I have had issues with my sinuses for a long time. Apparently, I am predisposed to sinus problems should I catch a cold as my sinus cavities are very narrow (I had a sinus scope done a few years ago - not pleasant but at least I know). I was advised to use decongestants during allergy season or when I felt I was coming down with a cold.
The other day, I started coming down with what I thought was a cold: slight fever, pounding headache, and a sore throat. And so off I go today to the doctor as I still felt lousy and needed a medical certificate to get a refund from SBB for a trip we were to take to Wengen this weekend. No way I wanted to infect friends we were visiting notwithstanding the fact that I felt too lousy to travel.
My doctor examined me and said my sinuses were inflamed and gave me a homeopathic/herbal remedy called "Sinupret". I took two tablets today and could not believe how effective they were for me at least. I can now breathe freely and my sinuses feel 100% better. To think I was only going to the doctors for a medical certificate but this medication, Sinupret, has worked wonders for me.
Just wanted to pass along this info for those who struggle with sinus problems. I am definitely a convert. Incidentally, Sinupret is an "over the counter" med here in Switzerland.
It exists in liquid form as well for children. It’s indeed extremely efficient. And not homeopathic it’s plant-based, which is not the same at all!
I’m also prone to sinus infections, and sinupret is my treatment of choice when I feel one coming, in addition to saline drops for nose wash 2-3 times a day. Disagreeable, but efficient.
Thanks for the clarification Melusine! My Swiss doctor has adequate English but I may have misinterpreted him re homeopathic. I cannot believe how much better I feel in just 10+ hours
You can also take Gelomyrtol for stubborn cases (fellow sufferer here, had my sinus operations after years of chronic infections). Sinupret is good stuff, it was too ‚weak‘ for me.
Another thumbs up from me for sinupret and gelomyrtol. When I first got them from my doc I was also skeptical but after one cold, I was sold on the effectiveness.
I'm currently suffering from a horrible cold and tonsillitis. In addition to the above, I'm using Collunosol-N throat spray, which helps reduce the razor blade feeling, and Neo-Spirig nasal spray, which helps with swelling that contributes to congestion.
Feel better soon!
If you are ever in the UK (or US), I brought some sinus meds over (OTC, from Asda) and that works nicely to get rid of the pressure on your nose/forehead).
Still, in the long run, also to avoid reoccurrence, I take Gelomyrtol daily in winter time.
How many do you take per day?
Sinupret works pretty well but I might give those a try. I’m trying to avoid going down the antibiotic route yet again.
I take 2 Gelomyrtol daily. When I have a sinus infection up to 6 per day. Just watch out and do not take them on an empty stomach!
In addition I have an inhaler (with the funny name of Pariboy) and inhale salt water (buy that at DM if you are in Germany, Nasenspülsalz).
Anyone have tips on how to deal with the ear issues? I've got a blocked Eustacian tube, and the pain/tickle is making me a bit crazy.
Inhale! You need to get rid of the mucus that blocks the tubes. Red light (those warming lights) on your ears/face works for me.
If you are in Zurich area, happy to give you some of my sinus meds that dissolve the mucus? I get that often when I have a sinus infection
The usual scuba diver trick to open them for a moment is to push the jaw forward, and it can also help to push with your breath in or out (lightly) against a pinched nose. This may only work in borderline cases.
Have you tried a nasal rinse, e.g. the Esmer system that drugstores tend to carry here? I like to hold my head sideways and otherwise try to fill each side of the nasal cavity as much as possible. I think the anatomy makes it possible to submerge the entrance to the auditory canal, and I also think I've felt my ears clear after, but this is certainly a YMMV type situation.
If we are talking about medications, and the general problem of clearing your nasal cavity, you might try Guaifenesin. However, I have no idea of its availability here - in the US it is cheap and over the counter.