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Suggest Treatment For Acute Sinusitis

Posted on Wed, 7 Jun 2017

Question: I have had a flu/cold for 2 weeks now. I've been taking Mucinex D to be able to function at work during the day. But why is it that every night , usually around 6pm, my sinus clog up. It remains difficult to breathe throughout the night. I wake up every few hours gasping for air...
Blowing my nose doesn't alleviate the situation. Even nasal flush doesn't help. It worries me - and I'm not getting a proper sleep...

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Acute sinusitis... you would require nasal decongestants

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

After going through your history, I do feel, you could be suffering from Acute sinusitis.

Mucinex D alone may not be sufficient enough to relieve the nasal congestion and block. You would require nasal decongestant and some home remedies to overcome this problem.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Try using Xyolmetazoline nasal spray, available over the counter, for not more than 5 days.
2. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times in a day.
3. Drink frequent sips of warm water.
4. Avoid coffee/chilled food and beverages/smoking.

Hope you should get better with the above measures. If not, you should consult your doctor for a thorough evaluation of the nose and the sinuses.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX My immediate concern is that it is now 3am where I live; I have been up for 2 hours unable to get back to sleep because my nasal passages are stuffed. And its usually only one nostril that seems to have air passage at a time.

I have done some steam and drank a cup of camomile tea since I sent my question, but cant find relief.

I'll get some Xyolmetazoline as you recommend - but what can I do about these nightly interruptions of my sleep? The anxiety of these breathing episodes is making it very difficult for me.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Use homemade saline for nasal de-congestion...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

At present, you can prepare saline solution at home and instill inside both the nostrils. To make the preparation, you need to take half a glass of potable lukewarm water, add quarter teaspoon of table salt and stir the solution. Use 6 drops of this preparation in both the nostrils. This acts as natural nasal decongestant and will be beneficial.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana