Some help for cough and nasal congestion

[JaneEd61]

Diagnosed with GCA barely a month ago, I thought I might be stuck with the cough mentioned in my earlier post also accompanied by nasal congestion. So not wanting to take any more meds I've been using Sterimar Congestion Relief, a nasal spray which is drug free and consists of micro infused sea water! It sounds a bit wacky but I've found that after using it twice a day that my nasal congestion and cough have pretty much gone. It's widely available in chemists shops. Maybe others have tried this product too but I wanted to pass on some good news.

[Hidden]

Yes I agree, I have been using the Sterimar for a few months and it does refresh the nasal passages but It doesn't actually remedy the problem, at least in my case. However another good thing which I do now is to breathe in steam . Put (just off boiling) water into a basin and add some Menthol crystals put towel over head and breathe in. BUT whilst at the Chemist last week I noticed a Steam Inhaler on the shelf especially for this and only £3.99 which is good. The crystals are there also BUT be warned you only need VERY few or they blow your head off. Worth a try. D

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Talk about ‘Old wives tales”. My mother used to make us stick our heads over a bowl of water with lemon or menthol in it (as you describe) to clear sinuses, blocked noses, coughs etc when we were kids 60 odd years ago! Have done it with Olbas Oil as well - but only a drop or two! That’s a bit lethal too! 🙀

[CT-5012 in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes, my grandmother's remedy for colds,coughs etc. Still works. 🤧😁

[Hidden in reply to CT-5012]

Friars balsam was my dad's family cure. Can never use bowl again!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Yes I was about to say - at least it was lemon or menthol. Not FB!!!!

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

I did warn him off it. Something that smelly can't be good. Despite my warnings used it for years. Just told him he was a numpty especially as asthmatic.

[GCA1947 in reply to DorsetLady]

Dear DorsetLady,

Janet & I had used Olbas Oil for every cold, sniffle, sore throat since colleagues in Suffolk County Council Social Services (All Administrators) started a small help yourself club with cleaner ingredients to commercial preparations available from chemists. I agree it is very powerful and there is still a bottle in the bathroom cabinet, waiting for me in case I catch anything like a cold. Touch wood my flu jab seems to be holding me safe in 2017/8.

Regards

Colin

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to GCA1947]

Good! As I said I seem to have picked up some strange NZ lurgy (sore throat and cough) - too many planes and changes in temperature I think!

Never mind, the wine still seems to work wonders! Plus at least the Manuka honey is cheaper here than UK.

Keep well!

[Marlenec]

My much younger brother always "had a bad chest" and from November to February Vick was the permanent aroma throughout our home!

[Marcy47]

Years ago I was told by a Dr to sniff salt water to relieve nasal congestion. It did work well but was a bit messy, this sounds a lot easier to use.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Marcy47]

I’ve been gargling with a mixture of sea salt and Manuka honey in warm water (well am in NZ) and that’s certainly helped the throat!