Sinus rinse and nasal steroid drops

[Mustardfan]

On the advice of an ENT doctor, I’ve started using NeilMed sinus rinse, twice daily. Today is day 4. I find it unpleasant doing it, and don’t like the feeling I have later - kind of like I used to feel after underwater swimming when my sinuses feel they have chlorine water in them. Will this feeling go away? Am I doing it wrong? NeilMed sinus rinse has two things in it, not just salt. I wonder if I’d be better using just salt? I bought a netipot a while ago, but never used it, I wonder if I’d find this gentler than the squeezie pot in the NeilMed box?

With the steroid nose drops, I find it impossible to tell how much I’m putting in. I’ve done test squeezes onto a tissue to try to gauge how much pressure, but this hasn’t really helped. I don’t want use much of it. I woke up yesterday with blissfully clear sinuses, I didn’t realise I could get this improvement- or that they were blocked before.

Thanks in advance for any comments from other people’s knowledge and experiences.

Hello from a fellow sinus patient! I have been using the Neil Med bottle for about 8 years and yes, it definitely feels weird at first but now I do it twice a day without thinking about it and got used to it after a few weeks. Make sure you use the sachets that come with the bottle. I very occasionally forget to add them and you can tell straight away - it burns like that swimming pool feeling. Do you add the steroid liquid into the bottle? I use half in the morning and half in the evening (Budesonide). With strict use twice a day it really does make a difference. It hasn't taken away the chronic rhinosinusitis but it does help. I became a bit lazy about the rinses and went back to getting regular bouts of sinus infections and needed antibiotics and strong steroids to get rid if it. I haven't had a cold in a good few years because the rinses wash away anything before it can take hold. Hang on in there!

I have awful hay fever which continues after the pollen season ends and goes right through the winter. The GP referred me straight to Boots where I was stung £20 for Allevia and Sterimar nasal rinse. Told to use religiously twice a day. I find it's horrible at first then works for 5 minutes and then I'm back to having blocked ears again. Allevia did absolutely nothing. The only thing that seems to work is Beconnaise nasal spray but apparently you're not allowed to stay on this.
I guess I need to get referred next as I've had this shit for years. I think it's genetic as DF really suffers and has the same ear issues in the same ear as me!

Hi @BooseysMom having same issues here and Becconaise starting to work on the blocked ears too. Worth checking in with there Dr because I understand the steroid spray is ok to take longer term. It’s the decongestants like Sudafed that you have to limit.
Am off to see if I can get some drops though as would like to speed things along!

Honestly, the sinus rinses are the way forward.

Hi, jumping on this thread as having the same sinus issues along with vertigo! I started the neilmed sinus rinses yesterday and I've been prescribed Nasofan. I've never taken a steroid nasal spray before, I don't know why I'm a little hesitant to. Have you had any side effects?

I used to get repeated sinus infections now neilmed means I get rid of it quicker or before it’s takes hold. I’ve been known to do it 6 times a day when it’s bad. Brilliant and means I don’t need as many antibiotics.

Thanks, it’s reassuring to hear that how I’m finding the rinses right now will probably pass. That sounds a good idea to add the steroid to the nasal rinse. Then it might also get deeper into the sinuses.

I haven’t had any side effects from the steroid drops. I think it might be the drops that have given me an immediate improvement in terms of suddenly feeling uncongested. I think it’s right to be wary of anything with a steroid in, I’ve been given mine for short term use. I think they can sometimes kick start healing.

I use the Neilmed thing, but always in the shower because of the mess. When I have finished, I turn my head upside down for a few seconds, then when I stand the right way up, all the excess flows out of my nose into the shower, instead of all over my clothes.

Thanks. I've been using that Beconnaise spray on and off for years and a nurse said it's not good to keep using it apparently. I can't take decongestant tablets as I'm on blood pressure meds and they cause horrible dizziness and nausea.
Good luck with it. I can't wait until this heat goes. We need a decent load of rainfall asap

I use a netipot and salt water occasionally. It's not pleasant but it's very easy to use and very effective.
I also use a nasal spray. Apparently they are often used incorrectly so do check.

Are you just using one sachet? I know you can use 2 but holy moly its not pleasant. You will get used to it, it maybe feels as bad because your sinus linings are inflamed. Its shit! I've been using neilsmed for a few years and its the only soothing thing, I do use Beconase occasionally and find that so much better than the Sudafed plus its short term. Its to ge VH pollen tomorrow so get your bottle ready 😂 x