Sinus problems...

[ummmm]

What is the best thing to take to help with sinus problems?

She doesn't feel poorly at all but has a bit of a bunged up nose...and deafness (like being on an airplane before they pop)

[237SJ]

In my experience, nothing works for the ears. I take sudafed to try to "dry" them out but sniffing anything has never done it for me. I don`t see how you can sniff something up the eustachion tubes.

[LoftyLottie]

Not if you dunked the ears underwater Pinky!! But yes inhalation helps clear the ears as well - as you say they are all connected.

[Sqad]

Always confuses me:

<<<<<bit of a bunged up nose...<<<<

That is her problem. Steam is heat which if inhaled produces increased blood flow and swelling to the inside of an already "bunged up nose"

How can steam help?

Now otrivine and ephedrine are vaso constrictors, ...they reduce the swelling to a "bunged up nose"............now that makes sense.;-)

237SJ....the vaso constriction of the lining of the nose is transmitted to the lining of the Eustachian tube and this reduces the swelling and unblocks the ears.

[ummmm]

She's got the ortivine....

So would you advise that she doesn't use steam then Sqad. I haven't passed on that info yet..

[237SJ]

I was thinking more of clearing mucus in the tubes sqad.
Regarding the steam - could the heat/moisture loosen mucus thus decongesting a little bit? Mind you, usually menthol or some other sort of pungent substance is put in the steam and gives the feeling of breathing easier. Maybe it`s just that, a feeling.

[Sqad]

ummmm.....cannot see the point of steam for the reasons I have given

I suppose she could use the spray first and then the steam......but I wouldn´t.

[Sqad]

2367........as I have said....heat in the steam, causes swelling and obstruction....just what one doesn´t want.

[LoftyLottie]

Actually I don't get a bunged up nose with my sinus problems. Sinus problems aren't really like cold problems as far as I am aware.

Why do doctors advise steam inhalations for my sinus problems Sqad. Seriously though, I can't use the sprays and have been advised not to try.

[Sqad]

lofty...we are all getting terribly confused here.

The question indicates that a blocked up nose is the main issue and I have answered with that in mind.......no diagnosis........just a blocked up nose.

Why do doctors suggest inhalations for sinusitis?.................many don´t. (including me)

Now if you did, then the action of the steam would be to irritate the lining of the sinus in an effort for it to produce mucous which is then easily blown out through the nose.
Doesn´t do much good..................but one feels that it does.

[ummmm]

I don't know if you're talking about Lottie question or mine Sqad. If it's mine her nose isn't the problem. It's only a little bit bunged. It's her ears...

[Sqad]

ummmm.....my posts to you remain the same.

Lofty is talking about something completely different.

[Sqad]

pinki

.<<<<<< I'm not the AB doc! lol!<<<<
Neither am I.....just an ordinary ABer giving his opinions, some good, some questionable and some cr@p.

[Sqad]

pinki ;-).....don´t be so sure.

[ummmm]

Hahaha Sqad...were you reading her cyber sex thread???!? pmsl...

[Sqad]

ummmm/ pinki....LOL.

[smudge]

As I mentioned earlier & talking of sinusitis (sometimes chronic in my case), my doc has in the past prescribed antibiotics which helped no end!

For a 'bunged up nose' Otrivine is the only thing that has helped clear it - AND breathe!

[LoftyLottie]

Doctor told me last month Smudge that if you have real sinus problems then you should always see your doctor (I am not talking about having a stuffed up nose) She said that sinus problems are always taken seriously because of their proximity to the brain!