safety of decongestants? Alternatives?

[debbiec]

I've been reading some on line, but some of you may be a lot more informed than me. I've had a lot of ear pressure for almost 6 months now. Been to my internist who told me to just take Clariton. Then I went to my ENT, who gave me Flonase and Fexofenadine. None of these have fixed the problem.

I talked to my sister last night to find out she had the same problem a number of years ago and after MRI's and all kinds of testing, she just took Sudafed for 5 days and it was completely gone.

We are not medicine people. I seldom ever gave my kids antibiotics, pain relievers or anything. I did, but only if they REALLY needed it. The only meds I have taken in 15 years is Ibuprofin. I did take something a few years ago when I had a bad cold, and my heart was racing like crazy all night, I never slept, and I thought I was going to die before the night was out:rolleyes:. So, I think I really want to try the Sudafed, not sure what I took a few years ago and concerned about the effects.

Any advice or safer alternatives? TIA, Debbie

[Jann in TX]

I would suggest that you only take the 4-hour meds. There are several options for 'extended' tabs--but many of these can cause the 'heart racing' reaction that you mentioned.

I've had trouble off and on the past few years with an ear getting 'stopped up'. If it ever becomes painful I will literally walk around the house with a peeled garlic clove in my ear! (I also make drops out of warmed olive oil and pressed garlic)...this is because the majority of ear problems are fungal.

Sudafed works VERY well for me...but I can only tolerate the lower dose. Make sure you get the ones from 'behind the counter'--you want the Psuedoephedrine and not the 'similar' drug.

Have you tried Mucinex? I've been able to use this on occasion to help my sinuses and ears drain--it is a 'safer' too. It is the drug called Guaifenesin.

I hope you find relief soon!

[HollyDay]

The local news had a segment about saline rinses being as affective as decongestants. They recommended spraying the salt water sprays often throughout the day and drinking lots of water. HTH

[Stirsmommy]

i would make sure whatever I took didn't have the same med in it as the one that made my heart race. i can't take sudafed for it makes my heart race. But then most of the "non-drowsy" meds do that to me. I have taken mucinex with success but it does take a couple of days.

[debbiec]

Well, someone on the boards a few months back swears by the saline rinses. I may try that first. I do have Mucinex, a friend gave me some a while back that I never used. I'll give that a whirl too ~ I'm desparate.

[Rachel]

Has used Flonase for years.........but he swears by Mucinex in a pinch.

I don't like using meds so I use mint tea and drape my head in a towel over a bowl with it.........opens me up for quite awhile. Also VapoRub is little less invasive......