16wks pg and got congested sinuses - help please.

[ninipops]

Came down with a really bad cold last week - DD1 is just one and in nursery so bringing home everything. I have never been so ill with a cold. Since Friday I have had the worst sinus headache - I actually feel nauseous (sp?) with it. Rang NHS 24 to see what I could take and the doctor who phoned me back just said paracetamol and lemon drinks. Naturally not too happy about that. I had checked on a bottle of Otrivine and it just said 'check with your doctor' I have no underlying conditions and am not on any medication so normally to me that would mean go for it. Anyone had any experience? Tried Olbas oil but I'm so stuffed up its making no difference.

[ninipops]

please anyone??

[GrumpyFish]

Accupuncture really helped to sort out my sinuses. A a quick fix, Breath-Right strips are quite good (although don't really touch the headache, but do fix stuffy nose issues). Have you tried lots and lots of steaming? I personally would not touch Otrivine, I think there are issues with decongestants in pregnancy affecting the baby.

Hope you feel better soon.

[MumToSophie]

Hi, I've had the same problem. I phoned my doctor and they advised a salt water spray. I think it was called Sterimar and although it is really disgusting to snort it up your nose it really did help me. (You might want to check with your doctor, mines def said it was safe to take while pregnant though)

You have my sympathy, it's not nice at all.

[Grandhighpoohba]

I read about this on he internet, so no idea if it works, but it costs nothing, so worth a try?

Press the roof of your mouth hard with your tongue, then press between your eyebrows with your thumb. Repeat twenty times. Apparently this very slightly rocks a bone in your face, creating movement in your sinuses, which helps them to drain. Could be a load of nonsense though!

[jellyhead188]

Inhailing steam and paracetamol was all I was allowed and ended up taking antibiotics as just couldn't clear it - however, I've been using those breathe right strips at night recently as still bunged up and they do help somewhat.

you have my sympathies, I was crying with it in the end it is so painful x

[ninipops]

Thanks guys hubbie has been dispatched to local supermarket to get infant saline nose drops. I guess if they safe for babies they safe for me!

[ninipops]

Quick update - the saline wash didn't work neither did the sinus massage you suggested poohba. So it was off to the doc with me on Monday morning. He took one look at me and prescribed antibiotics, a steroid nasal spray and some nice string (but baby safe!) painkillers.

I could have kissed him.

36 hours later things are much improved - not better yet but I have emerged from the foetal position in a darkened room and actually managed to take a walk outside.

[ninipops]

strong painkillers

[pipplin]

ninipops I'm wondering if I have the same problem. My nose is all blocked up and bloody, as is my TMI mucus. Did you have this too?