Sinuses

I am a frequent sufferer of sinus infections.  I probably get 2-3 a year, but still have stuffiness and sinus headache pain throughout the year, as well.

I have a neti pot, but sometimes, it is so painful to use I have to stop midway through a nasal rinse.  I have taken Claritin D, Mucinex D, suck Halls all day, take steam showers to loosen things up (sorry for the grossness here)...

Does anyone else have a problem with their sinuses?  And what do you do to help?  I have a serious sinus headache right now and am waiting for the Mucinex D to kick in!  LOL

I used to struggle with the exact same thing.   One thing I noticed was that if my house was over-heated (20C+) and too dry, that didn't help so I turned down the thermostat (18C) and put wet towels over radiators.... that helped.  I heard that milk and dairy products make sinuses worse and tried to avoid them for a while.  There was a temporary effect but not enough to make me give up for ever.  'Head over a bowl of steamy water with some Olbas Oil' was very effective.  And if it had gone from 'blocked up' to 'painful' I learned that that was a cue to see my doctor for some proper antibiotics a.s.a.p.

However, after many years of recurring bouts, I actually found that what was a big factor making the problem worse was over-use of decongestants.  So I stopped taking them entirely and used paracetamol or ibuprofen instead.  Haven't had one since and haven't had a prolongued sinus attack either.

Not sure about "infections" as many imedications that relieve sinus congestion might prevent healing of the infection.

Are you sure you're getting infections, or are are you just prone to allergy-induced stuffiness?

If it's stuffiness, I would recommend the nasal steroid spray flonase.  YOu can buy it under the name flixonase.  You can order it at this website  www.expressgroup.co.nz   for about $25 for a supply that lasts one to two months.  That's about 20% what it costs in the states (although it may be cheaper if you have insurance), but it's nonprescription in NZ so you can order online without a prescription. 

I use it about half the year, and it works great.  There is no rebound congestion when it wears off like with those Afrin-type sprays.  I've been using it for about 15 years with no problems and my doctor says it's perfectly safe.

I like nasal sprays but I'm not a chronic sinus infection sufferer. I have a difficult time with the neti pot so the sprays work better for me.

Also, yesterday, I got a facial at the spa and I thought "this would be awesome the next time my sinuses are going bonkers". She put a steamer in front of my face while she massaged my face and put hot towels on my face and neck. I guess you could try that yourself.

Thanks all for the responses.  I already have a generic Flonase spray and I should use it every day, I just hate that it is a steroid.  I have been to the doctor so many times about this, I am just a little frustrated!

Just curious if anyone had that magic remedy from their own sinus issues!  LOL

I use Astelin prescribed by my Doctor and I don't know if that works for sinus infections. He prescribed it to me when I got addicted to Afrin because I could not breath through my nose. Astelin is non addictive and actually works better then Afrin in the long run. I also take Clariten for sinus problems. If I were you I would see a nutritionist and see if possibly you have a food allergy that is making you sick.

I hope you feel better soon.

Thanks!  I never even thought about the food allergy....doh!  I do have to be careful about what I eat due to IBS and "trigger" foods.  Maybe something I am eating is ok with the tummy, but not elsewhere :)

My husband and I both suffer with our sinus's and I love my neti pot! Another thing that helps us to take a thin towel,(cos the thick ones are too heavy when wet) fold it in a square,put it in our bathroom sink and run hot water over it until its completely wet,wring it out and put the towel in the microwave for about 3 or 4 minutes. Be careful when taking it out because it will be HOT and the STEAM will BURN. Once it cools some and can be handle go lay down and put the towel over your fore head eyes and nose(not your mouth,but keep the mouth closed) breathe in deeply the stream from the towel until it cools,repeat until head ache is gone. Your sinus's will open up and you'll feel better and you'll get a facial too! Let me know if it helps you.