Equalizing: Mucinex vs. Other Meds?

[nyspear]

Originally Posted by flamencoguru

I'm having major issues with my right frontal sinus. One ENT suggested ballon sinuplasty but I'm going to get a second opinion. I was not too convinced with this doctor..... I know my sinuses pretty well.. especially when he started saying that "fluids compress"......

I've done all the sinus meds that you can take and I'm still having blockage (it's definitely due to swelling but I think I may have some bone structure that I've broken when I blew out my sinus.... btw, Boyle's law always wins). I have small sub chambers within my frontal sinuses. I guess mother nature wanted to get creative with my sinuses... thanks.......Prednisone works pretty good but super strong stuff that you definitely don't won't to be on for any extended amount of time... I've only taken it once (friggin' miraculous stuff).

I too would like to hear any suggestions.

Here is the barosinusitis with sinuplasty as an option video.....

Hey Errol - I have really bad sinus issues, too. On Wednesday I had my third sinus surgery in 10 years. I most recently got a squeeze when I was in Dahab. I got through the training by using all kinds of sprays, gels and pills, which will get me through it in a pinch. But in the end I never know which day is going to be a bad diving day because of my sinuses, so I decided to have the surgery again. If you want details I'll shoot you an email.

Your problem, though, is very different from the OP's problem. Since I'm not a doctor, I won't get into it (at least not on SB - I can email you about it).

To the OP: If it's a mucus issue, you need to identify the cause of it - e.g. infection, diet, etc. - and address it. Mucinex will help by loosening the mucus and allowing it to drain. Something like Afrin or Sudafed could also help, but in a different way - it'll constrict blood vessels and open up the passages, allowing mucus to drain, as well. Unfortunately, Afrin isn't a long-term solution.

[flamencoguru]

Originally Posted by hogphish

I know it sounds crazy but you can do appropriate yoga poses to help posturally drain your sinuses. Also pranayama breathing alternate nostrils. I am obviously all about modern medicine but the old masters did a lot with little...then use all the pharmaceuticals. No guarantee with sinus surgery.

That's what I'm afraid of. I'll try anything at this point in the game.

Does anyone know anyone that has had sinuplasty done with success?

[eluzar]

Originally Posted by hogphish

The pharmacist is wrong. Mucinex has a systemic effect including sinuses. Afrin works , just don't over use it. 600-800 mg of ibuprofen before and after the dive helps prevent sinus and eustacian swelling. As Ted and other's will tell you, the key though is keeping up with your equalization. Once you miss and start having problems it will get worse through the day. I also use fluticasone, a steroid nasal spray. I have to say though..I am typing this with a killer earache from missed equalizations over the past 2 days so its easier said than done.

Another pharmacist responding... sorry to inform you that plain mucinex (guaifenisin) is only an expectorant, not a decongestant. Expectorants only clear congestion/fluid from the lungs. Mucinex D has a nasal decongestant maybe this is where the confusion is coming from? Other comments regarding flonase (fluticasone) and ibuprofen were more accurate however. I only studied drugs for 8 years. lol

[hogphish]

Originally Posted by eluzar

Another pharmacist responding... sorry to inform you that plain mucinex (guaifenisin) is only an expectorant, not a decongestant. Expectorants only clear congestion/fluid from the lungs. Mucinex D has a nasal decongestant maybe this is where the confusion is coming from? Other comments regarding flonase (fluticasone) and ibuprofen were more accurate however. I only studied drugs for 8 years. lol

At the risk of seeming like a pissing contest (which by the way was addressed on a thread here somewhere..a real pissing contest), I guess you beat my 12 years of physical chemistry, medical school and residency. How is mucinex magically limited in distribution and pharmacological effect to the lungs when it is metabolized by the mitochondria in every cell in the body and excreted by the kidneys? I guess the fact that most of the world record holders use it to thin secretions and has been demonstrated to work was an imaginative plot by the manufacturer to increase sales and distribution in an off label marketing ploy.

[eluzar]

Originally Posted by hogphish

At the risk of seeming like a pissing contest (which by the way was addressed on a thread here somewhere..a real pissing contest), I guess you beat my 12 years of physical chemistry, medical school and residency. How is mucinex magically limited in distribution and pharmacological effect to the lungs when it is metabolized by the mitochondria in every cell in the body and excreted by the kidneys? I guess the fact that most of the world record holders use it to thin secretions and has been demonstrated to work was an imaginative plot by the manufacturer to increase sales and distribution in an off label marketing ploy.

You're right not a pissing contest. I do believe anything you put in your body has a systemic effect to some extent. I think Mucinex is primarily believed to clear congestion from the lungs. The bottom line is in my opinion an expectorant not the most effective dive-med. The latest recommendation I heard for diving/clearing purposes from diving entity (I think was PADI) was claritin-d 12 hr. I too have trouble clearing when freediving and would like better options. My theory about my issue is that after surfing for so many years, I have extra bone growth in ear canal inhibiting my ability to clear. Any input here? Thx

[Castronova]

Originally Posted by hawgdawg

No alcohol the night before (even small amounts, specially beer), and staying hydrated has worked for me. Everytime I've taken a decongestant it has made it worse.

I'm sorry but there will never be a day when I get all my gear spit shined and guns wrapped in the blankets with me for an early day of fish killing... and NOT have a BEER!

I say, drink a few beers the night before and relax a little . Just drink a water with each one.

...of course I'm from Key West. What I call life most of you all call "a problem" hahaha.

Oh yeah, afrin works for me on important days.

[flamencoguru]

So, no one with any experience or news about sinuplasty???

For the doc and the pharmacist.... Mucinex doesn't work for me.... :-). I don't care what part of the body is works on!!! Ha! Ha!! (of course, all in good humor!!)

Peace, Errol

[Tiny]

Occasionally i have trouble equalizing, a NeilMed Sinus Rinse Bottle works well for me, I'm guessing you guys with more persistent problems have already tried one though...hope you get it squared away Errol.

Matt

[hammerhead786]

Originally Posted by Muay Thai

I would definitely cut out all dairy if I was you!

Scott

X 2!


I had that surgery years ago. It made me breathe much easier but never got rid of any sinus issues that have came and went over the years

[flamencoguru]

Originally Posted by Tiny

Occasionally i have trouble equalizing, a NeilMed Sinus Rinse Bottle works well for me, I'm guessing you guys with more persistent problems have already tried one though...hope you get it squared away Errol.

Matt

Thanks Matt... I do nasal rinse too... It helps but the problem is still there... Still working on a solution!

Peace, Errol

[nyspear]

Originally Posted by eluzar

Another pharmacist responding... sorry to inform you that plain mucinex (guaifenisin) is only an expectorant, not a decongestant.

I don't think anybody said that Mucinex (Guafenesin) was a decongestant. The OP also made a distinction between Mucinex and decongestants.

[flamencoguru]

Originally Posted by hammerhead786

X 2!


I had that surgery years ago. It made me breathe much easier but never got rid of any sinus issues that have came and went over the years

Do you mean sinuplasty ?