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Chronic nasal congestion at night interferes with my sleep.

Posted by roca @roca, Jul 4 10:36pm

For 10+ years I have nasal congestion that keeps me from getting a good night's sleep. I have seen several doctors, but got no answers. I have tried every nasal spray, decongestant, nasal rinse, humidifier and everything else that has been recommended. The only thing that has worked, are the nasal sprays that can cause a dependency. I can use them very occasionally for three days at the most. Then I have to stay off of them for at least 3 days to a week. It is the only time I get a good night's sleep. Sleeping in a recliner helps occasionally. Any suggestions?

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vkzimmer50 | @vkzimmer50 | Jul 7 6:49am
In reply to @deberh "I had a series of blood test prescribed by my Allergy/Immunologist Dr which confirmed not only..." + (show)
Profile picture for deberh @deberh

I had a series of blood test prescribed by my Allergy/Immunologist Dr which confirmed not only my sensitivity to pollens, dust mites and pets, but also a long list of fragrance and food colorant, and very low immunity against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis and Pneumonia. So I got the DTP and pneumonia vaccines. However, regarding all the rashes and recurring sinus infection there was no particular recommendation other than to try to identify and avoid food, detergents, soaps containing fragrances. I showed the DO all the lab results and he suggested to try to apply nicotine patches because they would improve the immune system. His suggestion certainly worked for me and I am thankful for it.

If you have the time for it, you may want to enter into Google Search "using nicotine patches to improve immunity" and read only those that are not linked to any commercial purposes!
Here are two links about the subject:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36650574/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/nicotine-patches-long-covid-treatment-8705089

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Wow! Thank you for sharing!

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jc76 | @jc76 | Jul 7 5:12pm

@roca

When you have sinus issues my suggestion is to have ENT to do a sinus scope to rule out polyps and or issues with sinus openings.

I had serious congestion and would get sinus infections every month. I had one sinus surgeries that removed polyps and another sinus surgery to open up sinus passages. The opening of sinus openings stopped the congestion and promoting very good drainage and the sinus infections stopped

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roca | @roca | Jul 13 1:47am
In reply to @margvo "Have you considered that you might have nasal fungus/mold in your sinus passages? ENT doctors in..." + (show)
Profile picture for margvo @margvo

Have you considered that you might have nasal fungus/mold in your sinus passages? ENT doctors in my experience don't consider this. After seeing three ENT doctors who all just gave me steroid sprays (which are not good for my glaucoma) which just treat symptoms and not the cause, I then went to a naturopath and she found that I had an intolerance of certain molds by intolerance tests (or you can get an expensive blood test to confirm the existence of molds in your blood). I am now being treated for the molds and am having some good results. I have had bad sinuses and eustachian tube disfunction cause loss of hearing for more than two years.

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No, I have not considered mold. I go to a naturopath and will ask about this.
Thank you

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jnb | @jnb | Jul 13 11:02am

Tylenol Nighttime helps me, as well as a head pillow with some height. To rule out irritants in your pillow you might try a new memory-foam pillow with a slight dip in the center for your head. I like the Ecosa pillow; it comes with three thin layers of foam that you can insert to customize its height. You might also try adding to your bedtime routine a hot compress held to your upper face for a minute or two. For this, you can simply use your hottest tap water and a wrung-out wash cloth. The moisture may do some good as well as the heat. To minimize dust mites, vacuum often, change your pillowcase every few days, cover your bed in the daytime, and wash sheets, blankets, and bedspread weekly. Consider running an air purifier. War on dust mites!

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