severe congestion from a cold?!! help!! - General Health Message Board

Angelbaby03 · 09-27-2004, 06:44 AM

Hi, I think that I have a cold but im not sure. It started when like 2 people out of my choir class lost their voices, and then I started to feel horse and notes wouldnt come out as easlily. Then, about 2 days later I became seriously severely congested and cant breathe at all. i was addicted to nasal sprays and it was hell getting off them. It took like 2 1/2 weeks. I dont want to go through this again!!! Do most people get severly congested with just a cold?? how long does it take for the swelling to subside?? thank you!!!

Marie55 · 09-27-2004, 06:53 AM

Most likely you had a "virus" rather than the common cold. It will take longer for viruses to clear (some drag on and on). You may also have some allergy along with it. Taking an antihistamine will help. One with a deconjestant would be better if your body tolerates deconjestants.

See your doctor for proper diagnosis.

For conjestion due to drainage, my doctor told me to get Mucinex, over counter med to help clear the mucous. Pharmacists usually keep this behind the counter, so, you will need to ask for it even tho it is not a prescription.

feelbad · 09-27-2004, 07:32 AM

If you cannot use regular medicated nose sprays, there is one called Ocean(and other generic versions)that is just strictly salt water.Salt works better than almost any actual medication to thin out the thick nasal secretions that seem to completely block your nose when you have a cold.Try this, it is non addicting as it has no medications in it at all.Good luck.

Angelbaby03 · 09-27-2004, 07:39 AM

Hey, thank you for your replies. I have amoxocillin used to treat infections in the nose, throa, ect. Ive had it from another illness, and i never took it. Do you think that it will help any?

quincy · 09-27-2004, 11:49 AM

If it's viral....it won't help unless you have a secondary infection. Taking meds that aren't prescribed isn't a smart thing to do.

If you are taking the amoxicillan....you have to make sure you take the whole prescription and not stop taking it once you feel better. You'll set yourself up for a bigger problem.

Steam yourself, drink plenty of fluids, take vitamin C, drink tea (shrinks the swelling), and use Sudafed to help relieve your congestion.

Using a nasal congestion spray reliever is fine....I ONLY would use it at night so that I could sleep.

Get better soon.
quincy