Help with immune support?

[dubhreubel]

I'm sick, it's been a week now, and I'm not improving at all... I have a nasty head cold, with sinus pressure, lots of congestion, a sore throat (seems to be from the congestion) and now a cough, that is only a little productive. I already take a vitamin C and D supplement (midwife approved) and I can't take most cold medication (sensitive to it, it makes me high lol) I'm 37 weeks plus 3 days, and my first was born at 39 weeks, so we could have this one any day now.

So, my question, what would you take or do to help heal up? I'm hardly sleeping at this point from the sinus pain, and I know that isn't helping me heal, so anything immune supporting or that will make it possible for me to sleep will help.

just fyi, I'm crossposting this with other forums

[Stayseeliz]

I had a cold/sinus infection a few weeks ago. It took about 10 days to kick it. I did the neti pot with regular salt, TONS of OJ and water and saline spray. It took awhile to kick it but I did get over it. Hope you get well fast. It's so frustrating to be sick when you're pregnant!

[dubhreubel]

Thanks, yeah, it's frustrating, but right now I'm mostly worried about going into labour sick, with no real rest... Add in a sick 2 yr/o and a sick DH, and my homebirth is looking pretty scary!

[lillymonster]

Maybe zinc? Is that okay? it probably won't make you sleep but it tends to make colds not last as long.

[Jenne]

I second the netti pot! I don't actually own a netti pot...I use a shot glass usually and close one nostril and inhale with the other. For the first little while it will feel like you are drowning but blessed relief when the snot starts flowing! When I'm feeling especially congested I get in a warm/hot shower. Let the steam work for a little while and then netti pot. It is amazing how effective that is. It may make you nauseous or even throw up if there is a great quantity but having unstopped ears is totally worth it to me! Plus flushing the bacteria and germs out of my body seems like a good way to heal faster.

Also, have you considered a topical nose spray to open the passages? It is only temporary relief but if everyone needs more sleep that may help short term.

Do you have a humidifier or two going in the room you sleep in? I'd add that as well.

I'm not sure if echinacea is okay during pregnancy but I've also found I get a temporary boost from the Celestial Seasonings echinacea/cold relief tea.

Feel better soon!

Jenne

[WifeofAnt]

So much empathy here... I'm at the very tail end of a cold that I've had for a little over a week.  I think from start to finish it would be about 10 days.

What helped me some is eating some hot salty foods (like ramen noodles).  Just make sure to have a box of tissues on hand.

[EnchantedMamma]

You could probably try adding more Vit C. Larger doses are often needed when we are sick. I would consider trying an additional 500 mg and asking your midwife about increasing the D dosage too.

I wouldn't drink tons of orange juice just because then you're getting a lot of sugar. Too much junk/sugar never helps me when my immune system needs support.

Keep super-duper hydrated. I love honey-lemon water (hot) throughout the day to help my throat comfort and keep me hydrated.

If the sinus pain is that bad I would seriously consider taking Sudafed. If you can't, def. try the Neti Pot once the congestion is a little better. Use steam if it helps loosen anything. I think the lack of productivity means you need more hydration (as stated above). If you are prone to asthma and have a prescription you might use your inhaler now. I found that often helped me with congestion.

For sleep you might try some herbal tea. I like Nighty Night by Traditional Medicinals.

Hope you get those sinuses clear and feel better soon - I know how awful that is!

[camprunner]

elderberry syrup

[noahs.mom06]

I've been told by my midwife to stay away from echinacea during pregnancy... but given the ok for elderberry syrup. She also has me on 4000 IU/day of Vit D, which since I started taking it, I have felt so much better!

[Italiamom]

I second (or third, or fourth) the neti pot.  It helps SO much with sinus congestion.  If my sinuses get really bad, I'll boil water and steep a plain chamomile teabag in it before mixing in the salt (once it gets to a nice temperature for pouring through my nose).

Vitamin C is water soluble, meaning you could safely up the dose until you're better.  Pomegranites are at the grocery stores right now too...  I had a cold last week, and ate one each day, and it seemed to help.  Food based nutrients are the best nutrients!

If you can stand the acidity of it, try a tsp. or two of raw apple cider vinegar in a cup of tea, or even just water.  You might also ask your midwife about gargling with grapefruit seed extract if your throat is still sore...