For as long as I can remember, every morning I wake up congested with lots of phlegm. I have always just ignored it and gone on with my life not thinking that it was any big deal, but lately it's been getting worse. The area around my eyes is always puffy and I have circles under my eyes even if I get plenty of sleep.
I am often asked if I have a cold, due to my voice sounding nasal.
Is this something I should get checked out? If so... any ideas what it might be?

Inhalent allergies may be the cause of your sinus problems. Have you tried taking anahistimines? This is the time of year for cedar elm and others to be in the air.

I cannot take anahistamines now and have been taking "Mucinex" which is the same ingredient as plain Robitussin cough syrup and it helps keep mucous thinned. This may help you.

Irrigating sinuses with saline solution will also help keep sinuses cleaned out.

Hi,

In addition to the above suggestions:

1)using a corticosteroid nasal inhaler might help (Nasonex has a fragrance in it...bleh!).

2)Using over the counter product such as Rhinaris spray

3)Singulair which is a leukotrine inhibitor

4)vacuum your bed daily (I use the Shark hand held one)

5)use protective coverings on your mattress plus pillow

6)you might have food allergies such as to milk or wheat

7)limit your high salt/high fat intake

8)get your thyroid checked out...you might have fluid retention

9)when you wake-up... use warm cloths over your eyes....then a few minutes later put cold

10)Sudafed (30mg or 60mg depending on how stuffy you are) (unless contraindicated)

I hope you feel better soon.
quincy

I'm having the same problem for weeks now and I don't know if it's a sinus infection or what.. this is driving me crazy

well, I'm getting checked out friday morning so it will be interesting to see what the dr. says...

Me too, I'm going to my doctor today.