Tiffany Potter
Spring is officially here and after the recent blast of artic air, warmer weather is returning to the Tennessee Valley. As flowers and trees continue to bloom, the pollen count will soar and allergy season will be in full swing. Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications are good options for dealing with sinus and allergy symptoms but you need to make sure you choose a medication that will treat the symptoms you have. Tiffany Potter, APRN-BC, FNP-C at CHI Memorial Convenient Care – Cleveland, explains the different options.
· Antihistamines will help dry up a runny nose, diminish ear pressure, and dry up post-nasal drip that causes those morning sore throats. You may feel thirstier so drink more water to stay hydrated. Many OTC antihistamines are non-drowsy, however some are not including some night-time cough remedies. Taking antihistamines in the early evening hours can alleviate sinus symptoms through the night, and make the next day more tolerable. If you wait until bedtime, the medicine may have enough time to dry up nagging sinus drainage that will drain back into your throat and ears and chest when you lie down.
· Decongestants help loosen head congestion. That will cause your nose to run more and possibly a tickling cough due to drainage down the back of the throat. Decongestants will produce more symptoms that you will notice during the day such as increased runny nose, post-nasal drip, or drainage at the back of your throat. You may also experience increased coughing, depending on the amount of sinus drainage. Decongestants can also relieve sinus pressure and sinus headaches. Beware if you take medications for, or have, high blood pressure because decongestants will cause higher blood pressure temporarily.
· Expectorants helps loosen chest congestion primarily, not head congestion. An expectorant works on thick chest mucus and encourages coughing which enables you to cough it out.
· Nasal steroids are great options for sinus pressure. Using them once or twice a day, as directed, is a localized anti-inflammatory for your sinuses, helping you to breathe better and decrease nasal congestion. Try getting in a hot shower and tuck your chin when applying to nasal passages. Think “nose to toes” as you squirt the medication. Direct the applicator toward the corners of your eyes, NOT to the center of your nose, or forehead. This can cause irritation to your nasal septum, and possible nose bleeds with chronic use.
Take the time to read medication labels, especially combination medications. Many of them combine two or three of these types of medications to be “multi-symptom”. Choose one that will help your symptoms. Take all medications as prescribed.
Be proactive in your health. Start taking sinus and allergy medication now at the beginning of the seasonal allergy season and continue until the weather turns hot.