Favourite or most effective decongestant

[AutumnLeaves5]

I’ve got the lurgy that’s doing the rounds and not had sinus pain like this for a long time…all through my cheek towards my ear and it even makes my teeth hurt!

The normal off the shelf cold and flu remedies don’t seem to be doing much. Heading to boots later so would love to know what decongestants you’ve found the best.

If it's an infection you might be better getting antibiotics?

I tend to steam inhale and use salt rinses. Sudafed makes me ill and spray bottle decongestants can only be used a short while. They can make things worse.

I'm pretty bunged up atm but can breathe ok. It's weird headache that's bothering me.

If you're going to Boots ask the pharmacist for advice.

I get jittery with tablets but find Vicks Sinex (the one with menthol and stuff, not the soothing one) really helpful

Otrivine

The beconase spray, suitable for long term use too

I found laying down with a heated pad over my eyes and forehead the most helpful to be honest. I bought a heated eye mask as well.

Sudafed nasal spray. Only use for the amount of time stated or you can end up with rebound congestion and end up needing to use it all the time. I've had to wean myself off it in the past

Olbas oil. A couple of drops on a tissue somewhere near your nose. Avoid touching it/ accidentally lying on it or you'll get a weird cold cheek sensation!

I use Vicks Sinex decongestant spray - I find it works really well.

Advice seems to be you need to wait at least 10 days and most sinus infections are viral. I’ve not got a temperature and feel fine other than my face hurting…if it’s still bad next week I might reconsider!

Sudafed plus saline nasal spray. Use the saline spray as much as you can really it helps flush out that sinuses.

One of my friends swears by a neti pot but it was waaay too complicated for me

I hope you feel better soon. Sinus pain is horrible . I find hot compression on the face helps.

Anything with pseudoephedrine if you want the meds (and a lovely snoozy slightly off your tits feeling- it's the antihistamine apparently)
Otherwise, one of those saline sprays (sterimar) for example, and then an Olbas stick, and oil.
And yes to dangling your head over hot water.
I'm having one of those days today so literally feel your pain.
Also hot soup!

Yes it's best to keep off antibiotics if you can. I hope some of these suggestions help as I know how awful it is.

I also steam inhale, use salt rinse (NeilMed), and find this to be effective. I find OTC decongestants can make the problem worse.

I also had manual lymphatic drainage done professionally a couple of times, as I used to get sinus infections a lot. Now I know the moves, I can do it myself whenever I get bunged up, and it really helps. There are some good instructional videos out there on youtube.

I’ve just finished a course of penicillin for sinus infection. I did have it 12 days before I got the antibiotics though. Prior to that, I’ve been using Beconase twice a day and Sterimar. Admittedly Otrivine and Vick’s Sinex are the best in the short term, however I get rebound congestion from them so I wouldn’t recommend those really unless you can stop after a few days.

I used the NeilMed sinus rinse but it didn’t help me much but maybe that’s because I need the antibiotics.

Just been chatting to a woman in Boots who's suffered for years with bad sinuses but hasn't for the last 6 weeks because of a drink. She makes it with turmeric powder, ground black pepper, juice of an orange and some warm water. Drinks that daily and takes one antihistamine Allevia. You can get cheaper antihistamines though. She hates the drink but said it's the only thing that's worked.
I know you need black pepper with turmeric to make it stronger.

Yes or Sterimar congestion relief spray. 🌹