What Are Some Ways To Relieve Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion due to a cold or sinus infection is uncomfortable and can get in the way of a good nights sleep. CVS offers a variety of treatments that can help keep you comfortable, including nasal spray and nasal congestion medicine from top brands like Afrin, Mucinex, and more. Many people may find relief with a decongestant nasal spray, which works directly on nasal membranes and may bring relief faster than a pill formulation. However, if you are looking to treat multiple symptoms that come with a cold or the flu, you may want to try a combination pill such as Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain, which is formulated with more than one active ingredient in order to temporarily reduce multiple symptoms such as congestion, body aches, and fever. Be aware that nasal congestion medicine may interact with certain prescription drugs, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any nasal congestion medication or using a decongestant nasal spray.
Consider Some Alternatives To The Pharmacy
When youre congested, the simple act of breathing can be a challenge. Whatever the cause a sinus infection, allergies, a cold, or the flu dealing with congestion can leave you feeling tired and dreary.
Whats happening inside your head when you have nasal congestion? The nose has a vast network of blood vessels with valves that open and close, says Scott P. Stringer, MD, professor and chairman of otolaryngology and communication sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. When the nose is stimulated by any irritant, the nervous system is also stimulated, causing valves to open, which results in more blood entering the nose. This causes swelling in your nasal passages, which makes it difficult to breathe.”
Since sinus infections, colds, and allergies don’t just leave you congested and often come with a host of other symptoms, you might contemplate taking one or several drugs to end the misery. Yet doubling or tripling up on medication types is dangerous, and you may not find the relief you seek with over-the-counter meds or through a prescription.
Although over-the-counter options, such as , are often used to treat the stuffiness and headache caused by congestion, there’s significant risk of becoming dependent on these drugs, and they can leave you worse off in other ways, too.
When To Call A Doctor
Most of the time, a stuffy nose will clear up on its own within a week. Nasal congestion that lasts longer may be a sign of a serious sinus infection in need of treatment. You may also want to see a doctor if the symptoms are interfering with sleep or your ability to function normally.
A stuffy nose may require medical attention if:
- You have a high fever.
- Your symptoms last longer than two weeks.
- Your nasal passages are completely blocked.
- Your skin or lips develop a bluish tinge .
- Your breathing rate is very rapid.
- You have difficulty breathing or catching your breath.
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What Are Symptoms Of Sinus Pressure
Sinus pressure symptoms may vary depending on which sinus cavities are affected and what is causing the sinus pressure. Symptoms may include:
- Pain and pressure in the forehead, behind and between the eyes, above the nose, the upper teeth, the temples, the back of the neck, or the top of the head
- Pain that worsens with movement like bending over
- Sore throat
- Nasal discharge
- Stuffy nose
- Swollen lymph nodes
What Are Common Side Effects Of Sinus Infection Medications
The most common side effects of sinus infection medications differ by the type of medication you use. Decongestants tend to cause nervousness, insomnia, and a loss of appetite. Side effects of antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Antihistamines and steroids can cause dizziness and sleep disturbances.
This is not an exhaustive list of sinus infection medication side effects. If you experience any adverse reactions from a medication or treatment, its always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
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Who Can Take Decongestants
Most people can use decongestants safely, but they’re not suitable for everyone.
They should not be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first:
- people taking other medicines
- men with an enlarged prostate
- people with liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems
- people with increased pressure in the eye glaucoma
What Are The Benefits Of Medicines For Nasal Congestion
Do you really need to use the best medicine for nasal congestion? Most of us let our colds run its course instead of using medications for fear that we will rely on them too much. Although there is merit to this way of thinking, when your nose is already blocked, you might want to try medications that are formulated to treat nasal congestion. The good news is that there are plenty of benefits to be gained when you take medicine for stuffed nose. Here are a few that are worth mentioning.
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Can A Sinus Headache Be Prevented
- Good handwashing and hygienic practices can help prevent colds and upper respiratory infections.
- Smoking cessation can also decrease your risk of airway infections.
- For people with allergies, avoid allergic triggers to help prevent sinus infections.
- Keep the body well hydrated and humidify the air since these can help promote efficient drainage of fluids from the sinuses.
Mucinex Chest Congestion Expectorant Tablets
Considered by many as the best medicine for chest congestion, Mucinex 12-Hour Chest Congestion Expectorant is a long-lasting and fast-acting formulation that guarantees relief for up to twelve hours. This product uses a unique bi-layer tablet formulation, with one layer of the pill getting to work as soon as a dosage is taken, and the remaining layer intended for delayed release.
The product incorporates a high level of guaifenesin a chemical component responsible for dissolving mucus and clearing out the chest to make way for easy breathing, and this also encourages the user to expectorate, thus getting rid of mucus for good.
Coming at a very reasonable price, Mucinex 12-Hour Chest Congestion Expectorant is the kind of product that you should purchase if you want a reliable, effective, and safe medicine in your storage in case of those unexpected episodes of colds or flu.
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What Are The Precautions Of Medicines For Nasal Congestion
Are there any precautions to consider before getting the best medicine for nasal congestion? Well, there are some side effects to taking decongestants such as dizziness, high blood pressure, headaches, and even nausea. Sprays shouldnt be used if you have heart problems or high blood pressure as they might trigger side effects. If you do plan on using one, make sure that you discuss it with your doctor first if they will allow it, otherwise, you will need to look for alternative measures instead.
The best medicine for nasal congestion might make it difficult for you to sleep. This is something that you should take into consideration when looking for treatment for your blocked nose. It might be because some ingredients can keep you wide awake at night so if you do buy one, time your intake so that by the time you need to sleep, you will be able to rest easily. Make sure that the medication that you are using is appropriate for your age and your current condition.
How Can I Safely Take Otc Decongestants
Before you take OTC decongestants, read the directions on the drug facts label. It will tell you how much medicine to take and how often to take it. If you have any questions, call your doctor.
Follow these tips to make sure youre taking the right amount of medicine:
- Take only the amount shown on the medicines label. Dont assume more medicine will work better or quicker. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
- If youre taking a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if its okay to also take an OTC decongestant.
- Dont use more than 1 OTC decongestant medicine at a time unless your doctor says its okay. Multiple medicines may have similar active ingredients that add up to be too much medicine.
If using a liquid decongestant, use the measuring spoon that came with the medicine. This spoon is the right size for the dose you need. Dont use a kitchen spoon.
When using decongestants, keep a record of the OTC medicines youre using and when you take them. If you need to go to the doctor, take this list with you.
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What Causes A Sinus Headache
Inflammation of the tissues lining the sinuses is the primary cause of a sinus headache. The inflamed tissues swell and produce secretions that clog the normal drainage system of the sinuses, causing a build-up of fluid and secretions. The pressure of this fluid build-up causes the pain of a sinus headache. Inflammation of the sinuses is known as sinusitis. The inflammation may arise due to an
- infection,
- allergic reaction such as hay fever, or
- irritation.
Most commonly, infectious sinusitis is due to a viral infection, but bacterial and fungal infections of the sinuses can also occur. Since the maxillary sinuses are located in the cheekbone, infections of the upper teeth can spread into these sinuses. In very rare cases, benign or malignant tumors can invade and block drainage in the sinuses and lead to a sinus headache.
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Sinus Infection Vs Covid
Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms.
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Revamp Your Nighttime Routine To Open Sinuses
As anyone with stuffy sinuses can attest, congestion often feels worse at night. This can create a vicious cycle because you need lots of rest to get over a cold or the flu, but the difficulty you have breathing at night can make it hard to sleep. The solution is to help your body stay as congestion-free as possible while you sleep.
For starters, put an extra pillow or two under your head, as this will help drain your sinuses. Make sure your bedroom climate is humid, and run a humidifier while you sleep to further thin the mucus in your nose. For another natural remedy, try nasal breathing strips, which lift the sides of the nose to help open nasal passages.
Our Choice For The Best Medicines For Nasal Congestion
When it comes to the best medicine for nasal congestion, we believe that Sudafed PE Pressure + Pain + Mucus is worth using. What we like about this product is that it is designed to clear up any congestion in your nasal passageways while providing relief from the headaches caused by block sinus. It contains Guaifenesin as well as acetaminophen which work perfectly in providing relief from sinus blockage as well as lessen any pain that you are feeling. Another plus to using this medication is that it comes in a non-drowse formula, so you can take it any time your congestion is getting the best of you. You wont be nodding off afterwards, so you will still be able to work without any problems. Use this medication when you are having difficulty in breathing due to congestion in your nasal passageways so that you will get immediate relief minus any side effects. For sure, youll feel better in no time with this medication.
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Taking Decongestants With Other Medicines
Ask a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if you’re taking other medicines.
For example, taking decongestants alongside some antidepressants can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
It’s also important to be careful when taking other medicines if you’re using an “all-in-1” decongestant remedy.
“All-in-1” decongestants also contain painkillers or antihistamines, so it could be dangerous to take extra doses of these medicines at the same time.
Page last reviewed: 28 February 2019 Next review due: 28 February 2022
Vicks Products For Nasal Congestion Relief
Nasal congestion, also known as stuffy nose, is when the lining of the nasal cavity becomes inflamed and swollen, which can cause mucus to build up. Nasal congestion is typically caused by one of two thingsâa viral infection or allergies . Learn more about nasal congestion.
To relieve your nasal congestion symptoms, look for an OTC medicine with a decongestant like Phenylephrine or Oxymetazoline. Decongestants constrict enlarged blood vessels to shrink the swollen nasal tissues causing your stuffy nose. The ingredients label on the back of Vicks products will give the name of the active ingredient, and identify what type of active ingredient it is, to help clear up any confusion on the shelf.
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Can I Get A Sinus Headache Medicine For A Reasonable Price
Lifelong companionship is typical for sinus headache medicine. When you fast open your lid, spending more money will reward you with increased speed, a better view, and better quality of the product. Again, the average price of a new sinus headache medicine is between $$ and $$$. Okay, so some luxury options are not available.
How To Clear A Stuffy Nose
There are several things you can do to clear a stuffy nose, including using a humidifier or vaporizer to help loosen mucus in the nasal passages. Take a long, hot shower or breathe in some steam from a pot of warm water to help with temporary relief. Stay hydrated and drink a lot of fluids to keep your mucus thinned out, which can help prevent your sinuses from getting blocked. A saline nasal spray can help keep your nasal passages from getting dried out or clogged. You can also try a neti pot or a nasal irrigator to remove excess mucus from the nose. Always make sure you use distilled sterile water, and clean the neti pot or irrigation device thoroughly after each use. A warm, wet towel on your face can also help open the nasal passages. When you sleep, try to stay propped up to make breathing easier.
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Best Medicines For Chest Congestion 2020
Congestion throughout the sinus is one thing, but congestion in the chest is a completely different problem. Giving you a heavy feeling when you breathe and a chesty quality to your cough, chest congestion can make anyone feel weak. However, for as difficult and tiring as chest congestion might feel, it is one of the most common symptoms of the common cold and flu.
Luckily, no one has to suffer through the pains of chest congestion, especially these days when affordable and accessible remedies are available. Of course, it is easy to be able to simply walk into a drugstore and ask for the best medicine for chest congestion, but choosing can be difficult with so many options available. How do you know which is the right one?
Find out how to choose the best chest decongestant by taking cues from this helpful buying guide.
Best Decongestants For Adults
A person who experiences nasal congestion due to allergies may benefit from taking an antihistamine or nasal corticosteroid.
Otherwise, there is insufficient evidence to show that other types of decongestants are effective in alleviating nasal congestion. Nonetheless, a person may want to see if a particular decongestant works for them.
Some decongestants are not suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Others may interact with medications a person is taking.
It is important that an individual sees their doctor before taking a decongestant medication. A doctor can provide advice on the safest and most effective one to use.
A person should talk to their doctor before giving a child a decongestant or any medication for an allergy or URI.
The Food and Drug Administration advise parents and guardians to avoid giving decongestants or antihistamines to children under two years of age. Many manufacturers extend the warning to children of 4 years of age and younger.
An issue with giving these medications to children is that they often contain multiple ingredients. Parents or guardians may accidentally give the child too much of a particular drug, which can result in poisoning.
The recommend the following for alleviating congestion and other cold symptoms in children:
The NCPC say there is no evidence that decongestants and other cough and cold medications are effective in young children.
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Where Are The Sinuses Located
The sinuses are named according to their location in the skull bones:
- The frontal sinuses are located over the forehead, above the eyes on both sides.
- The maxillary sinuses are located over the cheek area, in the bone known as the maxilla, located under the eyes on both sides of the face.
- The ethmoid sinuses are located in the bone that divides the eyes and nose.
- The sphenoid sinuses are located in the sphenoid bone at the center of the skull, behind the eyes.
The sinuses are lined by mucous membranes that secrete fluid and are connected to the nasal cavity by small channels or ducts. The sinuses are sometimes collectively referred to as the paranasal sinuses because of their proximity to the nose.
Inflammation due to any cause can cause a buildup of fluid and increased sinus pressure, causing the typical symptoms of a sinus headache.