Keeping My Sinus Issues at Bay

Sometimes I feel like I am in Hell, Sinus Hell. I feel stuffed up, and my post nasal drip makes me miserable. I have a few things I do that help me feel better and more comfortable. Always seek your doctors' advice - I use these ideas for some relief but they are not intended as medical advice.

Contact My Doctor
The first step when I have a medical issue. Sinus issues can indicate a number of problems. I see my doctors regularly for this issue.

Get It Running
A runny nose means thinner secretions that my body handles more easily. When I'm stuffy I use one or more of these:

• Spicy foods invariably get my nose running and I enjoy them.
• A good steam-I don't have a steam shower or bath so I make do with the shower in my smallest bathroom. Getting my head under the water helps and the shower relaxes me. I find sprinkling Eucalyptus oil around the steam area soothing.
• Exercise
• Staying hydrated - especially with hot drinks like a spicy tea. I like ginger root with honey, lemon and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Lozenges
I use a natural lozenge with eucalyptus; it distracts me and makes swallowing easier.

Keep it Clean
Several of my doctors recommended I try a netti pot. I thought it would be unpleasant, but after I stopped being squeamish find it helpful instead. A netti pot is one method of nasal irrigation. Of course, I definitely spoke with my doctor beforehand. It may not always help.

Minimize Irritants
I try to limit my exposure to irritants. I have four cats so there's only so much I can do but these things help me:

• If I go outside and/or work in the garden I rinse my hair before bed. Combined with the steam this is a win-win for me. I don't need to lie around on my pollen irritants all night. Some people wear a hat or bandanna instead. I don't garden when my big pollen irritants are in season.
• Change the pillowcase more often. I buy extra so I can change them without more laundry.
• I wash all my bedding weekly.
• I have air conditioned my house and change the filters frequently.

These palliative practices don't cure me and I'm currently working with doctors seeking medical solutions. I discussed each of these things with my doctors before trying them.