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TrogL Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:38 AM
Original message
How do I get my frontal sinuses to clear
My maxillaries are relatively clear but my upper ones feel like they're packed with old chewing gum.

I think I OD'd on pseudoephedrine hydrochloride over the weekend and now my nose won't run at all.
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Nicholas D Wolfwood Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:38 AM
Response to Original message
1. Vicks vapo-rub
Depending on your problem, a cold compress might help too (relieves swelling)
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MissMillie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:39 AM
Response to Original message
2. Have a good cry
It always works for me.
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LynzM Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:39 AM
Response to Original message
3. Very, very hot shower
Stay in for a long time, breathe lots of steam! Or, boil water on the stove and breathe the steam, but more annoying that way, IMO. Also, drink a whole lot of water!!
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madrchsod Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:40 AM
Response to Original message
4. vacuum cleaner
suck it right out.......
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havocmom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:42 AM
Response to Original message
5. Let me know too. My head/ears are currently working for the opposition
and trying to kill me with pain.

Been using OLBAS in some hot water to steam when the pain gets really bad but it never works for long.

Also, is there a nasty bug going around? cuz after 4 days of terrible sinus pain, now my nodes are swollen, sore and my spine is very sore.
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hedda_foil Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:08 PM
Response to Reply #5
18. havocmom .... you have a bacterial infection ... get to the doctor NOW.
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Pale_Rider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:42 AM
Response to Original message
6. Claritin D works ...
... for me.
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TXlib Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:43 AM
Response to Original message
7. Afrin
Just don't overuse it.

Do you have a sinus infection?

Get to the doctor, and get a scrip for antibiotics.

Plus, perhaps, a small supply of a steroidal anti-inflammatory such as prednisone.
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diamond14 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:45 AM
Response to Original message
8. this works well....sinus rinsing has been used for many years,,,


I found this approach to be the most useful...haven't even had a cold in the last 3 years since starting this rinsing....it's weird at first, but you'll feel lots better after rinsing out all that crap that's stuck in your nose...I learned this at an sinus doctor's clinic.....

http://www.neilmed.com
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MallRat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:45 AM
Response to Original message
9. ummm... Jalapeno peppers?
Spicy food and a hot steam bath/shower can loosen you up.

Actually, I find most Asian hot spices (i.e., wasabi or a really spicy curry) to be more effective than Tex-Mex. But maybe that's just me.

I'm at the point where I bring my own tissues when we go out for Indian.

:nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke:

-MR
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nothingshocksmeanymore Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:46 AM
Response to Original message
10. Two things
Over the counter Claritin is expensive and works well but first take warm salt water and inhale small amounts of it...also..try horseradish.
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havocmom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:58 AM
Response to Reply #10
15. OK, what do I do when saline fails?
Afrin didn't do squat.
Hot showers helped, until I got out.
Can't take Claritin as I am one of the lucky few it triggers a heart problem in.
Benedryl is not doing it either.
Hot packs give 3 minutes of relief.
Cold packs made me consider the business end of a 45.

Seems to be heading toward a systemic infection, whole body now racked with pain and swollen places.

No doctor within 100 miles.

Can't drink for shit so that's no help either.

NSMA, if I die, will you take my dog? No, wait, he swims like a rock, maybe your house wouldn't be best.
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nothingshocksmeanymore Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:10 PM
Response to Reply #15
19. I know it's not nice to say but if one gets that far
the only alternative is to go the hundred miles to see the Doc. A systemic infection is dangerous...and don't die..I need your very excellent advice where my pooch is concerned.

Feel better.
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stellanoir Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:48 AM
Response to Original message
11. long hot shower or. . .
boil water, add chamomile tea, throw a towel over your head over the pot and breathe in the vapors through your nose.

Also there is a over the counter Chinese botanical remedy that you can find at traditional oriental markets for under 3 bucks. It's called "Bi Yan Pian." Take 5, 3x a day. It's amazingly effective.

Or drink cayenne pepper in warm water. Eat wasabi, or any other really spicy food.

Hope you feel better soon.
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ps1074 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:51 AM
Response to Original message
12. Here is what I do
always works for me. Make 2 small cotton balls that you can stick deep into your nostrils. Soak them in vodka or some other good alchohol and stick them into your nostrils. Do all your breathing through the nose for 2 or 3 minutes. Be prepared for some tears :)

Repeat it in 2 hours time up to 5 times a day. It always works for me. You may want to try it.
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havocmom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:01 PM
Response to Reply #12
17. Are you serious? Cuz I am getting desparate enough to try this
but I don't have any vodka. May send someone out for some if this is not a joke.

There is some good tequilla in the house, but that stuff is dangerous to a lightweight drinker like moi.
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AgadorSparticus Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 02:51 PM
Response to Reply #17
37. i 've been doing saline rinses for years and it works like a charm!
i can't remember the last time i got a cold. it's weird at first. but you get used to it pretty fast.
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havocmom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 02:57 PM
Response to Reply #37
40. I've used them for ages too, but not working now
And niether is the zinc nasal spray which usually aborts any bug trying to harbor in sinuses.

Gave in and made appointment as whatever this is seems to be systemic and my lungs now feel like they are joining the mutiney. There has been a lot of pnuemonia (particularly among younger, strong adults) in my area and I do not wanna go there.
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AgadorSparticus Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:11 PM
Response to Reply #40
42. it really sounds like you have an infection. i'd get to the doctor
Edited on Mon May-03-04 03:11 PM by progressivebebe
asap to get checked out and get on a round of antibiotics. i have VERY bad allergies and although i should be doing saline rinses regularly, i don't. get busy and forget, i guess. but i notice that when i do forget to do them, it's easy for me to get sinusitis. i get a round of antibiotics and it clears it right up. then i remember to go back to my saline rinses as preventative care. until i forget again or get lazy. lol

hope your problem can be easily fixed with a round of antibiotics. good luck, havocmon!

to add: and hope you feel better soon!
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havocmom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:31 PM
Response to Reply #42
48. Have an appointment for tomorrow
Thanks for the good wishes.

Just hate needing medical care cuz when you have no insurance in America, it is almost better to go without than face the grudging treatment and interrogation one gets. Makes me tough out a lot of things help would make easier. But this is bad and I admit I cannot take much more of the pain that has come with it.

My sister in law thought she had a sinus infection and ended up with meningitis. When pain in my neck and spine woke me at 3 AM, that crossed my mind.
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Tom_Foolery Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:51 AM
Response to Original message
13. Eat some hot wings or chili...
they usually clear my sinuses right up.
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BringEmOn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 11:56 AM
Response to Original message
14. Sex
A natural antihistamine. Works for me. Provides relief on a number of levels.
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otohara Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:00 PM
Response to Original message
16. There are wonderful products
in the homopathic section of health food stores - I found a nasal spray, works just as well as Afrin, with no side effects. Has enabled me to cut out Clariton also-

Wise to use saline spray to keep passsages moist too.

bioAllers - sinus & allergy relief http://www.botlab.com/products.asp?page=products&brand=bioAllers
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FunBobbyMucha Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:12 PM
Response to Original message
20. Surgery. I know you don't wanna hear this, but
if you have chronic sinus problems, you probably have malformed sinus tracts. You didn't really indicate that, but if so, ask for an MRI, get your nose rotorooted, and go on with your life. I used to suffer several times a year, had the surg in 97, no problems since.
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VelmaD Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:12 PM
Original message
Two step solution
Step 1. Drill hole in sinuses with power drill
Step 2. Suck out snot with vacuum cleaner.

:)
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TrogL Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:44 PM
Response to Original message
26. Don't tempt me
I tried to blow my nose a few minutes ago and just about fainted from the pain.
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Kadie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 01:08 PM
Response to Original message
27. That should do the trick.
LOL
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VelmaD Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:12 PM
Response to Original message
21. self deleted
Edited on Mon May-03-04 12:13 PM by VelmaD
stupid double posts x(
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arwalden Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:14 PM
Response to Original message
22. Scuba Dive
Works for me... every time.

-- Allen
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JCMach1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:17 PM
Response to Original message
23. Have a nice Curry
:)
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Kadie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:20 PM
Response to Original message
24. Reflexology and/or facial massage
Edited on Mon May-03-04 12:23 PM by Kadie
It has worked for me in the past. There are pressure points on the top of your head and face that you can massage to help relieve pain and congestion. With reflexology, the pressure points are on your fingers and toes.


Edited to add some links...




http://www.reflexology-research.com/handchart.html

http://la.essortment.com/drainsinuses_rlod.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_6607_shiatsu-sinus-headache.html
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TXlib Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 12:34 PM
Response to Original message
25. If all else fails... try trepanation!
NOT!!!
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noonwitch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 01:12 PM
Response to Original message
28. Tom Yum soup
From your favorite Thai restaurant.
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Crowdance Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 01:21 PM
Response to Original message
29. Neti pot
It's simple: pour slightly salted water into your nose, the moisture and vacuum suck that disgusting stuff out of your sinus. It's a bit tricky to master at first, but VERY effective.

http://www.sinucleanse.com/netipotlanding.htm
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RobinA Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 01:35 PM
Response to Reply #29
31. I Have Some Questions
about this method. First, does it feel any different from when you accidently inhale water after being hit by a wave in the ocean? Second, my nose NEVER runs, so I'm afraid if I pour water into my nose it'll get lost up there somewhere and just add to the mess that is my sinuses. Frankly, I'm considering the drilling method, but would certainly prefer this salt water method.
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Crowdance Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 01:47 PM
Response to Reply #31
32. Salinity is lower
and you'll be using tap water, so a lot of other minerals are missing, too. So, it feels gentler. I don't think it can get lost, actually. If your noise never runs on the outside, my guess is that it's running on the inside (down your throat and into your stomach).
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MrsMatt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:29 PM
Response to Reply #32
46. One other thing about irrigating your sinuses
is that you should not do it more than two or three times daily, and when you blow your nose after the procedure, you MUST blow GENTLY (or risk blowing an eardrum).
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AngryAmish Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 01:29 PM
Response to Original message
30. If it hurts that bad, take the trip to the doctor
IF you were my spouse or child, that is what I would tell you to do.

When I am stopped up, hot showers or a few smokes would help me to breath. But I was never in serious pain.
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SW FL Dem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 02:15 PM
Response to Original message
33. Take a long hot shower or put your head over a steaming pan of
water. Then use Afrin nasal spray and lean your head forward so the spray drain into the frontal sinuses. After about 10 minutes, lean back onto 2-3 pillows so your head is at a 45 degree angle. The gravity will help the sinuses drain. I have suffered from sinus problems all my life. Good Luck.
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TrogL Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 02:16 PM
Response to Reply #33
34. I'll try that when I get home
Unfortunately, I'm at work and I've got rehearsal later.
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no_hypocrisy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 02:47 PM
Response to Original message
35. Nasal Sinus Wash
This remedy is for sinus headaches, congestion, colds, and allergies. The salt water clears the "gunk" out. The baking soda soothes irritated membranes and the glycerine soothes and moisturizes.

8 oz. distilled water
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. glycerine

1. Mix everything together in a clean jar.
2. Using a bulb syringe, rinse liquid through nose four times a day: while standing at the sink, tip your head back, flush through nose, the tip your head forward and let the "wash" run back out.

This is messy, but it is also effective.

Feel better!
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AgadorSparticus Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:14 PM
Response to Reply #35
44. gotta remember the baking soda next time. i just add a bit of salt to h2O
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Bertha Venation Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 02:48 PM
Response to Original message
36. Did you ever watch "The Odd Couple?"
:evilgrin:
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TrogL Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 02:53 PM
Response to Reply #36
38. Yes, but the only "nose" thing I remember is
Oscar blowing his nose in a filthy handkerchief.
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Bertha Venation Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 02:59 PM
Response to Reply #38
41. What?! You don't remember Felix honking in at least 1/4 of the episodes?
Bummer. Hilarious.

I'm sorry, though; I was being facetious. I can't begin to explain how "honking" might help clear your sinuses -- although it seemed to work for Felix.
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TrogL Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:14 PM
Response to Reply #41
43. I never watched the TV show
past one episode. It just wasn't the same.
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Bertha Venation Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:37 PM
Response to Reply #41
51. Ah, well, I never saw the movie.
Yes, I know what I'm missing. Someday.

Hope your face gets better soon.
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Donkeyboy75 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 02:56 PM
Response to Original message
39. Snort horseradish.
That'll clear them up.
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redqueen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:20 PM
Response to Original message
45. Have you tried Guafinex?
I have been using that and Allegra-D. For a serious infection last year I also used a spray, but now the Guafinex seems to do the trick.

Huge pills, but they work.

Hope you feel better soon!!!!
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TrogL Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:30 PM
Response to Original message
47. YURRRGGH@)*R&R I hate that
One sinus cleared.

The other didn't.

My head is on sideways.
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TrogL Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:32 PM
Response to Original message
49. Isn't this totally ironic
I've posted multi-page rants and gotten one response (Robb is a dingbat).

This one (primarily about goo) is possibly my most popular yet.

What that says about me, the quality of my writing and the sanity of my audience I :scared: to imagine.
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havocmom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:42 PM
Response to Reply #49
53. OK, THAT was funny!
maybe I am gonna live? First time I have giggled all day.

So, the trick to a flaming post around here is make it about something most have first had experience with? I love liberals! Most are pretty visceral and earthy and always willing to lend a hand.

Hope you get better, TrogL. Hope we both do, the world needs people with our, um, oblique outlook!
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Rabrrrrrr Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:33 PM
Response to Original message
50. I'll second the neti pot idea
which I mentioned to you on another thread a few days ago. That should help with your infinite congestion.

I don't know what I hate more - a nose that won't stop running, or a nose that needs to run but refuses to. They both suck.
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MadHound Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon May-03-04 03:37 PM
Response to Original message
52. Spicey foods my friend, some serious hot stuff
Jalapenos, habaneros, cayenne, any sort of spicy hot pepper will do the trick. Also you can use ginger in large quantities. Mix with other foods as a heavy spice, or eat the peppers straight. Guarantee that it will clear you right up.
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