Sinus troubles.

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Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 1:55 am

In Nevada, bad things bloom in the fall, and wildfires spew huge quanties of acrid smoke. This is when my molars get the feeling of being hammered on with a cold chisel and a mallet, and the Vicodin laughs at my nerve endings. Ice packs make it worse, heat doesn't help. My face feels swollen like a hot air baloon. Daylight is unbearable to view. Any advice out there? I'm on antibiotics. Any home bred releif advice?

Baiting Guru Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 12237

I have heard good things about a Neti Pot. I have personally used one once. The actual "use" was less than comfortable, but the results were good.

I have several friends that swear by them and say that it is a regular habit for them, just like brushing their teeth. (But I have strange friends)

Anyway, If you feel like flushing your sinuses with saline, look here.

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/Netipot/NetiPotGateway.aspx

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:50 am

A good tindaloo eaten or inhaled should do the trick. Failing that then menthol in boiling water, inhale the vapours under a towel.
Hope it subsides JT. Crying or Very sad

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:34 pm

What generally works for me better than any medication is

1) Get lots of sleep.

2) Get sweaty by doing some exercise if you can stand it, because it loosens up the gunk and just generally makes you feel better.

2a) and/or eat your favorite spicy food(s).

3) Drink water, water and more water. Then chase it with some water. Followed by more water. Thins the gunk down.

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 1:10 pm

Pastor Frank wrote:

I have heard good things about a Neti Pot.

I second that. I've kicked many sinus infections with that nasty thing, without antibiotics. Actually, I've kind of grown to like it.

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 5:51 pm

Ohhhhhhhh! That Neti pot made me woozy. I'm going to do the water/ sleep thing for now.

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:14 pm

Another good option is saline nasal spray. Not expensive or habit forming, and much more portable and user friendly than a neti pot.

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:34 pm

I use an olbas oil steam inhalation. A few drops in a bowl of hot water, head over the bowl, towel over head/bowl and a steady supply of tissues for when the gunk comes out. Works a treat.

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:57 pm

Joe - I sympathize. I have a lengthy and extensive history of sinus troubles.

I have tried steam and inhalants and the various other (worthwhile) ideas previously suggested to you, but the one thing that has finally worked for me was an air purifier. I run one in my bedroom at night and it really helps. Stay away from Ionic Breeze. . . it does not circulate enough air to matter.

Bruin

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:18 pm

I'm with you there Joe. It's pollen season in the Great Lakes region, and my nose is like a friggin faucet recently. Sinus infections are common for me, but somehow they don't get less painful with age.

For the symptoms, I recommend rye whiskey. Laugh if you want, but not much else works. Also avoid anything with vitamin C or that Echinacea stuff (if allergies are involved) because your immune system is already going nuts. If it's not allergies, disregard that part and pick up a case of NyQuil.

For the infection, 2 things: Sleep and time. Regular painkillers for the pain, but I've found that your body will often heal itself before the antibiotics kick in.

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:22 pm

Obi -Wan : Enough rye whiskey will cure just about whatever ails you!

Bruin

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 1:39 am

2 questions:
1 - Tindaloo?
2 -Olbas oil?
Rye Whiskey, hmmmm?
Perhaps the Saline and some Fentanyl. I swear, last night, the pain at 3AM. It was exquisitley powerful. I was actually teared up, and I usually save that for chick movies that revolve around family fueds, and terminal cancer diagnosis. My wife's new boss gave her a batch of Tijuana Amoxicillin for me. It's some creepy looking stuff, reminiscent of Seconal in appearance. The pain comes in waves, usually like Maverick's in January at Half Moon Bay. Slept a lot today. Voided my belly on ocassion. The neighbor was ripping rusty, squeeky nails out of an old shed today. Imagine the minds eye image of those nails being Molars in a jawbone. I ran and hid under the covers with the fan on high. Why do neighbors do the worst things on the worst day to do them?

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:12 am

1 go swimming making sure that you get your face underwater
2 eat a hot curry
3 (one suggested by my allergy specialist) get a clean squeezy sauce bottle that has a nozzle small enough to be inserted up your nose, and fill with saline. Tilt head back and let the saline gently flow into the nose and flush out your sinuses. Sometimes the saline sprays aren't strong enough

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 6:26 am

JoeTam wrote:

2 questions:
1 - Tindaloo?
2 -Olbas oil?

1 answer

www.google.com Laughing

1 - Really hot curry
2 - http://www.olbas.co.uk

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 1:21 pm

Obi-Wan Knievel wrote:

... but I've found that your body will often heal itself before the antibiotics kick in.

I've found that too, but one should be careful about that. Architect Michael Graves lost the use of his legs because of a sinus infection. The tragic part is that he was given an antibiotic and a decongestant, but only took the decongestant thinking the vials were the same medication.

Baiting Guru Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 12237

Ophelia Dikki wrote:

3 (one suggested by my allergy specialist) get a clean squeezy sauce bottle that has a nozzle small enough to be inserted up your nose, and fill with saline. Tilt head back and let the saline gently flow into the nose and flush out your sinuses. Sometimes the saline sprays aren't strong enough

The Neti Pot doesn't looking so bad now...does it? Laughing

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:46 pm

Dude, take it like a man and don't whine Smile

).
Sorry for the joke.
In addition to what the others said, rye whiskey DOES NOT CURE HANGOVERS!
And for your sinuses I strongly recommand fresh red radishes, or hot french mustard (Moutard de Dijon). Either of them will clean your nose and make your hair stiff.

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 6:32 pm

My favorite sinus/toothular pain remedy is Clove Oil. You can get it at your friendly neighborhood herbal shop or vitamin or new age-y shop.

Rub it where the molars hurt and breathe deep. The smell is nice and should clear up your head a bit, plus the oil will dull the pain-better than anbesol or orajel.

::missing the scent of clove:: perhaps I'll get some just for the h of it Wink

Good luck, hope you feel better!

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:28 pm

I seem to be on the downslope. Slept good last night, and have eaten some peppers. Today, is horseradish day. Thanks for all your input friends.