Really irrelevant question

Does anyone know what you do with a headache - that has lasted for 3 days and refuses to respond to paracetamol and codeine?

I'm blaming hayfever at the moment cos it feels like it's radiating from my sinuses!

Cheers

Shadz xxx

[KateMoss]

It is probably a sinus infection. See doc!

Warm steam may help.

sorry can't be more help!

Take care

Kate

[Hidden]

I have chronic rhinitis, so am very familiar with sinus problems. I've been on nasal steroids for five years. If sinuses are flaring, I normally take Sudfed capsules. This I find gives me tempory relief by opening up my airways which reduces my sinus headache. Maybe check with doctor all the same.

[yaf_user681_30003]

I'm a Sudafed person too. Got huge bottle of the little tabs especially for exact same occasions. Usually work absolute wonders for me. but same old advice as everyone else - check with GP.

Alan

[Hidden]

Hi

A shower does seem to help a lot; but it comes back with a vengence.

I'll try sudafed just to get me through classes today but if its the same tomorrow I'll go and badger the nurse or someone.

Thanks every1!

Gayner

[Hidden]

being someone who is allergic to practically every pain killer there is then I use 4head its a natural menthol stick that you just rub over your temples or wherever on your head, it works by blocking the pain signals and although its not a cure and I find I have to use it a lot with a headache as it gives a cold numb feeling its very relaxing and makes it bearable... its worth a try and available in any chemist near the paracetamol etc and as its herbal it cant harm to give it a go, I never leave the house without one these days!

[Hidden]

hi there,

there are a few things it could be, including migraine, tension headache or sinus problems- worth seeing a doc if it isn't going away.

Also using codeine regularly for headache can make it last longer - you get to the point you need the codeine to keep it away, so if you aren't finding it helpful I would stop it.

[Hidden]

I caved, the pain was getting too much - I decided to see the nurse today.

Apparently there is fluid behind my sinuses. She could see bubbles behind my ears - whatever that means!

I had some good fortune - this afternoon's lesson has been cancelled!

So I can rest after all!

[Hidden]

oh my gaaaawd!

I melted two teaspoons of vicks vapourub into boiling water - it's soooo strong my eyes and nose are running!

[Hidden]

Does anyone know how often you can inhale the Vicks mixture?

I can't find any time limit on the box/leaflet.

The effect is quite short lived

Just noticed...I wasn't meant to use boiling water. oh well nothing disasterous occured!

[Hidden]

Not sure about the Vicks stuff but I put a few drops of Olbas Oil on to a fabric hankie and inhale from that as often as I need to. You don't get the stingy eyes that way. I've used Olbas for years like that, and I'm attched to it at the mo.

Jen x

[Hidden]

I use olbas oil too! I usually put it on a hankie or on the edge of my pillow at night. If really congested I put a few drops in warm water, though I did put it in boiling water once... let just say it was very strong! Mum used to swear by olbas oil when I was younger and I quite often went off to school with a couple of drops on my tie or the cuff of my cardigan when at primary school.

[Hidden]

I got some of that 4head stuff - it's very good.

I think the sudafed and vicks is doin something - it feels like the fluid is leaking down my throat (if that makes any sense?). Doesn't taste very good and it's kinda makin my throat sore and itchy!

Don't think I can win this battle.

[Hidden]

Shadowcat, if things aren't improving please do see your doctor. It's worth getting the diagnosis confirmed, and they may wish to give you antibiotics to prevent you from getting a secondary chest infection from the infected mucus.

Many doctors don't routinely prescribe antibiotics for sinusitis, because they penetrate poorly into the sinuses and may not be particularly effective in treating the infection. Us lot may be the exception to the rule though, as antibiotics may prevent the development of a chest infection, even if they don't shorten the duration of the actual sinusitis.

Hot compresses on your face may give you some symptomatic relief. Simple analgesia such as paracetamol will also help with the pain. Nasal decongestants are helpful but can cause rebound congestion when they wear off. Oral decongestants are also helpful and don't tend to cause a rebound effect but can have more side effects.

Sinus irrigation with saline can relieve the symptoms of congestion and may also help to prevent or clear the infection by getting rid of the stagnant mucus where the bacteria are breeding. If it is done regularly it may help prevent infection developing. You can make up your own saline solution (a teaspoon of salt in a pint of boiled, warm water) and use a syringe to put it up your nose - you should feel it trickling down the back of your throat. Alternatively you can buy or get prescribed Sterimar saline spray, which is just as effective and a little more convenient.

As already mentioned, products such as Olbas oil and Vicks can also help with the congestion but if you have not used them before then be a little cautious, as some people find that strong smells can set off their asthma.

To all the Sudafed fans: please be a little careful and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you haven't already done so. The active ingredient is pseudoephedrine, which is a sympathomimetic - in other words, it's a stimulant drug with a similar mode of action to beta agonists such as salbutamol. If you take it in combination with beta agonists, especially if you are on high dose beta agonists such as regular nebs or a subcut infusion, you may find that you get increased side effects such as a fast heart rate. Please do discuss it and be cautious. People with heart conditions or high blood pressure should be particularly careful, and people who are on a certain type of old-fashioned antidepressants called MAOIs (phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, moclobemide) must completely avoid any drug containing pseudoephedrine.

Hope this helps

Em H

[Hidden]

Thanks Em

I'll try anything at the mo - my head feels like it might explode.

The nurse said I should come back on Monday if the sudafed and vicks doesn't kill it. She said something about prescribing a nose spray.

Since I saw her I've become quite sore behind my ears as well - I duuno if that's related. I'm trying to keep my head really still - sudden movement is not good!