my sinus's really hurt, what can i do?

[tigi]

I haven't got a cold, but my forehead is really painful, especially if I bend! Does anyone have any ideas to get it better please! Tried a hot steamy shower this morning - made no difference! Thanks

Do you also have any pain in your jaw/behind your eyes/ears? Go to your GP, you might have an infection that needs antibiotics. I've had them and they are horrible. In the meantime take paracetamol.

I find sudafed decongestant tablets work well, or you could try other own-brand or generic decongestant tablets

Try inhaling menthol crystals or powder or whatever form it comes in (buy from chemist). Personally though, if I have sinusitis (which I have had very badly a few times) I find only anti biotics clears it.

Go to Boots and head for the chemists' counter. Ask for Sterimar nasal spray (it's just salt water in a can). Spray your nose with it every night before bed and then blow your nose. Do the same in the morning. W/o fail.

I have chronic sinusitis and do poorly during season changes. A specialist recommended saline nasal spray and it's brilliant!

Had this 3 weeks ago.. GP prescribed anti bs but told me try this first.. and never I needed them.

Put a teaspoon of Vicks Vaporub in a bowl of boiling water, put a towel over your head.. and breathe for about ten mins or until the hot steam subsides (makes your hair curl beautifully and gives you a LOVELY shiney face! [grin}) Do this at least twice a day.

He also precribed a nasel spray (Flixonase.. you can buy similar stuff over the counter) but only used this once. The Vicks was best.

If it persists you may need the antibiotics because it may be an actual infection.

SJ x

I get chronic sinusitis as well (since I broke my nose and the operation to sort it out wasn't 100% successful).

My specialist also suggests the saline nose spray. It does work wonders. The inhaling steam did nothing for me but I know it works for some people. You can also get nurofen sinus pain which has ibuprofen and a decongestant together and does work well (it's behind the counter in boots).

Many sympathies - I hope you get better soon (I had this last week so I guess there must be some sort of sinus bug doing the rounds).

Hi, thanks all. It's just in my forehead- it makes my head feel heavy I have got some vicks in already, so will try this first. If this doesn't work, I'll have to go shopping.

I used to suffer from very bad sinusitus until last year when I had a course of ear candling. They burn little candles in your ears(sounds painful but isn't) and it draws out all the built up wax and gunk in your tubes. I haven't had bad sinuses since - it was pricey, but worth it.