Sinusitis pain and pregnant

[Maruni]

I’m 6 months pregnant and caught a cold last week which I think has now turned into a sinus infection. The whole right side of my face hurts beyond belief and the pain is spreading into my right ear. I feel like I’ve been punched in the face by a professional boxer. It’s the pain more than the congestion that is my concern right now- I’m only able to sleep for 2 hours at a time and I’m bloody exhausted.

I have taken some paracetamol but it’s not doing much. I did have a sinus infection a few years ago but with zero pain, got antibiotics which did nothing so I’m worried that antibiotics won’t help this time around either. But the level of pain I’m experiencing makes me think actually maybe this time I really do need them.

I’m literally inhaling and rubbing on Vicks like it’s my oxygen supply- but then I hear it should be used sparingly in pregnancy. I’m just a bit worried because in December I got an upper respiratory infection and took antibiotics then so a bit scared about taking more when pregnant but this pain is really really getting me down now.

I am going to try the Neil Med nasal rinse and a facial steamer later today after I’ve been out to buy them but would be grateful for any other tips.

In the middle of the night, when you can’t sleep you just feel so alone.

Thanks in advance.

Have you seen a doctor? If not I think you should, sinus infections can be nasty. Hope you’re on the mend soon.

Try a warm flannel or heat pack over your face. Sinus infections can be horrible.
I'm saying this to give you hope, rather than diminish your symptoms, but sinus infections often clear up on their own without antibiotics. I had a horrible one over Christmas, my whole side of my face, teeth, jaw were throbbing. Awake in the middle of the night. So much vile, green bloody snot. It went away by itself in a few days, I was so surprised.
I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you so much for your replies. I have tried using a hot water bottle on my face and ear but the pain is constant- when I lean forward it hurts even more.

I’m waiting for a call back from the doctors, hopefully I can be seen today.

My recommendations for sinusitis:

1. (Recommended by a Dr and works IME) Sleep sat up. arrange about 5-6 pillows behind you in an armchair shape in bed - it works particularly well if you can be in a bed that is in a corner. you don't get as much sleep, but it really helps your sinuses drain overnight.
2. Use a vibrator on your face/forehead over your sinuses. I read this somewhere and tried it. It wasn't a miracle cure but it did help and it certainly took my mind off the pain.
3. Steam your head twice a day.
4. Use a neti pot.

Hope you can see a doctor soon but a neti pot should help in the meantime. I feel your pain though, I'm on antibiotics right now for a sinus infection (and pneumonia, lucky me) and the antibiotics helped by the second day. If they didn't help before it may have been viral sinusitis rather than bacterial.

You can now see your pharmacist for sinus infections. Annoyingly my local one is no longer to prescribe antibiotics for it as he was told to make cut backs (?!) but hopefully others still do. He was able to give me a steroid spray as an alternative.

Sudafed works brilliantly for me but unsure if you can take while pregnant.

Thank you all for your kind words and suggestions. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow morning and just went with my sister to a pharmacy (in too much pain to drive) to see if there is anything I can use to help until then but the pharmacist said he doesn’t feel comfortable prescribing anything to me as I’m pregnant and to just wait for my appointment.

The pain is spreading to my right eye socket and eyebrow- I just can’t get comfortable enough to sleep.

I used a facial steamer a few hours ago which helped clear me out a bit but as soon as I stopped the pain got worse again.