Is Vicks bad for my sinus congestion or okay to use every night?

Question

I've tried everything short of surgery. The doctor did xrays and told me I have a slightly crooked septum and swollen sinus tissue. Right now, I have no interest in surgery to fix this, but medications and nasal sprays don't work at all.
Using Vicks chest rub helps a lot. I put a small bit on a tissue and use it in the nostril. Right now, it's the only way I can breathe at all when I go to sleep. Is this safe to do every night?

Answer 1

There's no reason I know of that wouldn't be safe. Have you considered a humidifier that might help too.

Answer 2

It can be irritating, so kept tabs on it. If you start to itch, have pain, additional swelling, pus, blood, etc... then discontinue.

Otherwise, it's fine.

I'd avoid putting it IN your nose, however, as the mucus membranes are going to be more sensitive.

Using a humidifier with a vapor attachment (Vicks, of course, makes one) is a better way to go. If you must, put a dab UNDER your nose (but don't lick!).

The Vicks is NOT helping the crooked septum. Nothing short of surgery will resolve that (although those Breath Rite strips can help some people). The Vicks also isn't reducing the swelling. All it's doing is solving a third problem: congestion.

Answer 3

I would avoid putting it directly in the nostril. Try rubbing it on your chest - the heat from your body will create vapors and you will breath them in.

Better yet, get a vaporizer and put some of the vicks vapor in the little tray. Humidity does help.

Do not take anything over the counter that dries up sinus - you need it to drain away.

Now and then you might put just a really warm wet cloth over your face to loosen the sinus a bit that way.

Answer 4

I live by that stuff when I'm not feeling well! You should also try the Vick's Vapor De-humidifier. It helps soooo much, especially at night!

Feel better!!