OT: Sinus infection / neti pots

THANK GOD FOR NETI POTS!!!!!

I get sinus infections every October and April. I started using one this Spring, no sinus infection! If I'm out and it's a windy day I use it. Or if I spend alot of time in the garden digging with lots of dust/dirt I use it. A couple weeks ago the pollen count went through the roof here, I used it. If you already have an infection you'll most likely need antibiotics. But if you use this when you notice a sinus headache, you can avoid the infection! Buy one!!!!

Cool. Thanks for the responses!

barbl - Can being outside on a cold windy day contribute to a sinus infection? I ask because this all started after I went for a long hike on a semi-cold day. After that my ears got all clogged up and they've been that way on and off ever since then (about 3 weeks).

Loneylane - I like the Z-pack, too. I used it for an ear or throat infection (can't remember) last year. I'm usually okay with amoxicillin too, so I'll see what this doctor wants me on. I just found out my family doctor no longer works at the clinic in town. I went through so many bad doctors before I found her (she's the one who actually listened to me when I first had UC symptoms and ran tests and didn't just tell me I had a fissure or the stomach flu, like the 3 other docs I saw before her). I am pretty bummed out she works in another town now.

I don't use neti pots, but I am a saline nasal spray addict. I use it at least 4 times a day, in the AM & before bed. Just plain saline, no drugs!!! I swear that's helped me avoid my ever present sinus infections. My sister uses neti pots though, & loves them.

Is it good to take Sudafed while having a sinus infection?

Well, the doctor I saw was an idiot. Spent 30 seconds with me and didn't give me antibiotics. He said to wait another 10 days (I have had this lingering for 3 weeks already!) and if it isn't better then to come back in. I know it's going to get worse...this is what always happens to me. I'll be back at the doctor in a couple days...

I just ate a raw clove of garlic b/c I read that it can help get rid of sinus infections and now I feel like I'm going to puke. That was disgusting...

Sorry to rant.

The doc. told me to take Sudafed...?? I'm sure he's probably wrong. He didn't even know if the virus in the flu shot was dead or alive. I had to tell him. (I also got a flu shot...which I'm not sure I was supposed to since I'm sick, but he said he thought it would be okay..)

Sara, anytime it's windy it means pollen and dust are getting kicked up. Gets me everytime

Watch some video how-to's on YouTube. It can be tricky at first.

I have a deviated septum. The first side I tried worked fine but the other side didn't drain, it filled up at first. I had to tilt my head more and then it drained out. It takes some nerve at first, I had it for almost 3 months before I got up enough nerve to actually try it.

Thanks for the advice and comments.

I am just scared this infection is going to get worse since they didn't give me antibiotics right away. That's what happened with a throat infection last year and I ended up having an abscess that was so bad it wouldn't respond even to IV antibiotics in the hospital and I had to get my tonsils out. I believe that wouldn't have happened if they would have given me antibiotics right away.

At least I'm not pooping much...whenever I have another infection, my UC seems to settle down. I guess since it's busy fighting off an actual illness it doesn't have to attack myself.