Sinus Pain - does getting steamy help?!

[Robinia]

I suffer with sinus probs especially during the winter. Any suggestions? Would a humidifier (to counteract dryness of central heating) help? Heard too many horror stories about 'the op'!

[smudge]

Hi noddy, I also suffer with chronic sinitus throughout the year. I'd been using Otrivine nasal spray & taking Sinutab combined tablets, but had to visit my GP again. He asked me to stop using that nasal spray as it can make the matter worse. He then prescribed 'Nasonex 50 micrograms/actuation Nasal Spray'. It has helped a great deal & my bad headaches have subsided. P'raps if you mention this to your Doc he may oblige. Good luck.

[smudge]

P.S. I have also used my facial steamer with decongestant drop in it, but it only helped me short term.

[smudge]

P.P.S. My GP was against a nasal operation as it is not always successful. A friend of ours had it done & is now back to square one, so I don't think I'd go for that either.

[Robinia]

Thanks for suggestions - will look into the spray. The only nose op I would consider is a nice new cute one - I put Barbra Streisand in the shade! : - (

[dorisday]

I had the same trouble a few years back. You have my sympathy. It was awful. I couldn't sleep on my back! It was so painful. I started to take Sinutab, but they just killed the pain and not the symptoms. I landed up having the op. Its not that bad. Certainly sorted me out and I have had no trouble since. Good Luck. Dxx

[smudge]

That's very encouraging doris., my GP said he'd like me to see an ENT consultant, but I'm a bit freaked by that. How long did the op last & the time getting over it? Sorry to hickjack Noddy's question, but I am interested. Thanx.

[Robinia]

I don't mind my question being hijacked at all!! I'm interested too. I'm not able to take many decongestants/cold remedies 'cos of other medication, so I'd like to know about any natural remedies too.

[dorisday]

Hi Noddy and Smudge, When I had my op I was only in the day before the op, the day of the op and came out the third day. It took me about a week to get over it, but that was only because you have to be careful not to knock yourself or get bumped into. I have a very small pretty little nose, I thought i would be bruised and battered. It was a little swollen but than soon went down.The only problem I had was as I was coming round my hubby sat beside my bed and he said all I did was burp!!! I never burp!!!! It was a relief to get it sorted. Nothing to worry about at all. D xx

[tracymort]

my partner used to have sinus troubel. we found that cutting down on dairy and using those menthol type things helped alot. olbas oil etc give immediate relief but actually irritated the sensitive mucous membranes so the problem was actually worsened by it in the long run. We found hopi ear candles (i know they look weird) really worked!

[Robinia]

Thanks to tracyh & all. Went to the doc (refering me to ENT) who said they no longer tend to do the old 'wash out' op as it often doesn't work. If anything shows on the scan they use a little camera to remove any polyps etc. Anyway he gave me some anti-biotics & guess what??? I've had a reaction - lovely pink rash!! Given me some different ones - playing anti-biotic roulette now. Aggghhh! Somebody get me a stick of dynamite!! :-)

[mother2120]

try standing in a hot steamy shower that helps also and do not drink or eat dairy products my doc said for 2 weeks if you have sinus infect or stuffy nose it makes well the fluid in your nose thick and it doesnt blow out as easy, drink alot of clear fluids and mostly water to thin secretions..try the nasal spray but only as directed it can and will make it worse if abused, my g`mother told me to cut a slice of a regular onion and lay it beside your bed when your stuffed up and you can breath... well it works i did it hope this helps you

[mother2120]

I did have the operation if you are refering to the deviated septum and enlarged turbinates in your nose... thats why I had too many sinus infections and the surgery is not that bad I`d do it again as opposed to taking meds 9 out of 12 monthes a year you have your nose packed overnite then removed the next day and rinse your nose 2-3 times a day with salt water to cleanse it for 6 weeks if I remember it has been 3 yrs and only 4 infections later I`m fine