PBC - cold/congestion and travel/motion sickness medication

[LadyMK]

Hello.

I’m in the U.K. and I’ve recently been diagnosed with PCB via a blood test, but I’m very lucky that as yet I have no symptoms apart from tiredness. I’ve still got a lot to learn and the things I need to know now are what medication can I take for cold congestion (Beechams and Sudafed tablets are no no’s), also, travel/motion tablets as get car sick and am going on a boat soon.

Any ideas or advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[CathyPBC Administrator]

Welcome to the PBC family. You may wish to also ask your question in the PBC Foundation group as they are UK based and cold remedies are named differently here in the US.

I am not sure why Sudafed is a no no for you, our doctors frequently recommend it for otherwise healthy people. Any nasal congestion should be treated at the cause as well as symptoms. I like saline nasal spray personally. It keeps my sinuses clear without irratimg them or over drying them out. I have many tree and grass allergies so I take an allergy medicine daily and now also use a prescription nasal spray (Flonase) to keep the inflammation down. Having just gone through pneumonia and allergic asthma problems since mid-November, I hope you have better luck.

For motion sickness, either a wristband or or stick on behind the ear often helps. Otherwise you may want to try ginger tea or ginger chewing gum. We have a sailboat and when someone on board gets queezy this is what we use. Also, looking at level towards the horizon helps your brain focus less of the immediate motion. Staying in a well ventilated area or bringing a tiny battery fan to blow cool air on your face can help as well.

Enjoy your travels!

Cathy

Dx 2007, Sonoma County, California

[LadyMK in reply to CathyPBC]

Thanks for your very helpful reply. With Sudafed, on the leaflet that comes with it, it says not to take if you have liver disease. Best wishes. Emma

[CathyPBC Administrator in reply to LadyMK]

Emma,

You'll find that a great number of medications say don't take if you have a liver disease. It's kind of a generic warning. Always talk with your liver doctor before you take any medication, herbal remedies or supplements. They can tell you if it is okay for you in your situation.

Take care,

Cathy

[LadyMK in reply to CathyPBC]

Ok, I’ll do that. Being newly diagnosed, I’m being cautious with everything! Thanks again.