[AllyOops!]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

I've had a terrible sinus headache since Thursday. It was incapacitating for a day then it moved into the dull irritation stage where it has stayed. I'm taking Claratin D and just about anything else that I think will work, but it won't go away. I'm NOT going to take antibiotics. I'm NOT going to take antibiotics.

I hear ya! I'm in that same boat, too. Awful, isn't it? However, if it is an infection, I can tell you from experience that antibitotics are your best bet. I certainly don't want to be all preachy like, but you NEVER want to let the infection grow & worsen- TRUST ME. I did once, and soon, my head, nose, throat and ears were in so much pain I thought I'd have to hit the emergency room. It felt as if a razor blade was caught in my throat. I had a similiar feeling last week, and sure enough, my Doctor told me my glands were swollen due to my sinuses. Ick and ouch! I don't want you to experience that!

I'm riddled by sinus drama, expecially this year. It's been awful! I saw my doctor last week, and he put me on prescription Singulair & Alevert. I'm a little nervous to take them, due to all of the side effects. I told him that I quit taking Sudafed, which is highly recommended by my Doctor. I love the result that Sudafed produces! However, Sudafed causes my anxiety to spike. Once my heart starts beating rapidly, my panic disorder kicks in. No fun.

Here's what my Doctor recommends and I really suggest that you give 'em a whirl-

*Allergy & Sinus aleving medication: He highly recommends Sudafed! I'm very sensitive to anti-hystamines, which is why I haven't taken Alevert yet. Alevert is comparable to Claritin, which you are taking, correct?

*Nasal Spray: Nasal Spray was also recommended by Katiesue. I couldn't breathe very well last night, and my boyfriend shared his bottle of Zycam with me. AWESOME STUFF. However, make sure you choose the Zycam with menthol & eucalyptus action. I'm highly allergic to eucalyptus, but not in the nasal spray. It's amazing stuff and will clear you up in a New York minute.

*I cannot recommend this stuff enough (run, don't walk, to the store!):
http://www.nasalrinse.com/products.shtml
I love the Sinus Rinse Kit, it's so simple to use! After one use, you'll be breathing so much better! However, I do notice that once my nasal passage is clear, my allergies will kick up even more so (due to the fact I'm all cleared out) this is common, but daily use will begin to eliminate this problem. My Dad, who has awful sinus drama, swears by this stuff and has avoided any sinus infection this season! My boyfriend's Mom swears by the Neti Pot, which my Mom also swears by! I have the Neti Pot, but honestly, it freaks me out & is too messy. I mean, you're literally shoving a teapot spout up your nose, and the result is not pretty until you get the swing of it. I choked, coughed and was able to breathe clearly, but what a mess! you can't go wrong with any of NeilMed's stuff!

Anyhoodle, my two cents! I hope you feel better!