nasal congestion, sinus issues, help!

runxc31 · October 2011

For the past 10 weeks, I have had a runny,stuffy,sometimes bloody nose. It is really starting to get frustrating because it is only getting worse. I use breathe right strips at night, and those are starting to not work sometimes. I try to sleep elevated, but I still wake up unable to breathe and have to go try and blow my nose. Today I tried a little bit of vicks on my chest, and that worked for about two hours. What has everyone else tried with this issue? IS there anything out there safe to take?? Any suggestions or advice would be great, this is getting old, and I feel so strange going out somewhere and everyone thinks im sick because im sniffling and sneezing nonstop, and people treat me like the plague!

Floridamom224 · October 2011

I have had the same issues. It is worse in the morning with me, and at night. I really don't have any advice except that I try to take a hot shower before bed to clear my nasal passages. That has helped with the waking up with a stuffy or runny nose. Then I also use benadryl at times before I go to bed. Mine is usually bad until mid morning and then gets better til the eve. Good luck!

mkarns · October 2011

No need to use medicine, in my opinion...Unless you're legitimately sick. I use the Neti pot daily to flush my sinuses and the results last all day. Before I used the Neti Pot I was stuffy and I has post-nasal drip so bad I was disgusting the people around me by hacking all the time. Neti Pot uses a natural saline solution to flush so it actually takes care of the issue instead of the medicines just supressing the symptoms.

My advice is to go to your local drug store and at least try it. It's gross and takes a few times to understand how it works without feeling like you're drowning. It's not the most pleasant feeling in the world but it only lasts about a minute and the results are fantastic!

xoladiebug · October 2011

I have had the same issue since the 1st Trimester. I have been taking Zyrtec at night occasionally and that seems to help a little. You may want to try a humidifier which will help keep those nasal passages moist. Also a saline rinse is helpful too. Aside from that there's not much you can do. Good luck!

JENandJEH · October 2011

I agree with the PP about the neti pot. I got a sinus rinse bottle which works the same way essentially and it was instant, all day relief. I am pretty sure you can use it multiple times a day if needed as well. I used it first thing in the morning and right before bed and didn't have any problems with stuffy nose keeping me awake.

It is gross and takes some getting used to but since I couldn't take a decongestant, I was willing to try just about anything.

Monicagail1 · October 2011

In addition to what PP's said, if you're cleared by your doctor for exercise you might try working in a couple of brisk walks throughout the day, or some other light to moderate exercise. That always helps clear out my sinuses and helps my breathing.

Joie80 · October 2011

I use a vick's vaporizer and it helps out a lot through the night.

jf198400 · October 2011

I use a saline nasal spray and that helps a little bit.

gothgrrl · October 2011

The Neti pot (as mentioned by PPs) is a wonderful help for some of the issues you are experiencing...also, a humidifier (especially with some peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil mixed in the water) can really help soothe! Wish you the best!

4LilMonkeys · October 2011

With a few of my children I had this issue for the whole 2nd trimester. The only thing that helped was a small dose of benadryl before bed. It knocks ya out...so don't take it except at night, but it does keep you from having issues with your sinuses. I also recommend peppermint tea before bed and you can get this bubble bath by California Baby that is for colds which is amazing when you need to clear out your sinuses.

I bathe in it whenever I have any sinus issues.

BOTB2011 · October 2011

I called the Dr. when I had a bad cold for 2 weeks (which turned into a sinus infection... but that's a whole other story) there were a few medicines that they said would be safe to take.

Have you called your OBGYN/Dr. to ask them what they would suggest?

runxc31 · October 2011

Thanks, everyone this is all really great. Might have to look into the Neti Pot, or start taking more hot showers before I lay down! I don't see this letting up anytime soon!

Stef33 · October 2011

I have the same issue. When I think about it, this was my first pregnancy symptom (weird right). I've been using the breath right strips at night as well and those help immensely. We like it very cold when we sleep and I've found that, that makes it worse because it gets so dry. We got a humidifier in our bedroom and keep that on all the time and that has helped a lot.

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