I hate texas!

I feel your pain! I have lived in Texas for 3 years now. Since moving here I have developed cluster headaches, asthma, allergy to my much loved cats and severe nasal congestion in the spring. My nasal congestion is so severe that I can't sleep. When I do fall asleep I wake from dreams about not being able to breath. I take Claritin D 24 hour because it's supposed to be the best. I am going to try taking 2 of them at a time. I have to worry about my blood pressure though. I use Astalin nasal spray because it's supposed to be the best on the market for rinitis swelling. It works for most people. Definitely worth a try, but doesn't work on me. It's prescription. Whenever I use it when i'm not stuffy it makes me stuffy. When i use it when i'm stuffy it doesn't work. Same thing with the netti pot. I ordered Sinus Buster (that nasal spray made with pepper), it doesn't work either. I am going to try Nasal Genie (from the same company) for my netti pot. I'm really desperate here!  The only thing that does work (though not when I am laying down)  is Oxymetazoline nasal spray. I am going to try Dristan and Neosynephrine because they work differently than Oxymetazoline nasal sprays. I have tried Zicam homeopathic nasal spray and it doesn't work either. I have tried putting Vicks up my nose and menthol cough drops to no avail. Tonight i am going to try sleeping in a recliner to see it keeps the stuffiness away. About an hour after I wake up my sinuses clear up with only Oxymetazoline nasal spray so my nasal congestion has to do with laying down. I also have 2 dehumidifiers in my home (one in my bedroom) and I run the AC at night. The only thing left that I can think of is giving my bedroom an allergy treatment (wash walls, shampoo carpet, cover mattress and pillows with hypoallergenic covers and wash down all surfaces, then keep the cats out at all times.) You should try everything I have tried, something may work for you. If anyone has any other ideas, please post them. I  am willing to try just about anything!


This discussion is related to Nasal Congestion with No Relief.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You seem to be having chronic sinusitis.

Chronic sinusitis can be due to allergic nasal polyps or tumors,allergic reactions,deviated nasal septum,trauma to the face,respiratory tract infections,allergies such as hay fever,immune system cells or cystic fibrosis.

It is important to find out the cause of chronic sinusitis as then specific treatment can be started.Treatment varies from saline and steroid nasal sprays to decongestants and antibiotics.Some resistant cases may need surgery.As for the mucus removal, inhale plenty of steam. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot (but not boiling water) may help to soften, and loosen, the build up of mucus in your nose. You may also find that adding some menthol crystals, or eucalyptus oil, to the water, helps to ease your symptoms of catarrh.Also keep your head end elevated while sleeping and apply wet warm compresses on your face.You can also nasal lavage by bulb syringe or neti pot to rinse your nasal passages.

I would also advise an X-ray or CT sinuses by an ENT specialist so that cause of chronic sinusitis can be confirmed.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.

[jrizzuto]

Texas is a tough place to live if you have upper respiratory problems. See if there are any Salt Therapy centers where you live. At least you might get some relief without pills and side effects. There are a few across the country - several in Florida, one in LA, one in St Louis, one in NJ, Chicago, Arizona, and Plano Texas.

Good luck