Stuffy nose: help!

[rockstar]

I fear I am getting sick.

Anyone know of some good medication or methods for getting rid of congestion? I honestly can't even sniff right now.

I can handle most types of common illnesses etc., but a plugged up nose really bugs the crap out of me.

[Burninator]

Cold FX. I've never tried it myself, but I know people who swear by it.

[Rathji]

Vicks Vapor Rub and/or Buckleys for congestion.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

I tried those Breathe Right strips and, depending on where the congestion is happening, had a much easier time breathing...I think that they also have a version with vapor-rub built into it...you look kinda silly wearing them though...

[Ro]

I find taking a hot, shower and brushing your teeth while in there helps out A TON. Make sure you use a really "minty" toothpaste, and scrub the heck out of your palette and the back of your tongue. Then try to not to spray boogers on your feet as it all comes out.

If that fails, using a salt water solution can help. Just snort it up there- it's gonna sting like crazy, but eventually that gets better.

If at all possible- try to stay away from Drixoral, Dristan, etc. Over time you can do damage to your nasal passages, and although they provide temprorary relief, once the effect wears off the symptoms usually come back as strong if not stronger, requiring you to use more the next time. And the vicious cycle begins.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by rockstar

I fear I am getting sick.

Anyone know of some good medication or methods for getting rid of congestion? I honestly can't even sniff right now.

I can handle most types of common illnesses etc., but a plugged up nose really bugs the crap out of me.

Echinacea, lots of vitamin C, as found in oranges, peppers (red are the best) etc, lots of clear fluids.

Stay off coffee or anything containing caffeine as it is a diuretic.

Steam yourself. Get a large bowl, fill with boiling water, put your head over the bowl, cover head with some type of towel and inhale the warm moisture from the boiling water.

I personally hate that Vicks Vapo Rub because I have allergies to scents - it smells like gasoline to me!!! Also, my pediatrician told me never to give it to young children (which you are not) since it actually aggravates bronchial tubes and will cause further congestion. Anyhow my mother swore by it and would add Vicks to the hot boiling water in the bowl and then would breath in the warm moisture with the Vicks smell.

[Dion]

I've always found that a sauna does wonders for clearing up congestion. A long hot shower with the associated steam can help also.

Drug stores sell saline solutions in a spray - similar to Dristan.

[rubecube]

Drink a prairie fire.

[Dion]

Very spicy foods can also eleviate congestion and cause the nose to run.

[FireFly]

Advil cold and sinus also works wonders. The worst part about a stuffy nose is when it starts to run...

[edn88]

I got a nasty sinus infection a few years back, and the doctor prescribed salt water through the nose one hole at a time (essentially draw the salt water though your nose until you can feel it going into your mouth - gross I know). This seemed to help me and I was very stuffed up (including my ears)

[rockstar]

Wow, some new and exciting methods to try out. Thanks a lot, Dr. Puck! The CP wisdom comes through again.

I'm gonna go try some of these now. Rather, I'b godda go try sub of these dow!

[Flames09]

Cold FX is the best but with what I got even that didn't help I've been sick over two weeks now (stuffy nose, non-stop coughing) and my doctor tells me I'll be just fine.

[MJK]

If you want to unclog your nose ASAP use Dristan!

[Winsor_Pilates]

If you're just starting to feel sick, I'd hit the echenecia(sp?). I've avoiding many sicknesses by using it at the early stages

[Azure]

Heat up some wine, and add a little honey to it.

Or turn on your tap all let some steam build up...put a towel over your face, and force yourself to inhale the steam for 10-15 min.

[rockstar]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

If you're just starting to feel sick, I'd hit the echenecia(sp?). I've avoiding many sicknesses by using it at the early stages

Does it come in pills? Just curious.

Also, for you salt-water snorters, do you blow your nose right after, or let it stew in there for a while? I snorted half a cup, and it wasn't so bad; I actually kind of enjoyed it. But that was an hour or so ago, and my congestion's back now...

I'm gonna go look for echinacea and maybe some good old-fashioned Buckley's.

FireFly, my last two experiences with Advil Cold and Sinus have been freaky. I reacted strangely to it (my jaw muscles tightened and my lower jaw actually shifted off in one direction and backward slightly, so my top and bottom teeth didn't line up straight for the whole day....scary stuff!).

And yeah, Dristan works, but I've heard of the long-term effects; plus, it makes my nose kinda sting the next day.

I'll keep you all posted as I'm sure you're very interested and concerned about how this all turns out. Thanks again.

[Hemi-Cuda]

screw the side effects, a plugged up nose bugs me beyond belief so when it gets really bad i resort to the Dristan spray. you just have to use self control and not get out of hand with it, because it's tempting to just keep pumping more of it in since it will be the clearest your nose has ever felt. a couple quick squirts in each nostril before i go to bed and that will leave me good for the rest of the next day as well, but again i only use it when it's so bad that i have to turn into a mouth breather otherwise. you literally have to ween yourself off of that stuff

[redforever]

Originally Posted by rockstar

Does it come in pills? Just curious.

Also, for you salt-water snorters, do you blow your nose right after, or let it stew in there for a while? I snorted half a cup, and it wasn't so bad; I actually kind of enjoyed it. But that was an hour or so ago, and my congestion's back now...

I'm gonna go look for echinacea and maybe some good old-fashioned Buckley's.

FireFly, my last two experiences with Advil Cold and Sinus have been freaky. I reacted strangely to it (my jaw muscles tightened and my lower jaw actually shifted off in one direction and backward slightly, so my top and bottom teeth didn't line up straight for the whole day....scary stuff!).

And yeah, Dristan works, but I've heard of the long-term effects; plus, it makes my nose kinda sting the next day.

I'll keep you all posted as I'm sure you're very interested and concerned about how this all turns out. Thanks again.

Yes it does, and in different dosages too. I agree with another poster, the trick is to take it just when you start to feel a bit lousy, it helps to kick start your immune system.

[rockstar]

Well, thanks for the tips, everyone.

I picked up some echinacea drops (to put in water) and this lethal nasal spray made from cayenne pepper (this stuff burns like a b*tch! Really, my face was burning and I was crying, but it's supposed to be a dandy).