IC Safe Treatments for a Sinus/Head Cold? - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

Reannin · 11-24-2009, 01:54 PM

I'm an IC newbie, and this is my first time getting a cold while having IC. I have a head cold with a lot of sinus pressure, a stopped up nose, and a sinus headache. I basically cannot breathe and all this pressure on my sinuses and head is pretty uncomfortable. Is there any over the counter meds or nasal sprays that are IC safe that I could use to alleviate my sinus symptoms? Are there any at home remedies I can do to get rid of this feeling? A friend at work suggested Afrin no-drip nasal spray (which she says works like a miracle) but I don't know if that is IC safe. Are there any IC safe tricks up your sleeve that I could borrow for my sinus/head cold?

Thank you very much!

***Julie B*** · 11-24-2009, 05:42 PM

I use the Afrin spray. I usually only have to use it once. If I do it before bed, I get a good night's sleep, and I can lick the cold faster.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

**kadi** · 11-24-2009, 06:01 PM

Here are a few of my favorite (for me, IC friendly) cold home remedies...
1. Hot showers with a "Sudacare Shower Soother" on the floor (fizzy tablet that releases Vicks type vapors when the hot water hits it)
2. Rinsing nose out with "Simply Saline"-reduces congestion
3. Vicks "Baby Rub"- milder than regular Vicks & more soothing
4. BreatheRight nasal strips (stick on to outside of your nose to open it up more)
5. Hot pear juice with a little honey
6. For sore throat & to soothe dry cough, Werthers Original hard candy
7. Gargle with salt water
8. Homemade chicken soup
9. Mucinex for chest coughs (check with the pharmacist on taking this with your other meds)
10. Ludens Licorice Throat Drops or Ricola original (not citrus!) drops.
11. Vaporizer next to bed, mine has a place to put menthol liquid in it.
12. Theraflu vapor patch: Like a sticker with Vicks vapors in it that you stick to your pj top. No gooey Vicks all over your chest!

For the cold I had last week, I used 4Way Fast Acting Nasal Spray. I think it was ok for me. If you've not used this medicine before, you might start out with the lowest concentration one (0.5%).

I hope you feel better soon!

Calinda · 11-25-2009, 04:28 PM

I love all the suggestions. The only other thing I do is I take "odorless garlic" from the health food store. It is a natural way to boost your immune system. I take about 4 a day. When I think I'm getting sick I will take 6 a day. I think it kind of helps. Then I just drink lots of hot tea for my throat.

GayleK · 11-25-2009, 04:49 PM

I take Mucinex for my sinus congestion and Delsym for a cough.

Reannin · 11-25-2009, 06:41 PM

Thanks so much ladies. These are FANTASTIC suggestions, and this helps me out a lot. Julie, I went out and bought the Afrin No-drip nasal spray, and that TOTALLY works like a charm. Thank you for confirming that you take it and have no problems with it. I have no more sinus pressure, sinus headache, and stuffy nose. Granted, I still can't smell or taste food right now, but at least all of this sinus pressure is gone....and that was the worst part. The good thing is, the Afrin no-drip doesn't seem to bother my IC, so that's great!

curlycue · 11-25-2009, 07:23 PM

Kadi,
Hola where can I find the sudacare shower soother?

Did you get my message about the cathing over the toilet. My mom gave us a new computer and 2 lap tops for Xmas and am all confused, let me know if you need any thing. Feliz axcion the gracias.

**kadi** · 11-26-2009, 04:38 AM

Hola,
I get them on the same shelf with the vicks vapo-rub at the drugstore. I did not get your message about the other thing, could you send it again? Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

123456 · 11-26-2009, 05:49 AM

For anyone with frequent sinus problems. I've had these all my life and recently discovered Simply Saline. You can use it every day to clean out your sinuses and it doesn't hurt or anything. It's this aerosol can filled with only saline solution and you just tilt your head and squirt as much as you want up both nostrils. This has seriously helped me especially during allergy season. I got my mom on it too and she loves it. I haven't had a sinus infection or cold in 3 months - not even a sniffle. You can get this at any Walgreens!

curlycue · 11-27-2009, 05:49 PM

I snt you a trial private message? does that make sense let me know if you recived it and then I will go and do it again. Thanks

luvsterriers · 12-02-2009, 07:34 AM

I use the Neti Pot (found it at CVS) I never used this method before and was uncomfortable at first. But it does work. I also use Ricola Original Drops. I stay away from Halls because of citric acid. At least Ricola tastes good.