Sudafed for Sinus Congestion?

[MegBoz]

I've realized my headaches are due to sinus congestion & pressure- & I know that congestion can lead to an infection (I've had them before). So I'd rather alleviate the congestion & not end up with a sinus or ear infection, rather than being faced with an infection to treat. (Of course I'd like the pain to go away too, but I'm much more concerned with infection at this point.)

The OB nurse at my CNMs office said Sudafed is "Class C" but the MWs OK it anyway based on their experience. Um, yeah, OK, that's reassuring. I love when HCPs make clinical decisions just based on what they've personally observed. Yeah, such a smart way to make drug decisions.

Haven't heard back yet from my HB MW (CPM.) Any other thoughts or opinions?

[MaerynPearl]

Pseudoephedrine (sudafed) is class C, as you said, which means it shows an adverse effect in animals but there is no proof that it is either safe OR harmful in humans... and for some problems, it is worth using despite not knowing if there is a risk or not.

Really, it should only be used if your congestion is so bad it is effecting your ability to sleep or function. There are other remedies you can use for mild congestion.

I think what you should do first is figure out why you are congested. Is it allergies? If so, benedryl (diphenhydramine hcl) should help that out. Is it a cold? Up your vit. c, zinc and water intake. Treat the source of the congestion and the congestion should be treated as well.

[MegBoz]

Originally Posted by MaerynPearl

Really, it should only be used if your congestion is so bad it is effecting your ability to sleep or function. There are other remedies you can use for mild congestion.

That makes sense.
I've been incapacitated & non-functional for over 4 weeks now. I'm actually shipping off my 2YO DS to stay with MIL for several days since I'm literally incapable of caring for him, I am so ill.
The pain from the headache became so severe the past few days that my teeth hurt - all of my teeth & jaw felt sensitive & painful, I had sensitivity to light. Walking - even slowly in flip flops - was uncomfortable because the impact of shifting my weight into the other foot hurt my head. Yeah, I'd definitely say I'm at the point where drugs are warranted.

Originally Posted by MaerynPearl

I think what you should do first is figure out why you are congested. Is it allergies? If so, benedryl (diphenhydramine hcl) should help that out. Is it a cold? Up your vit. c, zinc and water intake. Treat the source of the congestion and the congestion should be treated as well.

Good point. I've been sneezing more lately, so I'm not sure if it's allergies. Maybe I'll try benedryl. I'm pretty sure it's not a cold.

Thanks for your reply!!!!

[MaerynPearl]

No problem! I know the feeling... I actually have had to take benedryl almost daily since the second trimester (the only trimester it is not known to be safe in is the first)

[PoppyMama]

I have used sudafed (the orginal kind that you have to get from behind the pharm counter) in all of my pregnancies...on occasion. I resisted at first but it has been used for a long time and it works fast and well. Much better than needing abx.

[expat_canuck]

the best, hands-down cure I know for sinus pain and congestion is regular use of a neti pot.

whether you have a cold, allergies or a sinus infection, using a neti pot should help you breathe a lot easier, and relieve some of that pain and pressure.

when I suspect i have a sinus infection (I've already had two this pregnancy, and I'm 19 weeks), I add apple cider vinegar to the salt solution. It cured both of my sinus infections in about 3-4 days.

I've been using my neti pot every other day just to keep my nasal passages clear, and haven't had any more (major) problems. Cheap and drug free, too!!

[EmTheWife]

Originally Posted by expat_canuck

the best, hands-down cure I know for sinus pain and congestion is regular use of a neti pot.

whether you have a cold, allergies or a sinus infection, using a neti pot should help you breathe a lot easier, and relieve some of that pain and pressure.

also, Guaifenesin is a category C alternative, which both my allergist and my CNM recommended it over pseudophedrine hcl, both while pregnant and later when breastfeeding (sudafed can reduce milk supply).

[gradstudentmommy]

I have used Sudafed sparingly in both of my pregnancies. When I have a sinus infection and can't breathe, I start to get panic attacks. So to me, it's worth it. Of course I use the Neti Pot (or Neil Med Sinus cleanse) and warm showers and everything else, but Sudafed is the only thing that gives me real relief so to me, it's worth the risk. I have to be able to function to take care of my daughter. And I value my sanity too!

[Laurski]

Kind of a gross question, but...what color is your snot? If it's clear, it's allergies, if it's yellow, it's a cold, if it's green, it's an infection. That might help you figure out how to treat it. (Also, based on your description of your pain, it sounds like you may unfortunately already have a sinus infection, not just congestion...)

Also, I've been told by my allergist that if I *do* have sinus congestion that's not allergy-related, then I *shouldn't* take benadryl or any other allergy meds (such as loratadine (my preferred allergy med--a Claritin generic)), because it will just keep all of the congestion up there, rather than letting it clear itself out.

If you do take an allergy med, just be sure it's not a D, like Claritin-D. I believe they're class C.

I'd also second the neti pot suggestion. If you don't have a neti pot, you can use one of those bulb syringes that are usually used to clear out infants' nasal passages. That's usually what I use, b/c I've never gotten around to getting a neti pot!

[dejagerw]

It is ragweed season now. My allergies are really bad. If you think it might be allergies here are a few more tips. Don't open your windows at home or in the car, use your AC. That will really help the allergen levels in your house. Taking a shower at night can be good too if you've been out a lot. It will wash all the pollen and stuff off of you.