Tips on relieving a blocked nose

[CosmicCloud]

I'm currently ill with a horrible cold. Don't think it's flu as temp not over 38 but feeling pretty miserable.
It sounds like a small problem but it's the blocked nose that is the worst, especially at night as it's stopping me from sleeping even when DS is.
I know Oxymetazoline spray (Vicks Sinex) works to clear my nose but it's not recommended when BF so I was just wondering if anyone has any tips? I've tried steam, olbas oil, sinus massage and saline solution but nothing works or only works very briefly. If anyone has any other suggestions that may work it would be much appreciated.

are you sure you havent got a sinus infection?

Thanks for the quick reply .
Well I've had a sore throat, cough and headache too so just assumed it was a bad cold/mild 'flu but it could be. What are the symptoms of a sinus infection and what is the treatment?

Are you headachey, do your sinus hurt when you press your cheeks, is your snot green or clear? (green means infection)

Antibiotics are the best thing

No I don't have any pain when I press my cheeks and snot is pretty much clear with a slight green tinge - sorry if TMI. I do have a headache but it's better than it has been over the last few days.

Problem with antibiotics is there's so much snow here I don't know if I'd make it to the docs but DS is poorly with the cold too. Thank goodness his nose has been mainly clear so he's been able to feed ok. If he's still the same tomorrow I think I'll have to attempt a doc trip as I'll want them to check his chest is clear.

Drink loads of water and combined with inhaling steam this will work but it takes time. Decongestant sprays just dry me up but leave a legacy of headaches and blocked sinuses.

Am just getting over the same sort of thing, it's not nice

Get a bottle or two of Sterimar (or equivalent) and use it loads. Spray a good amount - not just a couple of drops - up each nostril, sniff it up before blowing gently.

Repeat v regularly.

When my kids are coldy or chesty I wet and wring a towel out, place it on the radiator in their room (with door shut) and it steams and helps to humidify the room and loosen chests and noses. So for you, maybe pop it on a radiator wherever in the house you are sitting? If you add a couple of drops of tea tree oil it has antibacterial properties.

Or you can put it in a burner too.

Thanks for the tips. I now have a wet towel over the radiator. I've been drinking loads and have done another steam inhalation. Nose still really blocked but am hoping with time it will improve. I'll ask DH to get some Sterimar on the way home and try that too. Castille how long did it take for your symptoms to improve?

Does anyone have any other tips? I just feel miserable and am dreading another night with this horrible bunged up feeling as I'm getting really tired.

tilting my head back helps my nose clear sometimes. other than that though, I have no miracle cures and I know it's miserable!!

at night, rub some cold cream, like Nivea, around the top of your nose and it helps relieve blockages
be prepared for wildly running nose when it starts working, though!
You would know if it was sinusitis, the pain would be in your cheeks, forehead, behind eyes

I have sinusitis at the moment and it is agony but I am clnging on to the fact that in a week or so it will subside

Have an orgasm.

Honest. It totally works. Google it if you don't believe me.

sterimar saline nasal spray may help to loosen it up

Thanks for the ideas. Unfortunately nothing really worked but DH got me some otrivine which the pharmacist said was ok to use when BF. Still don't want to use it too much but at least I'm managing a bit of rest at night in between the many night wakings we're having at the moment.

Displayuntil hope your symptoms start to improve soon too and you're managing a bit of sleep.

If you have Vicks or similar smear it over your forehead and nose, use it around and under your nose too.

Vicks cures everything [medical fact]

Use lots.

Did you try the orgasm?

Breathe right strips are helpful to open your nasal passages up .

When I had a sinus infection I flushed my nose with saline. Get some saline from the chemist and snort up into nasal passage. Or use a syringe if you have one makes it a bit easier. Do this a couple of times a day, not very pleasant but effective!

Fizzylemonade in answer to your question - yes even though it was the last thing I felt like at the time! I can report that it did provide some relief but the effect was very short lasting . Never thought I'd say a nasal spray was better than an orgasm but in this case with the way I was feeling at the time it really was .

Anyway I'm pleased to say I'm feeling much better now. Thanks again for all the ideas.