What is the best thing for sinus drainage?
By Allie from Yokrtown, VA
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Everyone has different ideas on what works best for them. I can't use Afrin brand, and similar generics of the same medication, as it causes severe rebound congestion.
One of my friends with chronic sinus problems uses the Neti-pot, that is available over the counter.
I use Nasal Crom nasal spray, available over the counter. I get mine at my local discount store, about $14 for one spray bottle. But it can be used every 4 hours, and has no rebound tendencies, or 'addictive' problems.
You will need to either ask your doctor or your regular pharmacist if you have any other health problems or medication allergies, if this product is okay for you to use.
I like it, and I go ahead and get a new one before spring season starts up. I don't save it from year to year, as I am concerned about any infection that may have collected on the sprayer since the last time I used it.
It is a little higher in cost than others, but it is the only thing that works for me, other than over the counter pseudephedrine, and it doesn't make me sleepy or jumpy, or raise my heart rate or blood pressure.
Musinex is a very good natural remedy.
A plain salt wash is the best. Dissolve one tablespoon of ordinary table salt in 1 litre of water. With a dropper, tip your head back and "snort" the salt water into your nose. It might be uncomfortable, but the salt cleans out the mucus and kills the germs. Be prepared to do some coughing and snorting. But it really works.
You need to buy a neti pot you can get it from any drug or grocery store. You take 1 cup of tepid water + 1/2 tsp salt, mix it up, pour it into the neti pot and put the spout inside your nose & run the water through your nose; you need to tilt your head in the opposite direction that the spout is in; and it will come out the other side. Do one cup up each nostral; you will want to do this once a day. It works great.
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Whats a good "otc" drug to dry up drainage?
Kelsi
Decongestants will do this. They only dry it up, they don't treat the underlying condition. Decongestants can raise blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure use Mucinex instead or one of the new decongestants that don't raise blood pressure. (04/18/2008)
By joan pecsek
You may need to try more than one. The new formula decongestants (containing PE) dry my sinuses so much it's painful. I use the ones you get from behind the counter with pseudoephedrine. (And I've had as much luck with generics as name brands). Sudafed also makes a non-drying formula which combines the decongestant with an expectorant to keep mucous membranes from getting irritated. (04/18/2008)
By Dave
I have heard some really good reports about the new saline nasal sprays. I bought one, but haven't used it yet. It may be that you need to deal with the cause of the congestion first, possibly pollen allergies. If you go to pollen.com and register they will send you a daily pollen report with info on which pollens and the count. If pollens are high, then pop an allergy pill before going outside. I use Benadryl, but there are many others out there. This is an extremely aggravating condition. I hope you gain mastery over it. (04/20/2008)
By Marty Dick
My hubby uses Mucinex, and it works very well for him. Good luck. (04/20/2008)
By M&D Ped
I use Drixoral 12 hour tablets they do not make you tired so you can still work while taking them. They also work if your head is stopped up, like when you get a cold. So to me it is a wonder drug that takes care of a runny nose or a stopped up nose. You have to sign for them at the pharmacy counter and they cost less then $15 for 24 tablets.
I took Drixoral when it was a prescription medication years ago in the 1980s, but now that they are over the counter I do not have to bother my doctor to write me a prescription which means I do not have to pay him for an office visit and the pills are just the same, yeah! Good luck. (04/21/2008)
By Paula Jo from Mebane, NC
Try the generic Sudafed. I take 2 of them and it stops the drainage. I should know, I get a lot sometimes. Works great and doesn't cost much. (04/22/2008)
By Barbara
I use 2 homeopathic remedies that I buy from Puritan's Pride. One is Allergy Relief and the other is Sinus Relief. They can be used alone, or together:
puritan.com (04/23/2008)
By Maryeileen
Everyone's body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. A lot of people can use Sudafed type products and they do the trick just fine, but myself, they don't touch it at all. I've had severe sinus problems for almost my entire life, one of the few things that helps me is Tylenol Allergy Sinus. Of course, I usually buy the generic for about $2 a box. Good luck. (04/24/2008)
By Jana
