OTC or go to doctor

[KimDW]

When do you guys go to the doctor with a sinus problem? I usually get some kind of sinus cold/infection once a year and usually never go to the doctor. I just take OTC drugs like Advil Cold & Sinus and a cough medicine. My theory is give it a week and then if it's not any better then I go to the doctor and usually in a little more than a week it's getting better. Well I'm in my 4th day of having something, whether it's just a sinus cold or infection I don't know. My mucus is clear, I've had the sore throat off and on, sore ears, drainage, rattling cough, sinus pressure, a low grade fever, and right now am so stuffed up I can't breathe out either side - when I squeeze on the bridge of my nose it's squishy. I hate to rush to the doctor only for them to give me an antibiotic I probably will be allergic to and can't afford. I haven't stayed home from work yet but am thinking about it for tomorrow. Any opinions?

Kim

 

[melimcn]

That sounds more like the cold/flu that's been going around than a sinus infection. For me, a sinus infection has yellow mucus, massively plugged ears and a sinus headache for at least a week with no repreive.

I had what you're describing about a week ago. I'm still fighting it a bit, but it's mostly better now.

I would suggest camping on your couch for a day or two and letting your body fight it. If you still don't feel better, then maybe it's time for the doctor.

Feel better!;(

 

[Gayle]

I had something similar at the beginning of January - sinus pressure, stuffy, clear mucus, tickle in the throat. The theory I always heard was that if the mucus is clear, it's probably not an infection.

In the end, my cold lasted about 10 days. What seemed to help was rest and lots of fluids (I drank a ton of juice). I used a saline nasal spray and an antihistamine (Benadryl) to help with the stuffiness so I could sleep.

Colds suck! You have my permission to stay home from work tomorrow. Curl up on the couch and watch bad movies.

Hope you feel better.

 

[RunnerGirl]

I agree with the other the other posters. Drink lots and sleep. I've had it myself this week. Hope you feel better soon!
LD

 

[rnyogamom]

I'm a nurse - who has had a smashing sinus headache for 2 days too! We all have...its this barometric pressure - freezing to 80 in hours and back again don't you think? Anyway....if you lose your voice - you have an 80 percent chance its viral - just a cocktail tidbit - abx won't help it...lots of water, REST (i.e. just gentle stretching) and naps when you can, chicken soup - yup....lots of juice and vitamins, aspirin and the OTCs are fine to help you rest....don't overdose - use as recommended ok? Try some steam in a bowl and towel on your head, remember Felix Unger? It works!