croup? what do you do?

daisy · Guru

croup? what do you do?

Juanita · Guru

by vaporizer, do you mean cool mist humidifier, because that's what she needs

taking her out in the cool night air, getting in a hot steamy bathroom helps, there's really not any medicine for it besides steroids, and they don't like to do that too often

the cool air really helps though. I hope she feels better. cry

Supafly · Guru

Well, Jen has dealt with it with Gavin a whole lot, so I know she will chime in.

Anna has had croup a few times, and they told us there wasn't much we could do-we didn't even take her in again after the first diagnosis. Her cases have always been mild enough that it was awful to deal with, but she wasn't in any danger. So we used the vaporizer, steam in the bathroom, and they also told us to take her out in the cold air, which helped her too. Otherwise, we just tried to keep her calm (because if she got wound up or upset, it made her start barking again), gave her plenty to drink and such, and made sure she got the rest she needed-not that I got much, of course.

Hopefully Jen will have more input-she is an old pro with this, unfortunately.

Hugs to you and C-that is miserable.

daisy · Guru

Juanita wrote:

by vaporizer, do you mean cool mist humidifier, because that's what she needs

taking her out in the cool night air, getting in a hot steamy bathroom helps, there's really not any medicine for it besides steroids, and they don't like to do that too often

the cool air really helps though. I hope she feels better.

shoot no, i got a warm steam vaporizer (though i do have a cool mist in the trunk of my car - i didnt know which i needed so i got both, planning on returning one - i think they'd take this back though).
doesnt the warm steam one help with congestion and cold symptoms?
i asked the pharmacist and he said to get the warm steam.
but my nurse friend said vaporizer.
and i couldnt find a cool mist vaporizer. just a cool mist HUMIDIFIER. and i wasnt sure that was going to help with their congestion.
my friend said the same thing about the night air. though it's not "cool night air" here - it's FREEZING. she said that was ok - just bundle her in blankets and walk around for a few minutes.
thanks jenn.

Supafly · Guru

daisy wrote:

Juanita wrote:

by vaporizer, do you mean cool mist humidifier, because that's what she needs

taking her out in the cool night air, getting in a hot steamy bathroom helps, there's really not any medicine for it besides steroids, and they don't like to do that too often

the cool air really helps though. I hope she feels better.

shoot no, i got a warm steam vaporizer (though i do have a cool mist in the trunk of my car - i didnt know which i needed so i got both, planning on returning one - i think they'd take this back though).
doesnt the warm steam one help with congestion and cold symptoms?
i asked the pharmacist and he said to get the warm steam.
but my nurse friend said vaporizer.
and i couldnt find a cool mist vaporizer. just a cool mist HUMIDIFIER. and i wasnt sure that was going to help with their congestion.
my friend said the same thing about the night air. though it's not "cool night air" here - it's FREEZING. she said that was ok - just bundle her in blankets and walk around for a few minutes.
thanks jenn.

Kelly, we have both too, but I am pretty sure I used the vaporizer with croup. In fact I think I dug out and cleaned my old one that steams a LOT and used that. It definitely helped.

The cold air does help too-worth a try.

Juanita · Guru

daisy wrote:

Juanita wrote:

by vaporizer, do you mean cool mist humidifier, because that's what she needs

taking her out in the cool night air, getting in a hot steamy bathroom helps, there's really not any medicine for it besides steroids, and they don't like to do that too often

the cool air really helps though. I hope she feels better.

shoot no, i got a warm steam vaporizer (though i do have a cool mist in the trunk of my car - i didnt know which i needed so i got both, planning on returning one - i think they'd take this back though).
doesnt the warm steam one help with congestion and cold symptoms?
i asked the pharmacist and he said to get the warm steam.
but my nurse friend said vaporizer.
and i couldnt find a cool mist vaporizer. just a cool mist HUMIDIFIER. and i wasnt sure that was going to help with their congestion.
my friend said the same thing about the night air. though it's not "cool night air" here - it's FREEZING. she said that was ok - just bundle her in blankets and walk around for a few minutes.
thanks jenn.

the warm steam helps like in the bathroom, but everything i've ever read or seen says cool mist, either with a vaporizer of humidifier

daisy · Guru

Supafly wrote:

Well, Jen has dealt with it with Gavin a whole lot, so I know she will chime in.

Anna has had croup a few times, and they told us there wasn't much we could do-we didn't even take her in again after the first diagnosis. Her cases have always been mild enough that it was awful to deal with, but she wasn't in any danger. So we used the vaporizer, steam in the bathroom, and they also told us to take her out in the cold air, which helped her too. Otherwise, we just tried to keep her calm (because if she got wound up or upset, it made her start barking again), gave her plenty to drink and such, and made sure she got the rest she needed-not that I got much, of course.

Hopefully Jen will have more input-she is an old pro with this, unfortunately.

Hugs to you and C-that is miserable.

oh really? see i would say this is VERY mild. she doesnt really have much of a barking cough. i thought *that* was the telltale sign - but my friend said it's more the inhale that is telltale.

so is your vaporizer cool mist or warm steam?? i'm so mixed up now! i think warm steam with the vicks vapor liquid stuff will be perfect for rachel (she just is constantly coughing and congested at night) -- but with cara, it's less of a chronic thing and more of a "right now" issue - i wonder if i should open this other humidifier in my trunk...

thanks laura!!

Supafly · Guru

daisy wrote:

Supafly wrote:

Well, Jen has dealt with it with Gavin a whole lot, so I know she will chime in.

Anna has had croup a few times, and they told us there wasn't much we could do-we didn't even take her in again after the first diagnosis. Her cases have always been mild enough that it was awful to deal with, but she wasn't in any danger. So we used the vaporizer, steam in the bathroom, and they also told us to take her out in the cold air, which helped her too. Otherwise, we just tried to keep her calm (because if she got wound up or upset, it made her start barking again), gave her plenty to drink and such, and made sure she got the rest she needed-not that I got much, of course.

Hopefully Jen will have more input-she is an old pro with this, unfortunately.

Hugs to you and C-that is miserable.

oh really? see i would say this is VERY mild. she doesnt really have much of a barking cough. i thought *that* was the telltale sign - but my friend said it's more the inhale that is telltale.
so is your vaporizer cool mist or warm steam?? i'm so mixed up now! i think warm steam with the vicks vapor liquid stuff will be perfect for rachel (she just is constantly coughing and congested at night) -- but with cara, it's less of a chronic thing and more of a "right now" issue - i wonder if i should open this other humidifier in my trunk...
thanks laura!!

Yeah, Anna started barking like a seal!!! The inhaling was obvious too, but she was doing both. It FREAKED me out the first time!!! But for us, it seemed to ease up fairly quickly. not like some of the congestion and colds that go on forever. I hope C's case is the same way and goes away fast-keep us posted!!

daisy · Guru

Supafly wrote:

daisy wrote:

Juanita wrote:

by vaporizer, do you mean cool mist humidifier, because that's what she needs

taking her out in the cool night air, getting in a hot steamy bathroom helps, there's really not any medicine for it besides steroids, and they don't like to do that too often

the cool air really helps though. I hope she feels better.

shoot no, i got a warm steam vaporizer (though i do have a cool mist in the trunk of my car - i didnt know which i needed so i got both, planning on returning one - i think they'd take this back though).
doesnt the warm steam one help with congestion and cold symptoms?
i asked the pharmacist and he said to get the warm steam.
but my nurse friend said vaporizer.
and i couldnt find a cool mist vaporizer. just a cool mist HUMIDIFIER. and i wasnt sure that was going to help with their congestion.
my friend said the same thing about the night air. though it's not "cool night air" here - it's FREEZING. she said that was ok - just bundle her in blankets and walk around for a few minutes.
thanks jenn.

Kelly, we have both too, but I am pretty sure I used the vaporizer with croup. In fact I think I dug out and cleaned my old one that steams a LOT and used that. It definitely helped.

The cold air does help too-worth a try.

yeah i have a regular humidifier downstairs in the basement - i was tempted to dig that up last night, but i know it's gross down there and i just thought i'd start brand new. who realized how confusing these things are.

the good news is that R isnt coughing at ALL up there right now, which is a miracle - so i think it's working well for her - and C is coughing a ton less than last night. last night she woke up at like 11 saying "i cant breathe!!" - scared the sh*t out of me!!! that's why i had my friend go up there and listen to her for a bit. i was really glad someone was over, bc mike is always just like "she's fine" kwim?

Juanita · Guru

Kelly, I copy and pasted this:

For most children with viral croup, spasmodic croup or infectious laryngitis the following simple measures are all that is necessary to alleviate the symptoms:

Administer mist therapy which involves sitting in a steam-filled bathroom, with the window open and the door closed. Turn on the hot water in the shower or tub and let the room fill up with steam. Sit with the child in the room, with the water still running, for 10 minutes. Bundle the child up in warm clothes and take them outside in the cool night air for 10-15 minutes. Use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier in the child's room Give the child plenty of clear fluids such as apple juice, water or popsicles to suck on Treat the fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol or Tempra) Avoid smoke or smoke-filled rooms. Keep the child calm and reassured

Supafly · Guru

Juanita wrote:

daisy wrote:

Juanita wrote:

by vaporizer, do you mean cool mist humidifier, because that's what she needs

taking her out in the cool night air, getting in a hot steamy bathroom helps, there's really not any medicine for it besides steroids, and they don't like to do that too often

the cool air really helps though. I hope she feels better.

shoot no, i got a warm steam vaporizer (though i do have a cool mist in the trunk of my car - i didnt know which i needed so i got both, planning on returning one - i think they'd take this back though).
doesnt the warm steam one help with congestion and cold symptoms?
i asked the pharmacist and he said to get the warm steam.
but my nurse friend said vaporizer.
and i couldnt find a cool mist vaporizer. just a cool mist HUMIDIFIER. and i wasnt sure that was going to help with their congestion.
my friend said the same thing about the night air. though it's not "cool night air" here - it's FREEZING. she said that was ok - just bundle her in blankets and walk around for a few minutes.
thanks jenn.

the warm steam helps like in the bathroom, but everything i've ever read or seen says cool mist, either with a vaporizer of humidifier

And see, I have heard the opposite, like Kelly! IDK-but the steam vaporizer definitely helped Anna when she used to get croupy. :dunno:

daisy · Guru

Juanita wrote:

Kelly, I copy and pasted this:

For most children with viral croup, spasmodic croup or infectious laryngitis the following simple measures are all that is necessary to alleviate the symptoms:

Administer mist therapy which involves sitting in a steam-filled bathroom, with the window open and the door closed. Turn on the hot water in the shower or tub and let the room fill up with steam. Sit with the child in the room, with the water still running, for 10 minutes. Bundle the child up in warm clothes and take them outside in the cool night air for 10-15 minutes. Use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier in the child's room Give the child plenty of clear fluids such as apple juice, water or popsicles to suck on Treat the fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol or Tempra) Avoid smoke or smoke-filled rooms. Keep the child calm and reassured

cool thanks. i didnt want to google it because i am trying to stop researching medical issues - it just causes anxiety for me, even with something minor like croup. i'd rather just ask someone who has experience with it.

so here's what i'm gathering.

vaporizers can be cool mist or warm mist.

and humidifiers are always cool?

Supafly · Guru

daisy wrote:

Supafly wrote:

daisy wrote:

Juanita wrote:

by vaporizer, do you mean cool mist humidifier, because that's what she needs

taking her out in the cool night air, getting in a hot steamy bathroom helps, there's really not any medicine for it besides steroids, and they don't like to do that too often

the cool air really helps though. I hope she feels better.

shoot no, i got a warm steam vaporizer (though i do have a cool mist in the trunk of my car - i didnt know which i needed so i got both, planning on returning one - i think they'd take this back though).
doesnt the warm steam one help with congestion and cold symptoms?
i asked the pharmacist and he said to get the warm steam.
but my nurse friend said vaporizer.
and i couldnt find a cool mist vaporizer. just a cool mist HUMIDIFIER. and i wasnt sure that was going to help with their congestion.
my friend said the same thing about the night air. though it's not "cool night air" here - it's FREEZING. she said that was ok - just bundle her in blankets and walk around for a few minutes.
thanks jenn.

Kelly, we have both too, but I am pretty sure I used the vaporizer with croup. In fact I think I dug out and cleaned my old one that steams a LOT and used that. It definitely helped.

The cold air does help too-worth a try.

yeah i have a regular humidifier downstairs in the basement - i was tempted to dig that up last night, but i know it's gross down there and i just thought i'd start brand new. who realized how confusing these things are.
the good news is that R isnt coughing at ALL up there right now, which is a miracle - so i think it's working well for her - and C is coughing a ton less than last night. last night she woke up at like 11 saying "i cant breathe!!" - scared the sh*t out of me!!! that's why i had my friend go up there and listen to her for a bit. i was really glad someone was over, bc mike is always just like "she's fine" kwim?

UGH-men!!! But I have to say, when Bill heard her the first time she had croup, HE was the one who said call and make an appt. I tell you, he was freaked out by it too!!!

I am all for starting brand new too-even though I thoroughly cleaned this one I had, I felt odd about using it. Honestly, I would feel better just investing in new humidifiers/vaporizers every year. They get SO nasty and I do NOT want to risk circulating any of that in the air where my children sleep.

I'm glad R isn't coughing-that is awesome! See-both mine have had a bad phlegmy cough, but I refuse to get out the humidifiers because I am convinced they are filled with mold and germs, lol. I should just go get a couple of new ones-they aren't that much, really...

Juanita · Guru

daisy wrote:

Juanita wrote:

Kelly, I copy and pasted this:

For most children with viral croup, spasmodic croup or infectious laryngitis the following simple measures are all that is necessary to alleviate the symptoms:

Administer mist therapy which involves sitting in a steam-filled bathroom, with the window open and the door closed. Turn on the hot water in the shower or tub and let the room fill up with steam. Sit with the child in the room, with the water still running, for 10 minutes. Bundle the child up in warm clothes and take them outside in the cool night air for 10-15 minutes. Use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier in the child's room Give the child plenty of clear fluids such as apple juice, water or popsicles to suck on Treat the fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol or Tempra) Avoid smoke or smoke-filled rooms. Keep the child calm and reassured

cool thanks. i didnt want to google it because i am trying to stop researching medical issues - it just causes anxiety for me, even with something minor like croup. i'd rather just ask someone who has experience with it.
so here's what i'm gathering.
vaporizers can be cool mist or warm mist.
and humidifiers are always cool?

i honestly don't think it matters if it's cool or warm, it's the steam that helps

and yes i think humidifiers are always cool

daisy · Guru

same with me laura, i'm on major "pure air patrol" lately - we're dealing with the basement, had the house tested for radon (PHEW - we're totally fine) - etc.
this is what i got: http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Vaporizers-and-Humidifiers/Warm-Steam-Vaporizer/ID=prod16092&navCount=1&navAction=push-product?V=G&ec=frgl_809782&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku316092

i got it for $20 at the local pharmacy. the other ones i got that are in the trunk were $40 each (humidifiers, not vaporizers). i might keep one for downstairs while they're playing or even in my bedroom since inevitably, someone ends up in my bed every night. i think i could benefit from one myself, since i'm always getting sinus infections. yeah ok i just made up my mind, i'm keeping one of the ones from the trunk. tempted to go out and get it now. :)

Supafly · Guru

daisy wrote:

same with me laura, i'm on major "pure air patrol" lately - we're dealing with the basement, had the house tested for radon (PHEW - we're totally fine) - etc.
this is what i got: http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Vaporizers-and-Humidifiers/Warm-Steam-Vaporizer/ID=prod16092&navCount=1&navAction=push-product?V=G&ec=frgl_809782&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku316092

i got it for $20 at the local pharmacy. the other ones i got that are in the trunk were $40 each (humidifiers, not vaporizers). i might keep one for downstairs while they're playing or even in my bedroom since inevitably, someone ends up in my bed every night. i think i could benefit from one myself, since i'm always getting sinus infections. yeah ok i just made up my mind, i'm keeping one of the ones from the trunk. tempted to go out and get it now. :)

I think we have that same vaporizer!

Also, with the sinuses, do you use a neti pot or similar? I have had so many sinus infections it is ridiculous-and since I have drug allergies, I have ended up on some hard hitting abx for them over the years. Then I got this, and it has saved me. I don't use it every single day anymore, but I use it a lot through out the season (I boil it often, of course) and I haven't had a single sinus infection since. I also use this grapefruit seed extract spray, and it is a HUGE help. The two things combine (used before things get out of hand-it has to be preventative) have kept me from being on any abx for sinuses. SO worth it!!

-- Edited by Supafly on Sunday 27th of December 2009 08:48:53 PM

daisy · Guru

Supafly wrote:

daisy wrote:

same with me laura, i'm on major "pure air patrol" lately - we're dealing with the basement, had the house tested for radon (PHEW - we're totally fine) - etc.
this is what i got: http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Vaporizers-and-Humidifiers/Warm-Steam-Vaporizer/ID=prod16092&navCount=1&navAction=push-product?V=G&ec=frgl_809782&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku316092

i got it for $20 at the local pharmacy. the other ones i got that are in the trunk were $40 each (humidifiers, not vaporizers). i might keep one for downstairs while they're playing or even in my bedroom since inevitably, someone ends up in my bed every night. i think i could benefit from one myself, since i'm always getting sinus infections. yeah ok i just made up my mind, i'm keeping one of the ones from the trunk. tempted to go out and get it now. :)

I think we have that same vaporizer!

Also, with the sinuses, do you use a neti pot or similar? I have had so many sinus infections it is ridiculous-and since I have drug allergies, I have ended up on some hard hitting abx for them over the years. Then I got this, and it has saved me. I don't use it every single day anymore, but I use it a lot through out the season (I boil it often, of course) and I haven't had a single sinus infection since. I also use this grapefruit seed extract spray, and it is a HUGE help. The two things combine (used before things get out of hand-it has to be preventative) have kept me from being on any abx for sinuses. SO worth it!!

-- Edited by Supafly on Sunday 27th of December 2009 08:48:53 PM

ooo, no i never tried anything on my own for my sinuses except breathing in steam, but my sinuses get so bad that i literally cant breathe at ALL. i almost bought this thing today :
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14773495&RN=1199
but i didnt know much about it so i decided against it.
maybe i'll look into the stuff you posted. seems like i need to go the preventive route too, rather than "treat it once it happens."
even though i'm not TOTALLY convinced that the sinuses and vertigo are associated for me, it sure is weird that i get a month's worth of vertigo after every sinus infection. the sinus crap i can deal with, but the vertigo i really cant bear anymore.

eta: that link i just showed you is a neti pot. i didnt realize you mentioned that above. have you used that? the link you showed me isnt a neti pot, right? that's something different?i'm really uneducated in this whole area. do you think i should get the neti in that BB&B link?

-- Edited by daisy on Sunday 27th of December 2009 08:56:29 PM

Supafly · Guru

daisy wrote:

Supafly wrote:

daisy wrote:

same with me laura, i'm on major "pure air patrol" lately - we're dealing with the basement, had the house tested for radon (PHEW - we're totally fine) - etc.
this is what i got: http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Vaporizers-and-Humidifiers/Warm-Steam-Vaporizer/ID=prod16092&navCount=1&navAction=push-product?V=G&ec=frgl_809782&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku316092

i got it for $20 at the local pharmacy. the other ones i got that are in the trunk were $40 each (humidifiers, not vaporizers). i might keep one for downstairs while they're playing or even in my bedroom since inevitably, someone ends up in my bed every night. i think i could benefit from one myself, since i'm always getting sinus infections. yeah ok i just made up my mind, i'm keeping one of the ones from the trunk. tempted to go out and get it now. :)

I think we have that same vaporizer!

Also, with the sinuses, do you use a neti pot or similar? I have had so many sinus infections it is ridiculous-and since I have drug allergies, I have ended up on some hard hitting abx for them over the years. Then I got this, and it has saved me. I don't use it every single day anymore, but I use it a lot through out the season (I boil it often, of course) and I haven't had a single sinus infection since. I also use this grapefruit seed extract spray, and it is a HUGE help. The two things combine (used before things get out of hand-it has to be preventative) have kept me from being on any abx for sinuses. SO worth it!!

-- Edited by Supafly on Sunday 27th of December 2009 08:48:53 PM

ooo, no i never tried anything on my own for my sinuses except breathing in steam, but my sinuses get so bad that i literally cant breathe at ALL. i almost bought this thing today :
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14773495&RN=1199
but i didnt know much about it so i decided against it.
maybe i'll look into the stuff you posted. seems like i need to go the preventive route too, rather than "treat it once it happens."
even though i'm not TOTALLY convinced that the sinuses and vertigo are associated for me, it sure is weird that i get a month's worth of vertigo after every sinus infection. the sinus crap i can deal with, but the vertigo i really cant bear anymore.
eta: that link i just showed you is a neti pot. i didnt realize you mentioned that above. have you used that? the link you showed me isnt a neti pot, right? that's something different?i'm really uneducated in this whole area. do you think i should get the neti in that BB&B link?

-- Edited by daisy on Sunday 27th of December 2009 08:56:29 PM

That is so interesting to me-I have had issues with vertigo as well, as you know, but never stopped to notice if it went along with sinus problems...huh. ITA with you though-I can handle the sinus pain-the vertigo is truly debilitating.

Anyway, the nasal syringe I have is the exact same premise as a neti pot. It is just a slightly different method, and I think easier. With the neti pot, you fill it with warm salt water (I buy pre-measured salt packets because I use it in the bathroom and am too lazy to measure out the salt), bend over the sink and tilt your head, pour in one nostril and it flows out the other side. With the syringe, you fill it with warm salt water, bend over but without tilting, and slowly push the plunger so that the water goes in one side and flows out the other. I like it though because I don't have to tilt, and I can push the plunger harder if I need to. Sometimes that is needed for me to get out some gunk that is built up in there (and it is very satisfying when a glob of green snot comes out, lol). Either one will work-they both do the same thing. It is totally preference. The syringe can be boiled, which is how I generally clean it. I would think you could put a neti pot through the dishwasher or hand wash.

So either one!! But it is a HUGE help. And the spray I know is available at Whole Foods-it might be elsewhere too, but I have gotten it there in the past. It stings a bit when your sinuses are inflammed, but it helps a TON. Whenever I am having pressure and pain, using that helps it immediately. I HIGHLY recommend both the spray and the neti pot or syringe.

daisy · Guru

Supafly wrote:

daisy wrote:

Supafly wrote:

daisy wrote:

same with me laura, i'm on major "pure air patrol" lately - we're dealing with the basement, had the house tested for radon (PHEW - we're totally fine) - etc.
this is what i got: http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Vaporizers-and-Humidifiers/Warm-Steam-Vaporizer/ID=prod16092&navCount=1&navAction=push-product?V=G&ec=frgl_809782&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku316092

i got it for $20 at the local pharmacy. the other ones i got that are in the trunk were $40 each (humidifiers, not vaporizers). i might keep one for downstairs while they're playing or even in my bedroom since inevitably, someone ends up in my bed every night. i think i could benefit from one myself, since i'm always getting sinus infections. yeah ok i just made up my mind, i'm keeping one of the ones from the trunk. tempted to go out and get it now. :)

I think we have that same vaporizer!

Also, with the sinuses, do you use a neti pot or similar? I have had so many sinus infections it is ridiculous-and since I have drug allergies, I have ended up on some hard hitting abx for them over the years. Then I got this, and it has saved me. I don't use it every single day anymore, but I use it a lot through out the season (I boil it often, of course) and I haven't had a single sinus infection since. I also use this grapefruit seed extract spray, and it is a HUGE help. The two things combine (used before things get out of hand-it has to be preventative) have kept me from being on any abx for sinuses. SO worth it!!

-- Edited by Supafly on Sunday 27th of December 2009 08:48:53 PM

ooo, no i never tried anything on my own for my sinuses except breathing in steam, but my sinuses get so bad that i literally cant breathe at ALL. i almost bought this thing today :
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14773495&RN=1199
but i didnt know much about it so i decided against it.
maybe i'll look into the stuff you posted. seems like i need to go the preventive route too, rather than "treat it once it happens."
even though i'm not TOTALLY convinced that the sinuses and vertigo are associated for me, it sure is weird that i get a month's worth of vertigo after every sinus infection. the sinus crap i can deal with, but the vertigo i really cant bear anymore.
eta: that link i just showed you is a neti pot. i didnt realize you mentioned that above. have you used that? the link you showed me isnt a neti pot, right? that's something different?i'm really uneducated in this whole area. do you think i should get the neti in that BB&B link?

-- Edited by daisy on Sunday 27th of December 2009 08:56:29 PM

That is so interesting to me-I have had issues with vertigo as well, as you know, but never stopped to notice if it went along with sinus problems...huh. ITA with you though-I can handle the sinus pain-the vertigo is truly debilitating.

Anyway, the nasal syringe I have is the exact same premise as a neti pot. It is just a slightly different method, and I think easier. With the neti pot, you fill it with warm salt water (I buy pre-measured salt packets because I use it in the bathroom and am too lazy to measure out the salt), bend over the sink and tilt your head, pour in one nostril and it flows out the other side. With the syringe, you fill it with warm salt water, bend over but without tilting, and slowly push the plunger so that the water goes in one side and flows out the other. I like it though because I don't have to tilt, and I can push the plunger harder if I need to. Sometimes that is needed for me to get out some gunk that is built up in there (and it is very satisfying when a glob of green snot comes out, lol). Either one will work-they both do the same thing. It is totally preference. The syringe can be boiled, which is how I generally clean it. I would think you could put a neti pot through the dishwasher or hand wash.

So either one!! But it is a HUGE help. And the spray I know is available at Whole Foods-it might be elsewhere too, but I have gotten it there in the past. It stings a bit when your sinuses are inflammed, but it helps a TON. Whenever I am having pressure and pain, using that helps it immediately. I HIGHLY recommend both the spray and the neti pot or syringe.

awesome info, thanks. flowing through one nostril and out the other makes me absolutely ILL, but i guess you get used to it? i'd love nothing more than to see big green globs of snot loosen up - ahhhhhhhhh.

Supafly · Guru

daisy wrote:

awesome info, thanks. flowing through one nostril and out the other makes me absolutely ILL, but i guess you get used to it? i'd love nothing more than to see big green globs of snot loosen up - ahhhhhhhhh.

It is very weird at first, and it took me a LONG time to warm up to the idea of trying it. But finally, things got so bad that I had to suck it up and try it. The first time I did it, I felt like I was drowning for the first few seconds, but then I realized it wasn't bad. Now it is just something I do and it isn't odd at all-it is actually very soothing!!! I have a SIL who struggles with her sinuses too, and I keep telling her to try it-it is worth it, I PROMISE it is. If it doesn't help you or you can't get used to using it, I will send you a check for what you spent buying it, you have my word!!!