Best way to clear sinuses

[GW1000]

Hi

I seem to have an ongoing problem with blocked sinuses / post nasal drip. I came across "Sinus massage" yesterday which seems to have shifted things a bit, but I am wondering if anyone has a tried and tested remedy other than Vicks and head over a bowl of hot water. The only time I have had a really clear nose was when I was on 125mcg Levo - a high dose for me which didn't suit my heart but it did appear to suit my nose!

The NHS website suggests salt water rinsing - I'm aware of neti pots but a bit scared! Would appreciate hearing any tips on nasal irrigation.

Thanks

[FallingInReverse]

Neti pots are awesome!

A little weird the first time, sure, but I’ve always likened it to a good hand washing but for the inside of your sinuses . It will wash everything away!

In my experience, I’ve also found that what I thought was nasal/sinus blockage was likely also inflammation. Even once I’d cleared out and blown my nose it was still closed off. Which did get better once on near- optimal Levo dose.

[jimh111]

I've found Neil Med excellent, it was recommended by a top nasal surgeon. Try to find the cause of the inflammation. e.g. dust mites

[Marz]

Colloidal Silver Spray helps me. I spray into the nose at the first sign of sinus issues. Had probs for most of my life ! Also a couple of sprays into the back of the throat....

[TVOReason]

The recipe that works best for me is…

Boiled but cooled water, level teaspoon of salt, level teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and level teaspoon of sugar

Nasal irrigation through each nostril- have the tissues ready

[Stourie in reply to TVOReason]

My son had to do that about 5 times a day when he had a sinus infection. He had to spray 20 mls each time and it certainly helped. Jo xx

[Obsdian]

Not pleasant but for immediate (not lomg term) relief you can chop a fresh onion... Usually makes eyes and nose go.

[Lilian15]

I suffered from sinus and post nasal drip for many years. The worst was I would wake up in the early hours of the morning being completely blocked up. I would have to sit up for about half an hour until gravity took over and I was able to blow my nose and get back to bed. This was very distressing. I was referred to an ENT consultant, who was unable to help me, other than steroid nose drops, which end up making things worse. So I suffered for years. Then one day I had a problem and was referred to a gynaecologist. She gave me some pills. You have guessed it - they cleared up my nose problem immediately and completely. So my advice (according to my experience) is go see a gynaecologist lol.

[jimh111 in reply to Lilian15]

Why didn't I think of that!

[Lilian15]

There is a nose wash called Sterimar which is in an easy to use spray bottle. That does help to a certain extent, but at least it is only treated sea water with no steroids or anything else added, so cannot do any harm. That might help.

[jimh111 in reply to Lilian15]

I found Neil Med better but Sterimar was easier when going on holiday but don't put in hand luggage.

[GW1000]

Thank you all for your comments. I’m going to give the nasal irrigation a go. Thanks for boosting my confidence in it.

[DippyDame]

I use Sterimar nose rinse easy to use....recommend. Easier to use than neti pots

Also.

Steaming over a bowl of Olbas oil in. boiling water

Otrivine nasal spray

Salt water gargle

GP prescribed Doxycycline....avoid,

I'm still struggling with the side effects of Doxy a couple of weeks after stopping it...horrible stuff!!

Good luck

[Jo5454]

Thats hard you found relief, but not suitable due to pther effects, frustrating. Could be promising that its linked to.thyroid somehow and that if you can improve that, perhaps sinuses will ease again.

Have a long history of sinus issues...Neti pot seems to be recommended by ENT. I'd recommend trying to do it when water hasn't cooled completely , so is tepid. Not easy trying to judge that though! It's a strange thought, but like most things, you adjust to it & it's very encouraging if some gunky stuff comes out!Have tried Sterimar sprays, not quite as effective for me but much easier! Maybe some & some would work for you.

I had polyps which were treated with steroids years ago. I found my sinus issues improved when on monthly b12 injections, but after having a break over covid & swopping to b12 tablets seems I've grown the largest polyps up each nostril the Drs ever seen! I'd given up on Neti pot as it was tending to run into my ears a bit instead, now I know why. Am completely blocked most of time with them, feel for you as its hard to breathe.eat & affects sleep.

But will def be using Neti again once these polyps are removed & am back on monthly b12 jabs for other returned symptoms, so hoping they work some sort of magic on my nose!

Found out I was milk intolerant so it can help to unload any other issues you may have as others have said & try to identify allergens if possible.

Yes I discovered a guy online doing sinus massage & found I heard a bit of clicking & popping in sinuses afterwards, so guess it always helps by warming those areas & getting fluid moving/drainage.

Have done many a steam, but am wary now as not sure what it's doing to my lungs

Can you eat warming spices like ginger, mustard, etc?

Hope you find some relief...