Remind me what do to to ease the pain of sinusitis.

[CharCharGaboriaInExcelsisDeo]

Didn't think I had it but woke up this morning and it's there. Lots of pressure in my head, headache and nose feels quite raw. I've already cried twice today as it's this on top of a bad cough and feeling breathless and weak. Apart from sinus massage (which I can't do atm as I'd have to take my glasses off and DD would wreak havoc} what can I do? TIA

obv that should be 'to do to' in the title - brain switched off today

Well, if you're not pg and have no other health issues, why not try this remedy I aw in Men's Health, which I have personally tried and tested many times. Take at the same time:

1. 400mg tablet of ibuprofen (for pain/inflammation)
2. Decongestant tablet, eg Boots own with pseudoephidrine in it (reduces snot and internal puffiness)
3. 1 piriton or zirtek tablet (further reduces puffiness)

Then have a nice cuppa or two of herb tea and put your feet up or have a hot bath (even with DD).

Inhale. Antibiotics.

virgin, pmsl that that cure was in men's health - which i thought was all about being buff and macho, not how to deal with manflu.

but great recipe.

Also, tip your head back so nose is at least horizontal, takes pressure off a bit.

Thankyou Unfortunately can't take decongestants as I'm bfing, will try and hunt out some ibuprofen though, can take a bit of that. I'll try some olbas oil in hot water once DD's out the way, she has a skill for dragging things off the table. Last time I had this the doctor said they don't give antibiotics unless you've had it for a while so probably no luck there. Might have a bath with DD after tea though.

Oh my god missingtheaction that is amazing. Am sitting here with my head tipped back and it's really helping.

No, you shouldn't have antibiotics unless you've have it longer that about a month. Most cases of this are self-limiting.

Men's Health is a great mag. Full of great tips.

Perhaps try lying back and soaking your head in the bath a bit. Snorting with salt water is also supposed to be good if drastic and very northern European, but some people hate it, and others find it hard to actually get the stuff past the snot. Same with inhaling steam, etc.

Hot drinks and soup get things running a bit and might relieve a little bit of the pressure.

The tip-your-head-back thing works for babies too - if you think your lo might have a sinus infection give it a go, it can be just enough to get them off to sleep.

Last time I had it it didn't last long, maybe a few days. Makes you feel so pathetic though doesn't it? I'll try some hot drinks and soup and see if they help a bit. Think if I snorted salt water I might puke, will see how desperate I get! Thanks for your help.

Thanks mta, will remember that for DD.

sounds a bit daft, but massaging lavender oil on my face, under my eyes where the pain is always helps me.

Thanks rolereversal, will try that too. Anything to get rid of this pain!

I went to get anitbiotics today after over a week of intense pain! I find I get a bout each winter and I'm desperate to find a way of managing without anitb's but the pain usually drives me to the dr!

i'd suggest the neti pot (again) but mn will probably think i work for the company .

I seem to be getting a bout after each cold hm, which obv with a young dd is quite often. I've eaten soup for tea and I'm going to have a bath in a mo where I'll try and relax a bit (in between stopping DD from throwing everything in the toilet ) Are neti pots those snorty things? I'm sure I saw you talking about them on another thread sea I'll will try them if all else fails but I just don't know if I could snort something up my nose!

Have had sinusitis a few times this pregnancy (39+1 now). Top tips are:

1. Plenty of hot clear liquids such as hot squash or lemonade.

1. Alternating v hot and v cold flannels on forehead (or cheeks if maxillaries involved).

1. Steaming head over a bowl of water with either a few drops of eucalyptus, karvol or olbas oil. (Makes your eyes water but really works.)

1. Run a bath with hot water before adding cold (to steam up bathroom). Then fill sink with boiling water and add any of the above essential oils while you get into a nice warm bath and do the flannel thing on your face.

1. Keep heating on low overnight as everything solidifies as the temperature drops and that combined with lying flat is a recipe for a banging head in the morning.

1. Best over the counter remedy is Sinutab, but not sure you can take while you are breastfeeding. You should be able to combine cocodamol or paracetamol and ibuprofen to manage the pain though.

Most of the above ideas were suggested by the nurse at our GPs and have been real lifesavers for me.

If you are allowed to take ephedrine nose drops (don't know if they are suitable when pg) they are great.

Thanks I've had a hot bath which helped loads and I'm going to try some of the other things in a bit. I'll look up the ephedrine nose drops and see if they're suitable.

I have this at the moment (and am pg) and am taking antibio's. Midwife recommeded Olbas, Karvol and anything Vicks, and also Beconase nasal spray. The doc recommended Otrivine nasal spray (can use while pg, as the spray tightens the blood vessels so little gets into the blood stream).
My MIL is a nurse and suggested inhaling with steam and menthol cystals (would have to ask for them at the pharmacy)
Hope you feel better soon, I can feel your pain!!

Also, eat as little dairy as possible - it makes sinus problems worse. Berries too - if you're drinking cranberry juice or something, stop drinking it for a while.

I've got it too and am holding off visiting the GP (don't like to 'give in' to antibiotics!.

My tip is a packet of frozen peas held over the painful area. Be warned, it hurts like hell at the time, but seems to give instant relief.

Oh, and all the festive alcohol is definitely not helping