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Suggest Treatment For Nose Congestion

Posted on Wed, 8 Oct 2014

Question: I'm ok dealing with very large mucus plugs. I can feel it begin to form and in about 3 days i feel it is ready to come out. Yet, it is plugged and it is difficult to blow it out. That said, with enough blowing combined with rinsing my sinuses tends to loosen up the plug.

It will then blow right out into the handkerchief being used.

Is it ok to go on like this without going to an ENT doctor?

Thank you in advance. Your response will be much appreciated. All Best.
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Mucolytic, decongestant and steam inhalation

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

You may want to try using a decongestant and mucolytic along with steam inhalation.

A mucolytic is a medication that breaks up mucus in the nasal or sinus passages and in the airways.
They are available over the counter. Examples are bisolvan, ambroxal, mucomyst, guiafenesin.

Decongestants may be oral or topical. Both available over the counter. Topical decongestants are normal saline or otrivine. Otrivine should be used for a maximum of 3 days and would mainly be used if you have nasal decongestion.

Oral decongestants are phenyephrine and pseudoephedrine.

Steam inhalation with menthol may also help to dislodge any mucus present.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)

Thank you Michelle! I appreciate your time and your answer. Yes! I do have a follow up question or two. For me to blow the mucus plugs out of my nostril it does require a lot of blowing your nose. And, if i may be perfectly honest it is not a normal or typical blow of the nose. It is a bit sustained and it is a fairly hard blow. It normally takes about 24 hours from the time i can feel the plug is there until the plug is ready to come out. I do use much of what you suggested to loosen it up. Have you heard of "Netty Potty?" That really rinses you from one side to the other very well. I guess my last inquiry would be....if this continues, as it has continued now for some 3 weeks, am I ok to simply do what i am doing or should i see an ENT? Once again XXXXXXX I really appreciate your time and thoughfulness. I hope you have a blessed day. All Best. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
may not need at this point

Detailed Answer:
HI

You do not necessarily need an ENT doctor at this stage because they will not likely use any invasive methods to help remove any mucus.
They would likely suggest medications to help dislodge the mucus and also suggest continuation of the washes.

You have been doing well with the washes so far.

If your symptoms are too uncomfortable for you then you can consider visiting an ENT doctor who may prescribe a topical steroid nasal spray for you. These help to reduce mucus production.

Please feel free to ask any additional queries

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar