Hi I have been having sinus pain on and off for a while. I bought a spray and medication for blocked a nose with phenylephrine hydrochloride in it. I have taken this before but on reading the label this time found it not suitable for glycoma.
Does anyone have any alternatives other than steam I can try before having to go to my GP.
Thank you happy and healthy New Year to all.
I've had some relief from sinus issues before now using a neti pot with an isotonic water solution. It's important to boil the water first and let it cool enough. Takes a bit of getting used to but does provide quick results.
Thank you
Hi. Decongestants can be a problem if they contain steroids. They can also be a problem with those who have narrow angles or angle closure glaucoma, unless you have had a laser iridotomy or clear lens replacement to treat this. If you do have this type of glaucoma and have had treatment, you may be ok to take it but you should speak to your consultant about this. If you have open angle glaucoma and it is steroid free, then you should be fine to use it. Again, just confirm this with your consultant.
Thank you
Oh my gosh! I have regular, irrational sinus over one eye, and am frequently blocked up, so have been taking phenylephrine hydrochloride 12.2mg capsules. Perviously, I was using Benadryl, but was then advised one shouldn’t take long term antihistamines. I’ve just got the information leaflet out, and you’re correct.
What I can’t read is whether that also applies to ocular hypertension, as my eye condition remains Ocular Hypertension, and 6 months ago was still being well managed with Monopost. As my appointments are yearly, and I haven’t seen a doctor on my last two hospital appointments, I don’t know who to ask.
Sadly, I get very nasal for reasons unknown to myself, even after carefully analysing where I’ve been and what I’ve done. It’s clearly some sort of allergic reaction but during the night the pain over one eye can keep me awake for hours.
As the only ingredient is pheylephrine hydrochloride and lactose mono hydrate, I can’t see any evidence of steroids but it still carries the warning. Now I don’t know what to do!
Hi i have taken them before but for some reason read the leaflet this time. From what I understand for open angle ghlycoma which I have as long as there are no steroids its ok. I do feel they are probably covering themselves for all options. If you're unsure I would check. Happy new year
Thank you. That’s reassuring.
To be honest, my allergic sinus problems are such, that I really don’t have a choice but to take them!
Hi! Open angle NTG suspect here. 👋
I suffer with a lot of sinus issues due to allergic rhinitis which I have on a regular basis. As has been said I think the warning is aimed at those with closed angle as many decongestants widen the pupil which narrows the angle and can cause an emergency.
If this is a long term issue then you should ask your consultant and/or your ophthalmology department for advice.
What I can say is if you have open angle glaucoma then Loretadine is a safe antihustimine and non drowsey. I take once a day (consultant allergist & consultant opthamologist approved) every day during my allergy trigger periods. You have to take it in advance of the attack so you need to know your allergy triggers.
I have found that saline spray into the nose can be very helpful to help rhinitis. Available at chemist. Deal with the rhinitis and the sinuses are less likely to block.
Once sinuses are blocked I think steam inhalation plus a simple anti inflammatory NSAID, if you can take them, help reduce pain and inflammation. Swarm compress on the affected side might help. Some gentle massage or ginger pressure to the area might move things too.
Ginger honey and lemon warm drinks sipped regularly also seem to help. And a good hot chilli or curry with lots of garlic will get things clearing. Ginger, garlic, honey and lemon are great natural healers.
I manage to avoid steroids, phenolenoline etc which I don’t think agree with me anyway. Good luck & Merry Xmas!
Thank you Merry Christmas
I’ve used one that contains Oxymetazoline, I’ve checked the leaflet and can’t see anything about not using if you have Glaucoma. It’s just a Tesco own brand blocked nose relief nasal spray.
Thank you,
The home treatment that has worked best for me is inhaling Vicks Vaporub vapors under a towel. Unfortunately I had decided to try Afrin because I did not know I had narrow angles and Vicks was not available at the time.
Thank you
Glaucoma and pregnancy
Iridotomy Update .
Just diagnosed
Vision deterioration 
Iopidine
