Nasal Congestion with No Relief

I need some help regarding nasal congestion.

I live in Texas and, man, is the pollen bad here. I’d never even had allergies until I moved out to this place, but since I have, they are SEVERE. It’s not so much sinus pressure – I get the occasional headache, but nothing asprin can’t fix – but the congestion puts me down every time. Now here’s my dilemma… Does anything work?! I’ve been dealing with these symptoms for awhile, without fail every spring and summer, and I’ve had the pleasure of having health insurance. But, now that I’m no longer insured, it isn’t a simple fact of just getting a perscription. I  have to stick with whatever I can get over counter.

Now, I’ve tried nasal sprays and I have a deep fear of that stuff since it led me to have a huge rebound effect a few years back. Crazy thing is that it really feels like that’s the only thing that worked. Occasionally, things with pseudophedrine keep me clear for a few hours, but than it’s right back to the same thing. I’ve tried Robitussin, Actified, Benedryl, Nyquil Sinus and Cold, Aleve Allergy and Sinus, Breathe Right strips, Afrin, saline sprays… And the list goes on, but NOTHING consistantly clears it up! What gives?! What can I do before this condition actually drives me crazy?!

[National Jewish Health]

You can try over-the-counter drugs like the decongestant, Sudafed® (pseudoephedrine) and an antihistamine like Chlortrimeton® (chlorpheniramine) or Benadryl® (diphenhydramine), but they can make you sleepy and don't mix well with alcohol.  Avoid the over-the-counter nasal sprays.  Instead ask your doctor for a prescription nasal steroid spray.  Stay away from the regular use of Afrin® (oxymetazoline) so you do not get rebound nasal congestion.  And, use air-conditioning whenever possible.

[superrya]

...?

[sogskid]

I have recently tried a netti pot with great success. It is a homeopathic method of relieving congestion where you mix a little sea salt or a little baking soda with warm water. The netti pot is like a little tea kettle that you pour into one nostril, the warm water fills up your sinus cavity and then drains out the other nostril. I can' t believe how much it helps. You can use it one to two times a day. I found mine at a local health food store. Good luck!

[jessica72]

A related discussion, I hate texas! was started.