13 weeks and terrible cold. Is Afrin spray safe?

[DaisyMae08]

I called the dr yesterday and the nurse said I could take Sudafed. I haven't yet because I hate it. It makes my heart race. I thought I would just muddle through without anything, but now I'm not sure that's possible. Shower steam and saline drops aren't cutting it. I am getting no air through my nose at all. If I swallow or try to eat and can't breathe through my mouth fr a moment it truly feels like I'm going to suffocate. Does anyone know if Afrin spray is safe? Or have any other brilliant ideas? I'm on the verge of a panic attack over this!

[dayiscoming2006]

I took umcka cold and flu. Don't know about the official safety thing with it, but I figured it's as safe as it probably gets, so I took it and it gave some relief at least. You have to get the one with cold and flu. The regular one doesn't have the homeopathic meds in it.

[ella'smommy]

I'm not a fan of sudafed either because of the stimulant. Have you tried a neti pot to help clear out your sinuses? It's my go to for sinus  congestion along with a humidifier to keep the air comfortable. My favorite for throat relief if you get post nasal drip is drinking a mug of hot water with lots of honey and lemon juice squeezed in.

Hope you feel better soon!

[somegirl99]

Another vote for neti pot!  Just make sure you use boiled or distilled water for it.
 

Also this page from Kellymom has a lot of useful information:

Cold and Allergy Remedies Compatible with Breastfeeding

[1babysmom]

My doc okay'd Afrin for me during pregnancy.  Nothing else works for me when I get a nasty cold or flu.  The neti pot feels horrible at those times.  But Afrin always works.  I try and keep it a last resort though.

[porcelina]

I'm feeling like crap too-- though my congestion is not as bad, my throat feels awful and I have a fever. I just wanted to say that netti pot does work, but it doesn't last! So use it right before you have to eat or something! They have one that squirts instead of just running through the nose which is better when as congested as you are. Good luck!

[DaisyMae08]

The neti pot creeps me out, though I admit I haven't tried it. I did end up using Afrin last night just before bed and am feeling much better tonight, so I think I'm through the worst of it and won't take anything else. Hopefully one night of Afrin is ok. I have heard from several folks that it's on their doctors' approved list of medications.

[dayiscoming2006]

Originally Posted by DaisyMae08 
 I have heard from several folks that it's on their doctors' approved list of medications.

Then I wouldn't worry.

[writinglove]

Just make sure you don't use Afrin for more than three days in a row. It is possible to become dependent (I'm writing from experience)!