How To Tell The Difference Between Sinus Congestion And Head Congestion
The main difference between sinus congestion and head congestion is the duration of symptoms. Sinus congestion may cause a sinus infection, which comes with symptoms lasting up to four weeks. Talk to your doctor if you think you may have a sinus infection. Head congestion as part of a cold is usually gone in seven to 10 days.
Mucinex Nightshift Sinus 6 Fl Oz Relieves Fever
- SINUS RELIEF: Mucinex Nightshift Sinus helps reduce fever, relieve pain, headache, cough, runny nose, sneezing and sore throat, nasal congestion.
- 1 TRUSTED COLD & COUGH BRAND: #1 Cold and Cough brand doctors trust for themselves and their families.
- PAIN RELIEVER: Contains Acetaminophen which reduces fever and relieves minor aches and pains thereby relieving your sore throat pain.
- COUGH SUPPRESSANT: Contains Dextromethorphan HBr that helps relieve cough
- NASAL DECONGESTANT: Contains Phenylephrine HCl that provides relief for nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure.
- ANTIHISTAMINE: Contains Triprolidine HCl that alleviates sneezing, runny nose, itching of the nose and watery eyes.
- FSA & HSA ELIGIBLE: Cover out-of-pocket expenses with pre-tax dollars
- USAGE: Use as directed For ages 12+ years
Understand The Workings Of Allergy Meds
Antihistamines like Allegra and Claritin for instance as well as Zyrtec are marked with a D such as in Allegra-D. This tells you that it is an antihistamine with a decongestant which is known as pseudoephedrine.
In the United States, these drugs have to be bought from a pharmacist with a government ID. Zyrtec, Allegra and Claritin are all antihistamines, they all have different active ingredients but they all belong to the same family of drugs. Theyre non-sedating and very effective.
There are low-cost allergy generics available in various formulations tablet form, liquid form, and chewables all available without a prescription.
You cant really answer this question, which is the best allergy med? An allergist and professor, Dr Ein, gives advice on the matter, saying its the one that gives YOU the greatest relief with the fewest side effects at the lowest price. If one antihistamine isnt working for you, try another one.
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Oral And Nasal Decongestants
Over-the-counter decongestants work by shrinking blood vessels inside the nose. There are both oral and nasal formulations.
Sudafed is an oral decongestant used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies. Do not use Sudafed for longer than three days as it can also lead to rebound congestion.
While Sudafed is available without a prescription, it is kept behind the pharmacy counter and requires an ID to obtain. A similar drug called Sudafed PE can be purchased without hindrance but has not proven to be anywhere near as effective as pseudoephedrine.
Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin also provide short-term relief of a stuffy nose. It should also not be used for longer than three days due to the risk of rebound congestion .
How To Use Decongestants
Most decongestants should only be used between 1 and 4 times a day.
Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for advice about how much to take and how often to take it.
If you’re not sure, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve after this time.
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The Difference Between A Cold And A Sinus Infection
The common cold is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It’s also one of the most common illnesses in the U.S., with adults getting an average of two to three colds per year, and children catching between eight and 12 colds per year. Most of the time, colds resolve on their own within three to seven days, with some symptoms possibly lingering for up to two weeks. But in some cases, colds can temporarily weaken the immune system or cause swelling of the lining of the airways or nose. This can lead to a secondary viral or bacterial infection, such as a sinus infection.
A sinus infection or sinusitis is the swelling of the lining of the sinuses and nose. The most common cause of a sinus infection is a virus associated with a cold. However, about two percent of sinus infections are bacterial infections. Sinus infections usually improve within 10 days, but when they last longer, they’re more likely to be bacterial infections.
Ayr Saline Nasal Gel With Soothing Aloe
For buyers looking for something that doesnt have too much of a menthol scent, Ayr Saline Nasal Gel with Soothing Aloe is the best over the counter medicine for a sinus infection. This natural product incorporates a high concentration of aloe, which works well to soothe irritated nasal tissues to help relieve discomfort.
What many users love about Ayr Saline Nasal Gel with Soothing Aloe is that its long-lasting and easy to use. A single application around the nasal cavity and nostrils can provide lasting relief for up to 6 hours, making it the ideal solution for those who do not want to keep applying throughout the day. It is also ideal for use before bedtime, working well to keep the sinuses clear while you snooze.
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How To Stop It Without Medicine
Rushing to get over the counter medicines every time you get a runny nose and associated symptoms may not be the ideal solution for everyone. If you would rather spare medicines as the last resort, here are various tips on how to stop it without medicine that you may want to consider:
1. Identify and avoid getting exposed to allergens and irritants
Some of the most common allergens are dust mites, pollen, pet dander, soy, shellfish, and latex. As for irritants, cigarette smoke, chemicals, fumes, perfumes and other strong scents are common culprits.
You will, in particular, want to:
- Vacuum or wipe the floor daily to eliminate dust mites
- Wash your beddings with hot water every week and consider changing the covers to those made of dust mite-free fabrics
- Avoid exposure to pet dander. In case of persistent allergies, it may be worth it to consider giving up your pet
- Get HEPA air filters to improve the quality of air in your home
2. Run a humidifier
Run a humidifier in your house to increase humidity, but then avoid getting the house too humid. It is also a good idea to clean the humidifier frequently with Lysol or bleach.
3. Nasal irrigation
Rinsing your nose with a saline solution can also help to relieve a runny nose by thinning out the mucus and flushing out the irritants and allergens trapped in your nasal cavity.
You can either buy a saline nasal spray at your local drugstore or make your own solution at home.
The Best Medicine For Runny Nose Sneezing And Itchy Watery Eyes:
Antihistamines, as noted above, are often found in combination cold and flu medication because they help treat sniffling, sneezing, itchy, and watery eyes and are the best meds for drying up a runny nose. Options include doxylamine , brompheniramine , and diphenhydramine . Some antihistamines also help you sleep through the night because they can cause drowsiness.
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Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Drinking fluids and staying hydrated when dealing with a runny nose can be helpful if you also have symptoms of nasal congestion.
This ensures that mucus in your sinuses thins out to a runny consistency and is easy for you to expel. Otherwise, it may be thick and sticky, which congests the nose even further.
Avoid beverages that dehydrate rather than hydrate. This includes drinks like coffee and alcoholic beverages.
What To Look For When Buying Otc Sinus Decongestants
When youre figuring out which decongestant to buy, youll need to determine whats causing your congestion. If its allergies, youll probably want a product that contains an antihistamine ingredient like diphenhydramine.
If you have cold or flu symptoms, you may be looking for a product that includes phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. Some OTC sinus decongestant formulas include both antihistamines and decongestant ingredients, and some add in pain relief ingredients such as ibuprofen to their formula. Treat for symptoms that you have, not for additional symptoms that you dont have.
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When To Contact A Medical Professional
- A stuffy nose with swelling of the forehead, eyes, side of the nose, or cheek, or that occurs with blurred vision
- More throat pain, or white or yellow spots on the tonsils or other parts of the throat
- Discharge from the nose that has a bad smell, comes from only one side, or is a color other than white or yellow
- Cough that lasts longer than 10 days, or produces yellow-green or gray mucus
- Nasal discharge following a head injury
- Symptoms that last more than 3 weeks
- Nasal discharge with fever
What Are The Best Home Remedies For Postnasal Drip
Many people rely on home remedies and natural treatments to help treat their postnasal drip. Certain lifestyle changes may help prevent postnasal drip from worsening. Home remedies, natural treatment options, and lifestyle changes are all ways that people who have postnasal drip can try to reduce their symptoms. Here are some popular home and natural remedies for postnasal drip:
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Sinus & Allergy Fast Acting Nasal Congestion Relief Spray Mucinex Sinus Max
- Long lasting: lasts up to 12 hours, through the day or night..
- Uses: temporarily relieves nasal congestion due to a cold, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.
- Also available from mucinex: mucinex sinus-max clear & cool nasal spray for severe nasal congestion relief..
- Key benefits: fast acting relief that lasts for up to 12 hours, non-drowsy and nasal congestion relief due to upper respiratory allergies or hay fever..
- What is it: this nasal spray provides targeted nasal congestion relief due to upper respiratory allergies or hay fever.
What Causes A Nose To Run
A runny nose is a symptom of inflamed nasal tissues. These tissues become inflamed when a foreign object enters the nasal passageway, such as an allergen. Therefore, the body produces mucus to drive the allergen out of the passageway. Mucus is usually clear, but sometimes can become yellowish or green. This is a sign of infection, a more serious problem that requires medical attention. There are, however numerous over the counter medicine to help deal with these symptoms until a doctors visit.
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Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain Reliever Coated Tablets
One of the main complications that come hand in hand with sinus congestion is the pain. The increase of pressure due to accumulated mucus can make it difficult to breathe and pave the way for throbbing headaches. Because of this common symptom combination, Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain Reliever has been dubbed the best medicine for sinus pressure because it targets both pain and congestion effectively.
The main ingredient this formulation uses for decongestion is phenylephrine HCl, which works to reduce mucus production to stop congestion from persisting. It also encourages the body to expectorate phlegm so that the airways can be cleared of congestion. Aside from this function, Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain Reliever also targets pain with ibuprofen. So while the product works to resolve the cause of sinus pressure, it also temporarily addresses any acute pain you might experience for fast and immediate relief.
What Is The Best Cold Medicine To Use
The best cold medicine to use will vary depending on the symptoms someone has. For example, someone who has a cold and cough may need to take a cough suppressant, whereas someone with a cold and stuffy nose might need to take a decongestant. Taking a decongestant when you dont have a stuffy nose probably isnt going to help you if youre searching for relief from a sore throat.
Finding the best cold medicine depends on which cold symptoms you want the most relief fromfind a medication that treats those symptoms. Some treatments even provide multi-symptom relief and would say so on the label.
If youre still unsure about which cold medicine to choose, you can always ask your healthcare provider, including your pharmacist, for advice. Its also a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist if taking cold medicine will interfere with your prescription medications, as drug-drug interactions can cause unwanted side effects.
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What To Look For In A Cold Medicine For Runny Nose And Sneezing
Infant Runny Nose Medicine Ie For Baby Toddler Kids 2 Years 1 Year
What medicine stops this problem in infants? This is a question that we see asked online very often, especially by first-time mothers.
A common cold is the most common cause of a runny nose in kids. This is attributed to the fact that they have an immature immune system which makes them more prone to infections. Toddlers also tend to move around a lot and eat anything they come across which makes them be at a higher risk of infections.
Treatment of common cold in babies hinges on easing the symptoms and providing lots of fluids e.g. broth, soups, water etc. For older kids, nasal irrigation may help and so can over-the-counter cold medicines . Ask at your local drugstore.
Mayo Clinic, however, recommends seeing your doctor when infants are involved. Your doctor will decide the best runny nose medicine to prescribe to your child.
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Treatment For Colds And Sinus Infections
All colds and most sinus infections are caused by viruses, and clear up on their own without treatment. Know that antibiotics do not work against viruses. Cold and sinus infection treatment involves relieving symptoms. Home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help you feel better, but they do not shorten the length of the illness. Getting plenty of rest, drinking enough water, applying a warm compress to your sinus area and using a humidifier can make you more comfortable.
Over-the-counter medications can also help alleviate cold and sinus symptoms. Read labels closely when choosing a medication. Note that combination medicines contain more than one active ingredient. For example, Alka Seltzer Plus contains several active ingredients, including acetaminophen . In this case, you’d have to be careful to not also take a separate dose of acetaminophen. You also should not take medications for symptoms you don’t have. Your pharmacist can help you find an OTC product to treat your specific symptoms:
There are no prescription medications for colds, but there are prescription medications for symptom management. One of these is ipratropium bromide , which is available as a nasal spray or as an inhaler. This nasal spray can ease a runny nose, postnasal drip and a sore throat, and the inhaler relaxes airways and prevents secretion of mucus in the nose.
Vicks Vapoinhaler Portable Nasal Inhaler 2 Count
- Provides allergy medicine for sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes and cold symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.
- Works when you need it most with an allergy medicine in small, convenient antihistamine tablets that put your allergies to rest.
- 100-count pack of benadryl ultratabs antihistamine allergy relief tablets each containing 25 mg of the antihistamine diphenhydramine hcl for allergy relief that works when you need it most.
- Active ingredient, diphenhydramine hcl, provides relief for hay fever or other upper respiratory allergy symptoms and cold symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.
- Allergy medicine tablets for multi-symptom allergy relief intended to be used by adults and children ages six and up for relief of both indoor and outdoor allergies.
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What Can Be Used To Treat Non
Treatment of non-allergic rhinitis is similar to the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Steroid nasal sprays and nasal antihistamines, for example, azelastine as described in more detail in the previous section, are the mainstay of therapy for non-allergic rhinitis. Combination therapy using steroid nasal spray and nasal antihistamine has been shown to be more beneficial.
The other therapies, such as ipratropium and decongestants, also may be used in patients who continue to have symptoms despite proper therapy with nasal steroids and nasal antihistamines.
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How Do You Get Rid Of A Cold Fast
There are many ways to help get rid of a cold fast. The average cold lasts anywhere from several days to several weeks. Even though you wont beat a cold in 24 hours, with proper medicine and home remedies, you should be able to get symptom relief quickly, and recover in just a few days. Here are some of the best cold remedies:
Staying at home while youre treating your cold is always a good idea if youre able to do so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying home if you have a cold to help prevent spreading it to others. Keeping children out of school or daycare if they have a cold is also a good idea to help keep others from getting sick.
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