks! Is there anything over the counter that can be administered daily to help clear it up?

Answer 1

Things that work for me:
1. nasal irrigation with buffered saline helps clear the blockage which occurs at the base of the nose where the sinuses drain. An allergy doctor recommended this to me and it really works. You can make your own buffered saline (boil 2 cups water, dissolve 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; cool to touch) or you can buy over-the-counter systems such as Breath-ease (http://respiratory-supplies.medical-supplies-equipment-company.com/PPF/page_ID/73/article.asp)

2. Rub menthol over the sinus area, taking care to avoid getting it into your eyes. Lay down and close your eyes. This generally releases the sinus for me, allowing it to drain and relieving pressure.. A product called "migra-stick" works very well.

Answer 2

You have already received some excellent answers with sound advice. Especially the ones who say a doctor visit is in order with an infection: a) to diagnose it correctly and b) to get the right antibiotic to cure it. If you think there might be a connection with a medication you're currently taking this would be the right time to discuss any reactions with your doctor and get a change if that is the case. Also, are these severe headaches and infections frequent? You may need to see an allergy sepecialist for specific tests. Also, ask your doctor about having a sinus CTScan to make sure there are no polyps growing in any of your nasal cavaties. (This was the case with my brother and removal of the polyps helped immensely.) If all checks out well with the checkup, ask your doctor about the saline nasal wash. I'm glad one gave you the recipe for the "homemade" solution. My doctor has me use NeilMed sinus rinse and it helps me a lot. (I have year round allergies...shots required to help control--yuck.) It's an over the counter item also. I'll include the website address at the end so you can check it out and have more info on this.

Otherwise, choose among the other answers for relief...the steam, cold packs, teas, decreased dairy/grain...can all help. BUT, when you get the allergy testing done first, the home/over the counter remedies are much more effective because you can tailor them to your own special unique needs.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Vicks NyQuil works great to relieve pain, help you sleep and clear your nose for a few hours.

Dristan Nasal Spray (long lasting mint flavour).. Spray it 2-3 times in each nostril and it will help you blow your nose clear and breathe much easier. Don't use it for longer than a few days because you may become dependent on it.

Natural remedies:

Take a hot shower and breath in through your mouth and out through your nose for a few minutes. The vapours will loosen the congestion and you will be able to blow your nose well.

You can add a few drops of EUCALYPTUS oil to water and boil it to fill the room with sinus clearing vapours.

I've heard that Saline Rinse is very good. It actually goes up into your sinus cavities and rinses them clear. I'm assuming the saline also kills bacteria/infection. It's better than using Dristan because you don't become addicted to it. I've seen the spray-bottles and saline packets at the pharmacist's counter.

Answer 4

Tylenol Sinus works for me every time.
You may have to ask the pharmacist or cashier for it. The sinus decongestant in it is one of the ingredients in making methamphetamine, so new laws restrict the ability to buy (or steal) large quantities.

If you also have a fever (or chills) you probably do have an infection and should also see a physician for an antibiotic. If not, or even if, you should try to keep track of when you get sinus problems. If it repeats at the same times every year, it may be caused by seasonal allergies, or dust mite allergies that increase when the humidity gets in a particular range. Think about asking your physician for allergy testing. If allergies are the cause, Claritin-D 24 hour will prevent allergy-sinus.

Answer 5

Echinacea, garlic, zinc and vitamin C. Drink plenty of water too.
I used to get sinus infections all the time (at least once or twice a year) I switched to alternative treatments and have not had an infection in 5 years.
Also get a non-medicated saline solution nasal spray, it flushes the nasal passages and makes breathing easier.
You will need to take some paracetamol for the pain.

Answer 6

(1) Ask your doctor for a prescription for "Allegra 180 mg" It is a pill taken once a day, and often prevents any future sinus infections.

( 2 ) Greatly decrease all dairy products....this means all milk, all cheese, anything with dairy products in it.

( 3 ) Greatly decrease all grains or grain products.....means all breads, crackers....anything that is made with grains.

These foods create Mucus which makes any sinus conditions Worse.

Answer 7

Breathing in steam from a bowl of water (towel over head for maximum benefit!) is great, it reduces the swelling of the sinuses. Its also great for the complexion...2 birds with 1 stone lol

Answer 8

Antistamine (sp?) and or freeze a wet, neatly folded face rag in a baggie. Take it out the freezer, remove the baggie. Lay down and put it on your face.

Stay clear of dust & mold as well.

Answer 9

I don't know anything over the counter. Try Chamomile Tea, make it very strong and hot, put it in a bowl and if you can tolerate it put your face over it, cover your head with a towel first, breathe it in. It helps me, hope it does the same for you.

Answer 10

get a bottle of mint oil and tap a bit under your nose. also Coricidin for colds and flu works great even for sinus infections!