I have a nasty cold right now, and I am thoroughly stuffed and mucused up and am hawking up gobs of unmentionable vileness. Considering that doctors have access to orders of magnitude more drugs than I can get OTC at the local pharmacy, are there near magical, highly effective drugs for congestion and sinus clearing that I can’t get over the counter?
I’m not looking to “cure” the cold (I know that’s not possible) but is there anything that will make the sinus symptoms go away without raping your nasal linings like the usual nasal decongestants (Afrin etc) do?
The best med decongestants (IMHO) was pulled from the market a number of years back, phenylpropanolamine. That leaves pretty much pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine for decongestants. Both are available over the counter.
Nasal steroid sprays are more suited for chronic congestion, and don’t give relief for colds, for the most part. Cromolyn sodium is good if you’re congested due to acute allergies, but only if you use it before symptoms get severe. Atropine-like nasal sprays will stop a steady drip, but won’t do much for congestion.
Meds containing antihistamines block allergies, and may dry one up a bit, but don’t decongest.
Best tip from is is SHORT TERM use of a decongestant spray like oxymetalazine for no more than 3 or 4 days, to open up when you’re really plugged, then lots and lots of nasal saline sprays or Neti pot flushes. And steam. And more saline, and more Neti pot flushing. neti pot