Alternative painkillers not ibuprofen or Aspirin.

[elanaoali]

I am looking for alternative painkillers to help with my sinus headaches (due to polytic) Co codeine makes me really nauseous) and aspirin is band too. I am waiting for a referral (with a doctors support and writing a patience statement) to ENT to have my polytic removed by surgery. Any thoughts on alternative pain killers?!

[Kiiam]

Hi there hope the sinus issue sorts soon . I’m allergic toCodine , and my GP tried all sorts with me , and we finally settled for Nefopam, it’s been a god send, and no major side effects with me ❤️❤️

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Paracetamol (if that’s not banned for you). It’s the main OTC painkiller and the one hospitals use (until you need opioids).

[elanaoali in reply to EmmaF91]

I was using paracetamol and ibuprofen to keep my sinus headache under control. Paracetamol does help but isn't lasting and keeping my headache away. I am douching out my nose too and I have a decongestants.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to elanaoali]

👍 - I’m assuming you’re also on as steroid nasal spray to calm the polyps slightly

It’s not a painkiller but steaming and nasal rinsing can also help with sinus headaches (even if caused by polyps). Rinsing is gross, but clears the gunk out so there’s less pressure, and thus less pain! Just something to try if you haven’t already!

[elanaoali in reply to EmmaF91]

Hi Emma I tried douching and I been on the nasal steroid drops. I not getting anything out of my nose. I tried it in the shower yesterday. Frustrated

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to elanaoali]

😒 - I hope things calm down for you soon and that the ENT referral comes through quickly!

[elanaoali in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you I wrote a patient statement yesterday to go with the form the Dr was going to submit. I laid it on thick as my mum would say.

I could have been working this week and for the new two weeks (temping as a teaching assistant ) but not feeling like this.

[Gwen30]

I use co-propanol as a pain killer and find it effective. I also found out by chance that I am allergic to refined sugar and this was the reason for my sinus flare ups.

[elanaoali in reply to Gwen30]

I trying panadol as there isn't much other choice in painkillers.

[peege]

Hi elanaoali, I used to get severe headaches and was treated for migraine for ten years! I always thought it odd as the head pain would last ten days. It was when I was having a facial CT scan for unrelated jaw pain that the lovely lady said " I think I'll see if my colleague in ENT is free". Lo & behold, ENT consultant looked up my nasal passages & found polyps. He also did ct scan of sinuses & showed me all the sinus areas explaining they should all be black, meaning empty, mine were all grey, full. The cavities were two large ones in forehead, two in upper cheeks (I had no idea) plus the tube down from sinuses to nostrils was as fine as a hair, no wonder nothing could escape.

Had the op in 2007, he said it could take a few weeks to drain. One side drained, it was vile, a solid mass in the palm of my hand (sorry, a bit graphic) came down post nasally, but oh the joy of taking a clean easy breath.

Ever since I've had steroidal nasal spray and NO MORE SEVERE HEADACHES, what joy.

Back then by trial and error I found that Paracetamol Extra helped enormously, I learnt to take it the moment a headache began and it was sort of nipped in the bud. Then, during daytime, I'd take one paracetamol extra & one normal one (I believe the 'extra' is caffeine, who'd have thought a simple combination could be so clever).

Sorry, long reply but I so hope this helps because I suffered so much for years and it's not 'just a headache'.

The other thing that helps is acupressure, on brow bones, either side of bridge of nose and the tiny place where your nostril meets your cheek, you can feel the release of mucus within seconds. There's another place, back of neck, under the bony bit at base of scull. I think you'll find YouTube demonstrations if you look up 'acupressure for sinus relief'.

I do hope this helps, I know that without the nightly nasal spray the pressure builds. If I do get a headache twinge I might use the spray am as well as PM and do the acupressure. I never ever drink cheap or oaked or old wines, I feel the effect immediately.

Hope your referral comes through soon and you get the relief that I did. P

[elanaoali]

Thank for all the information. Parcemtol extra would be a no no. Caffeine would kill my bladder. (painful bladder syndrome).

Your description of blocked sinus was a big gross but I am quite bullet prove. Comes in handy when you are a first aider. Things that makes me go funny grazes can deal with bloods guts and gore.

As my mum would say remove and put on mantle piece til better!

I like learning about my body and so can have it happen to me and still be curious.

At the moment would love a shoulder massage as that's where my tension is. I going to use my massage wand to try and release the tension.

As for the acupuncture will try it.

On panadol now headache but manageable. Keeping busy helps.