The Sinus Experiment: Day One

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

24 Jun 2006 07:10 AM

Over the last few days, I've been feeling the rumbles of an impending sinus infection. I've got the headache, with pain in the forehead and in the cheeks (below my eyes). I've started the nasal congestion, though so far my mucus has been clear. And I've got a general feeling of blah... my body is kind of achy, I have less energy than usual, and my appetite is funny.

My usual method is to just live with the discomfort until it either goes away or gets bad enough that I go to the doctor. But not this time, sinus infection! I have assembled a team of nasal crime fighters to do battle with the impending infection.

• Sinus Irrigation -- the lead fighter on my team of sinus superheroes. The plan is to rinse my sinuses at least once a day with warm salt water. Yes, it is incredibly gross. The sensation is not unlike getting tumbled under the ocean and swallowing a mouthful and noseful of water. But it helps clear out any gunk that may be lurking in the dark recesses of my nose.
• Rest -- if my body wants to nap, we're going to nap. Extra rest will help me fight the infection; wearing myself out will make me more susceptible to it.
• Goldenseal & Echinacea -- these two plants are super natural infection fighters. The Dynamic Duo of immune boosters, adding Echinacea and goldenseal supplements to my diet can't hurt. They don't interfere with other medications, generally, and are a safe alternative to going for antibiotics before the infection gets too bad.
• Fluids -- if there is an infection around here, I'm going to flush it out. Plenty of water and juice should do the trick.

So here I sit, having just irrigated my sinuses on Day One of the Sinus Experiment. I picked up Echinacea and goldenseal at the drug store, and the fridge is full of water, iced tea, and lemonade. If I can successfully chase the infection away without going to the doctor, I'll be using these crime fighters again for the next sinus invasion.

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Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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Michele Cheplic (37339) 24 Jun 2006 07:47 AM

Good Luck Aimee! My sinuses were so bad I had to have surgery a few years back. It was terrible. I am much better now, however, the doctors said the surgery is not a cure-all, I could have to have another in a few years. I pray that I don't. It was a horrible experience. Currently, I am enjoying life minus the severe sinus headaches.

Andrea M (2525) 24 Jun 2006 07:54 AM

Good Luck Aimee! I hope that it works for you! I happen to suffer from severe headaches so often and they are awful! Mine is due to a rare disease called pseudotumor cerebri or intercranial hypertension. It is not fun! But I hope that this works for you!

Aimee Amodio (11995) 24 Jun 2006 09:17 AM

I had sinus endoscopy when I was 19, Michelle, and it helped me go from having a sinus infection all the time to maybe getting an infection twice a year. Seems like almost every time I get sick, it goes straight to my sinuses.

Thanks for the good wishes, Andi and Michelle... hopefully I can fight this off before it gets too bad. If not... I get to visit my doctor the comedian. :)