Sunis/Flu Meds....HELP!

[HRB]

Hi, All.
My husband has recently come down with a really nasty sinus bug (fever, cough, headaches, stuffed up head, etc.) If he's still sick by Monday, our cardiologist said he'd put him on some antibiotics, but I'd like to find something to help treat the symptoms before then. At this point, he's a BEAR to live with and I'm hoping someone may have ANY recommendations for (HCM safe) OTC meds or home remedies that may help? We were told at the RX to use Robitussen DM - anyone used it before? And we have the Vapo-rubs and a steamer cup thing, but he can't smell at all - so these aren't as successful as they have been in the past. HELP!

Thanks in advance!
Jessica

P.S. Is there a list somewhere of the meds/vitamins/minerals that HCMers should and should not take? I'm a bit new at this and it's pretty darn frustrating when trying to figure out what shouldn't be in my house - ya know? Call me a stickler, but I'd be a whole lot more comfortable with a list in hand when shopping for the daily blah. Again - thanks!

[Reenie]

Re: Sunis/Flu Meds....HELP!

Your husband can take the Robitussin, that's fine. He can also take Benadryl as it has both an antihistamine and drying effect. He shouldn't take any decongestants though. I hope he feels much better soon.

Reenie

[cynthiaG]

Re: Sunis/Flu Meds....HELP!

I have just the right med for him! I had a sinus, cough, etc. thing going on a month ago...my doctor recommended "Coricidin HBP" cough & cold...it is for people with high blood pressure (most HCMers take beta blockers and calcium channel blockers which lower blood pressure, so this medicine is great because it doesn't lower your BP--.it comes in different varieties as does tylenol (i.e. relieves cough, runny nose, sneezing, fever, etc.). You can buy it at any drugstore OTC. It worked great! Also, it helped me sleep as it contains and antihistamine that makes you a little drousy...

[HRB]

Re: Sunis/Flu Meds....HELP!

Thank you both so much! The Robo has helped a lot and we got him some of the HPB today which he seems to like the taste of better. Right now, he's only on Norpace, so this should work just fine. For some reason, I thought the doc had told us he shouldn't use Benadryl, but we're going to recheck that on Monday. Thanks again for taking the time to reply

[Cynaburst]

Re: Sunis/Flu Meds....HELP!

Off topic post, but where in So. Cal are you located? I am in West L.A., and am always interested in comparing notes with a neighbor.

[Sarah]

Re: Sunis/Flu Meds....HELP!

you can search the board for colds, antihistamines, and decongestants for tons of into (link is up top).

benadryl regular is absolutely fine. it is an antihistamine. it is the decongestants that are bad. many products are mixes (eg Claritin-D) of both, so read carefully.

as for antibiotics, please be aware that they will do _nothing_ to stop a cold. only if the cold turns into full blown bronchitis or pnuemonia will antibiotics help. antibiotics should be avoided unless a throat culture confirms an infection since antibiotic-resistant strains of staph are on the rise and killing otherwise healthy athletes (see December's Men's Health for one example).

also search the board for neti pot posts as this is what i do and it makes a world of difference. also invest in a good humidifier as dry air makes it easier to get sick. lots of liquids, hot teas, NOT juice as it is too thick and increases phlegm. also avoid dairy when you have a cold--increases phlegm, too.

take care,

S

[HRB]

Re: Sunis/Flu Meds....HELP!

Off topic post, but where in So. Cal are you located? I am in West L.A., and am always interested in comparing notes with a neighbor.

Hi We're actually just outside a little berg called Lake Hughes. If you know where Castaic Lake is, we're about 22 miles NE of there up in the Angeles Forest. So, howdy neighbor!

[HRB]

Re: Sunis/Flu Meds....HELP!

Thanks for all the info, Sarah! I'm off to search...