topic Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions! in Community Chat

Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

AngelPuppy1 — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 07:44:13 GMT

I hope someone can offer some suggestions!

I caught a bad cold from a co-worker. I started out with sore throat (which has passed) and now I have some coughing (not much). This is my 6th day!!!

My main problem right now is a stuffy nose and runny nose at the same time. I cannot sleep at all! How is it possible to have both at the same time?

I have been drinking so much hot tea --- I can't drink any more! I have been taking over the counter stuff which is not helping much with the problem.

I did have some congestion in the chest at first but this doesn't seem to be much of a problem now.

My nose is running so profusely that I have to blow it constantly. But now, it is very stuffy as well.

I am just at a loss. As you can see from the time, I am up. I have probably only slept an hour all night. And not much more the night before.

Any suggestions on what I can take over the counter or what I could do would be helpful!

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

betteb — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:26:45 GMT

I feel your pain Angel. I've had some kind of crud for going on a week now.

You need to take a multi-symptom something.You need both an antihistamine and a decongestant. You have both stuffy and runny because you have swelling of the tissue in your nasal passages (stuffy/decongestant) and you are over producing mucus (runny/antihistamine).

Allegra D, Claritin D, Alka-Seltzer Plus, etc

Hope you feel better soon.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

esmeraldagooch — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 09:27:28 GMT

A Netti pot with warm distilled salt water.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

AngelPuppy1 — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 09:30:32 GMT

betteb: I am sorry you have been feeling sick and hope you are better now!

esmeraldagooch: Thanks for this suggestion!

I have been taking a bunch of stuff over the counter but obviously it hasn't been the right stuff!

I am miserable --- and desperately need a good night's sleep!

Thanks so much for your kind replies!

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

ID2 — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 10:28:59 GMT

OP what did your doctor tell you??

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

insomniac — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 10:56:43 GMT

Vicks Vapor-Rub.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

AngelPuppy1 — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 10:53:30 GMT

Went to Med X-Press. Said that I probably started out with a cold which turned into a bad sinus infection, which then went into some sort of bronchial thing. So, I got a prescription, plus they said to continue with Mucinex and if I don't get significantly better in a few more days, to come back.

I actually was able to get some sleep last night. I still feel rotten but do see some slight improvement.

I thank you for your replies and concern!!!

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

sfnative — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 19:38:21 GMT

Zyrtec

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

sophiamarie — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 19:43:22 GMT

I had the same exact thing. Started out with a sore throat and then the stuffiness. I bought Contac (day and night capsules in the same box) and it worked like a miracle. It dried me up completely at night and I slept like a baby. During the day, it doesn't make you drowsy either.

It started on a Saturday and I went to the doctor on Monday for the swab, which came back "negative" and when I told him what I was taking, he said "keep taking it" LOL...... It worked for me.

Couldn't hurt to give it a try.... I hope you feel better. We both had it for exactly 3 weeks, and then one day, boom - it was gone....

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

RainCityGirl — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 19:45:41 GMT

As long as you don't use it more than once a day, Afrin nasal spray really helps you breathe when you're trying to sleep.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

Madisson — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 22:21:38 GMT

When a cold first starts, you get a runny nose first until the nasal passages dry out...and then you can't breathe (get stuffy). Afrin nasal spray (oxymetazalone) can be used every 12 hours and will open up your nasal passages within a couple minutes. Don't use it more than 3 days though without your doctor's permission.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

betteb — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 22:33:12 GMT

On 3/25/2015 AngelPuppy1 said:
Went to Med X-Press. Said that I probably started out with a cold which turned into a bad sinus infection, which then went into some sort of bronchial thing. So, I got a prescription, plus they said to continue with Mucinex and if I don't get significantly better in a few more days, to come back.

I actually was able to get some sleep last night. I still feel rotten but do see some slight improvement.

I thank you for your replies and concern!!!

I'm glad you went to the Dr. I did the same. My swab screen was negative, but since I have other chronic things, he gave me 5 day course of Amoxicillin. I can't take decongestants so I've been using Nasacort OTC and Mucinex during the day and a swig of Nyquil at night. I feel a bit better, but it looks like it's gonna be a slow road to recovery.

I hope you're feeling better.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

NoelSeven — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 22:38:33 GMT

Could it be allergies? Which I suppose you could have on top of a cold.

This is supposed to be the worst allergy season in a long time.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

LucyGoose — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 22:43:32 GMT

Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

Have you been to the doctor about it? I would probably take Nyquil and try to sleep it off as much as I can.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

Sister Golden Hair — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 04:22:41 GMT

Saline nasal spray

It is like using salt water for your throat.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

AngelPuppy1 — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 11:28:01 GMT

I thank you for your concern and replies! It's so nice to commiserate with others. Some how when you do this, you don't feel quite as terrible!!!

Oh, my --- 3 weeks??? Oh, boy, I hope it doesn't take that long. I am exhausted right now.

Every time I start to think I am getting better, then I get worse and/or get another symptom.

I was coughing a little at the start but not real badly. Now, last night, I started getting these horrible coughing fits. You know the kind where you start coughing, can't stop, can't catch your breath and tears run down your face? I did this most of last night. So, this morning, of course, I am exhausted.

I am going to the drug store again before work and I'm going to ask the pharmacist if he has any recommendations, too.

I just never realized that you could get a stuffy nose and runny nose at the same time. Unbelievable!

I hope you all feel better --- really soon! I know --- oh, how well I know --- how miserable you feel!!!

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

JuJu Squeezie — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:56:05 GMT

Plunger, clean and unused of course.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

violann — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:33:45 GMT

On 3/25/2015 Sister Golden Hair said:
Saline nasal spray

It is like using salt water for your throat.

I started using this (Ayr) 2 months ago, and I'm amazed how well it works for me with this specific problem, OP.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

betteb — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 14:54:11 GMT

On 3/26/2015 JuJu Squeezie said:
Plunger, clean and unused of course.

Re: Health Issue - Stuffy nose & runny nose at the same time -- can't sleep -- what to do? Please offer suggestions!

AngelPuppy1 — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 11:01:01 GMT

Thank you for the suggestion of a plunger!!! LOL!!! That is next! I have tried almost everything else!!!

Thanks everyone!

What does the saline nasal spray do exactly and do you use it always or just when you have issues, i.e., the need for a plunger?

The pharmacist recommended that I use Claritin D for the stuffy nose/runny nose, and it has helped a good bit.

Now, if I could just get this coughing under control!!!