What is the best OTC medicine for sinus congestion?
921503
pseudoephedrine(generic)/ Sudaphed(brand name)  would be the most effective choice to combat sinus congestion, both the generic and the brand name are equally effective. If you are experiencing rhinorrhea/"runny nose" in addition to the congestion, you would need to take an antihistamine like diphenhydramine/Benadryl to alleviate that symptom. However, diphenhydramine/Benadryl can cause drowsiness. If the congestion is accompanied by pain you might want to try taking an over the counter analgesic like Advil or Tylenol. The medicines I've mentioned are all available over the counter. If these symptoms persist for longer then ten days,  I would recommend making an appointment to see your doctor.
234509
One of the most effective treatments for chronic sinus problem is the use of a "netty pot".  They are availble in many drug stores and Wal-Marts.  They are a small container with a spout used with saline to wash your sinuses out.  Studies have found them to be as effective as medical treatments in releaving chronic sinus troubles in many cases. Please have your problems checked out  by a doctor or other medical professional.  While this is a great option for many people only after a thorough exam and history can your properly diagnosed and the best treatment option be determined.
158328
leamon tea with honey. the honey coats your throat, preventing it from becoming sore, while the tea vapor and heat will help to unclog sinuses.
275003
For OTC drugs I suggest Alavert. (It's a different brand of Claritin, but works best for me) For prescription drugs try Hismanal. Air purifiers dont work well, but humidifiers DO. Just get one at Wal-Mart. No, you should not get an inhaler. Buy surgical masks to wear when you go outside. I do it. It might look funny, but I'm a heck of a lot more comfortable! Also, drink lots of fluids. Vacuuming regularly will not help with pollen allergies, but will help with other types of allergies.
707595
I can't answer this better than you doctor can, but if you want something over the counter that works well, I've found Maximum Strength Sudafed gellcaps to be the most effective over the counter decongestant,.  I would also add that you should steer clear of over the counter nasal sprays as they are incredibly addictive.
668024
There are antihistamines (histamine blockers) and decongestants and combinations. \n\nAntihistamines block the receptors that allergens connect to that make your eyes and nose run. They "dry you up". \n\nDecongestants help shrink the mucous membranes and allow your sinuses to drain. They don't dry you up, but they allow everything to drain (down your throat, and sometimes you get a runny nose) so pressure doesn't build up.\n\nwith both, you need to drink a lot of fluids to keep your system in balance.
796438
I go along with the steam treatment to loosen up the stuffy head.  It won't give you long term relief, but sometimes a short reprieve is better than none!  Simply laying down with a hot wash cloth over your face will bring some relief.\n\nDo you have anything mentholated?  Maybe a joint cream like Flexall?  They will work to temporarily clear sinuses.
308309
There are two main reasons and lots of other small stuff I won't mention. One, Your nose can get blocked by secretions of mucous from the membranes that line your sinuses and nose. The mucous in normal amounts keeps the tissues moist and provides some protection for them by trapping dust, airborne bacteria and viruses, etc. and helping to move them out of your nose and sinuses. When allergy or infection irritates the mucous membranes they can secret much more mucous than normal to try and protect themselves. This kind of "congestion responds well to a decongestant such as psuedofed (OTC). Two, the other kind of stuffiness is caused by swelling of the same tissues because they are irritated. Again, breathing dust or pollen, or animal dander, etc. -depends on what you are allergic to - can cause this swelling to occur. This kind of congestion responds well to antihistamines or histamine blockers. Benadryl is the most common (OTC) histamine blocker.\n\nSometimes (pretty often actually) both things happen at once and an antihistamine and decongestant combination is presribed. They don't typically work all that well because they usually interfere with each other. I treat the worst symptom and live with the other one. Congestion caused by swelling usually produces some facial tenderness and or sinus pressure or pain. Mucous congestion usually doesn't. \n\nIf you want to avoid medicine, moist steam from a portable facial sauna can help and so can steam from a sink full of hot water - just throw a towel over your head to trap the steam and breathe for a few minutes. Even a good hot shower helps. Hope you feel better soon.\n\nFinally, If none of this works you probably have sinusitis or a sinus infection. They are hard to treat and really require access to medication you can't get without a prescription. See a doctor.
1116653
hot tea with honey or sugar.\n\nchloreseptic losenges.\n\nsinus pills - if they knock you out take them at night - also try allergy pills to dry out sinuses - the post nasel drip may be causing it\n\nzinc losenges (only 1-2 a day or they upset the tummy)\n\ncheck with your dr if it gets worse.
685967
Have you been checked for a sinus infection?\n\nSinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. A sinus infection can cause a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head\nHome care can help open the sinuses and alleviate their dryness. \n\n\n\nPromote drainage \n\n\nDrink plenty of water and hydrating beverages. Hot tea is often recommended. \n\n\nInhale steam 2-4 times per day by leaning over a bowl of boiling hot water (not while the water is on the stove) or using a steam vaporizer with a towel over the head and bowl to prevent the escape of the steam. Inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Taking a hot, steamy shower may also work. Mentholated preparations, such as Vicks Vapo-Rub, can be added to the water or vaporizer to aid in opening the passageways. \n\n\nThin the mucus: Expectorants are drugs that help to expel mucus from the lungs and respiratory passages. They help to thin mucous secretions, enhancing drainage from the sinuses. The most common is guaifenesin (contained in Robitussin, for example). Over-the-counter (OTC) liquid cough medications or prescription tablets can also combine decongestants and cough suppressants to reduce symptoms as well as to eliminate the need for the use of many medications. Read label ingredients to find the right combination of ingredients or ask the pharmacist for help. \n\n\nRelieve pain: Pain medication such as ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil are examples), aspirin, and acetaminophen (Tylenol is in this category) can reduce pain and inflammation. These medications help to open the airways by reducing swelling.
738506
I get sinus infections alot w/ my allergies. I suffer from Post Nasal drip, the best thing i found to relieve it is Sine-Off, it works the best and is the only medicine known to say it relieve post nasal drip right on the label. \n\nYou can find it at family dollar and other stores. i have provided a link to make it easier to locate for you. \n\nalso you can use vapo-rub from vicks. either put some on your neck and chest or fill a sink with steamy hot water and put a heaping tablespoon in the water to melt and hold your head above the water to inhale the vapors with a towel tented over you to keep in the heat and vapors. that also helps alot. I use the generic version its the same thing and alot cheaper. works just as great.
1074641
Get a humidifier or vaporiser and plug it in for awhile.  This will add moisture to the air and help with your dry sinus. Also make sure you drink plenty of liquids.  Water is best but fruit juice and decaf tea are good too.  Have you been tested for allergies?  Allergies can cause really bad sinus problems.  I've had them all my life and find allergy medicines like Benadryl do help.  There are also some good nasal sprays that will help.  Check with your doctor about those.  The over the counter ones give me rebound congestion, that is, if used too much, they can cause your nose to be even more stuffy.  A good saline spray helps with the dryness also.  A pharmacist can recommend one.
310499
any over the counter decongestant... Pseudophed is the best, I think...      When my son's ear would get clogged the pharmacist told me to put a cap full of peroxide in it... let it bubble then flush warm water in it while holding you head, ear facing down, over the sink using a ear dropper....   All stuff you can get at a local drugstore...\n\nfeel better
885828
I have to agree with you on the steroid meds.  This is only a temporary fix.  Figuring out what causes your sinusitis is important.  \nI have allergies and flush the nasal cavaties with a Neti Pot.  You can buy these at a health food store or online. I make my own rinse, but they do sell them.  This has helped a lot.\n\nYou can also clear your sinuses by gently inhaling vapors of a freshly grated horseradish.  Do this slowly and cautiously.  But it will clear any congestion!
181275
prescription is best because those OTC medicines dont work...trust me!
1035627
Zinc 50 mgs. However if it is due to sinus problems this probably won't work
1034451
Yes, you are better off getting a prescription from your doctor or do what I do, if you have sinus problems, allergy problems  (I have had them forever) the best thing I have found is this:\n\nGROSSAN HYDRO PULSE/HYDROPULSE NASAL/SINUS IRRIGATION\n\nThis sounds gross, (maybe that is why it is named Grossan) but it has cleared up any sinus infections I get.  Email me if you have any questions.  You can do a search on EBay to see what it is.