How I Put an End to Sinus Infections

I use to call myself the "Queen of Sinus infections". Why? I use to get about 8-10 sinus infections a year! Let me tell you they made me feel miserable!

I just never seemed free from them and each time the infection would last longer and longer. Usually around the fall/winter season would be the worst for me. As soon as we turned on our heat my head would hurt something awful and I'd be all stuffed up.

I'd have all the symptoms of a sinus infection and head down to the doctor. I'd be put on an antibiotic, decongestant and sometimes pills for the bad headaches. Since I am allergic to a lot of the common antibiotics I'd be put on a strong dosage which would wipe me out. So the combined lack of energy that comes with a sinus infection & the medicine I'd be fall out on my back in bed. This wasn't good since I have three young kids and homeschool them all! Then I wouldn't respond to the normal round of antibiotics and be put again on another round! It just seemed like a never ending battle.

My aunt told me about something a doctor told her to help clean out the sinus passages. She explained that it was a pretty unpleasant thing to do but it had helped her and my uncle a lot. She gave me a copy of the instructions and I asked her a few questions. I put it off though since it sounded pretty gross and pretty uncomfortable.

Well, after suffering from the same sinus infection for about three months I gave in. I grabbed the instructions and followed them.

You can find the instructions online: Nasal Saline Rinse

The first few times I did this it just dripped back out of my nose. This was because my sinuses were so clogged. But after a few days I felt it go down the back of my throat some which made me gag. After awhile I had a lot more pain in my face and around my sinuses. This was because all the stuff was loosening up & finally started coming out. The stuff what came out was pretty gross. My nose would bleed and some clots came out too. But I felt a lot better so I knew it was working.

Later on I switched to using Simply Saline which I still use today. I make sure that I squirt it up my nose till I feel it drip down the back of my throat. I use this twice a day once in the morning and once at night.

I also started seeing an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. He was thrilled to hear about the salt water wash I was doing and told me he wished everyone who had allergies or sinus problems used it. He shocked me and pulled out a copy of the recipe had to give to patients! He asked me if I had told other family members about it. I told him I have but they won't do it. He then joked that I need to get on my soap box and demand they use it.

He told me it was fine to use the Simply Saline but again to make sure it went through my sinuses till it dripped down my throat. He explained that was the key to washing them and keeping things clear.

He next put me on a strong version on Mucinex. Mucinex helps clear the extra mucus out that your body produces. This helps with the sinus pressure. You can buy Mucinex over the counter. My Dr. gives me a prescription kind which is much stronger than what is found over the counter. It is called GFN 1000/DM 60 & one pill lasts 12hrs. I usually only take one if I need it. But during the winter time I usually end up taking one twice a day. For awhile it made me pretty dizzy and my kids called it "mommy's loopy pill" so be aware of how it may affect you. But I'd rather be a little "loopy" than sick in bed.

My Dr. also put me on a prescription nasal spray which helps too. I had been on these in the past but it alone never helped. A combination of washing the sinus passages, the mucus thinner pill and the nose spray has helped knock out my sinus infections. I do still take Sudafed as needed on those bad days but not nearly as much.

The big thing though is cleaning out the sinus passages. There are some rare days I'll use the salt water 3-4 times a day. But I will tell you I have yet to have a bad stuffy nose! There are time my head feels clogged up but nothing like it use to. Also I still get sinus headaches but again no infection.

I hope this helps some people. I know how horrible sinus pain can be. I've had a rough winter with my allergies and sinuses this year but again no sinus infection which is wonderful!