To go to the doctor for a cold?

[Saltdoughmuncher]

It’s been 2 weeks of snot and feeling lousy. I’ve spent days in bed and on the sofa and today I’m still full of green mucus from my sinus’ and in a lot of pain in my face. If I tip my head down the pain is intense but I’ve taken paracetamol every day for 2 weeks so I’m wary of continuing it.

I’ve avoided the GP so far as it is really just a bad cold/virus- but I’m meant to be at work next week and I’m not going to manage with the pain in my head and sinuses.

Sinusitis takes at least two weeks to resolve, antibiotics are not required. Hope you feel better soon.

Get the Vic's sinus spray, it is honestly magic

Have you got a temperature? Does it match the symptoms of a sinus infection?

I'd try taking some cold meds rather than just paracetamol, especially the sinus ones - Sudafed do a good one. If that helps, it might help you kick it faster. If not, try to get a phone appointment first? If it really is just a bad cold, the doctor won't be able to help so it's not worth dragging yourself out and spreading it everywhere, but if it might need ABs, it could be worth the trip.

I usually get antibiotics for sinus infections, which sounds like you have. Definitely go to docs.

If it's just a cold the doctor will likely tell you it needs to run its course.

Sounds like sinusitis. It doesn't normally need antibiotics, unfortunately the pain and snot can go on for some time. I get it around twice a yr, i have only needed antibiotics once when I had a high temperature for a week straight and the snot smelled rancid.. Tmi sorry, I went in and was given antibiotics to shift it. It went in a matter of days then.
Try a netti pot. Or similar nasal rinse.

If snot is quite green and you are having severe facial pain, it is worth asking for a telephone or nurse appointment. My husband's coworker had what he thought was a normal cold with those symptoms and by the time he saw the doctor, he had a sinus abscess! But that may be rare, I don't know. I always just try to wait them out, but if you are worried, that is what the surgery is there for.

Go to a pharmacist first, they will advise you what to take for your sinuses.

It's just a cold!
Night Quill, Sudafed and Vicks chest rub plus maybe a hot toddy is all you need. Plus a warm bed and TLC.
There literally is nothing else your GP can do for you.

I’m breastfeeding so can only take paracetamol rather than cold and flu tablets or Sudafed.

I will give it another few days and hope it improves.

I did have a temperature a week ago, spent Christmas Day in bed shivering feeling freezing with a temperature of 40, but that phase has gone now and I’m just left with really bad sinus pain.

My general cold or sinus infection distinction is if I feel fluey (need to be in bed etc) it's more likely a sinus infection, if I can go about my day, it's a cold. Doc pretty much always gives me ABs for sinus infection, and usually helps within a few days, I am always left bunged up with the cold still but not the sinus pain and fluey feeling.

Although you can't use decongestant tablets, decongestant sprays are ok while breastfeeding. I often get sinus troubles with a cold, I use a decongestant spray to open everything up, then a neti pot to help clear out the infection.

The pharmacy is the first stop for this sort of problem.

I used to think I just got very bad colds but now realise the difference. Personally don't see the point in waiting, get treated sooner rather than later makes sense.

I took the Vicks sinus thing while breastfeeding, i figured a quick squirt which was localised wouldn't do too much harm, but I used it sparingly and my supply is very good.

I have just been given antibiotics for sinusitis. I was in absolute agony with it and had been for days and as soon as they have kicked in, it has started to ease. I tried everything else first, steam inhaling (though the doc said it doesn't really do anything!) Sudafed spray and paracetamol/ ibuprofen and decongestant and nothing worked or eased the pain.

I'm on day 10 - went to doc yesterday - it's acute sinusitis. Apparently antibiotics won't help. I got an over the counter nasal spray which is good (otrivine), and otherwise paracetamol and sudafed. I'm hoping it goes soon - totally ruined all my time off work.

Can you use the menthol crystals? I find they’re the best thing for sinuses, most pharmacies have them.

I've had it too! I'm using Vicks chest rub and its magic! Rub a little on your lower arm too, so you can sniff it as required for an extra boost at night. Just remember to wash your hands afterwards, as Vicks in the eye is painful. I'm diabetic so can't use a sinus spray, but friends tell me that's good too.

No point going to the Doc's as antibiotics won't do anything.

Sinusitis takes at least two weeks to resolve,
My DS had sinusitis for over 6 months and an MRI to diagnose it, 2 lots of antibiotics before it cleared up properly .

I am just recovering from sinusitis. They won’t do anything until you’ve had it at least 10 days as 97% of cases are viral.

Take painkillers and rest. Try steaming too xx

OP, this sounds like a minor problem that a trip to a pharmacy should help with. You’d be wasting yours and a Drs time going.

Hope you feel better soon

1. plenty of fluids to help break down the mucus
2. sauna/steam room or, if you can't do that, inhale steam/let the bathroom steam up while you have a hot shower and stay there for a while.
3. Nasal spray like Neri pod or sterimar

Dear lord no don't go to a doctor. You'll look like a right idiot.

Go to the pharmacy at best, but really get some ibuprofen, nasal sprays and vicks chest rub.

NICE guidance for sinusitis.