Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ds_fan]

Anyone else suffering from this at the minute? Damn my head feels heavy, phlem flowing down my throat and a stuffed up nose, ears feel like im on a flight, never really had this before, why now? Is this more common in korea? any advice, any magic cures from the phamacy?

[Stevie_B]

I've had all kinds of painful sinus problems here, particularly after being in smokey bars. I've tried a few different medications but they tend to make me feel like I'm on speed (but not in a particularly good way). I sometimes find a visit to the jimjilbang helps, but otherwise I just neck some ibuprofen and man it out.

[Scouse Mouse]

I had the same thing a few weeks ago, and it soon caused a rough throat and I lost my voice after my PS insisted that I teach 5 classes. 2 sick days soon followed.

It seems to be coming back - I have the same signs as before, and my throat is feeling rough. Thankfully most classes are not turning up as they have exams next week. I really don't fancy losing my voice again!

[Jughead]

http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=j8sDIbRAXlg


Look at this.

You probably won't be able to find one in Korea, so just buy a condiment container or something of the sort, mix 1/4 -1/2 teaspoon of salt with warm water, and squirt it up your nose into your sinuses and out the other nostril. Sounds gross, but you'll thank me in the end.

[karri]

Ya I agree with the netti pot.

Most viruses cant survive in a salty envrionment.

When you first fell the scrachy throat gargle in warm salt water. It will help kill what ever you got early on.

[xingyiman]

Had the very same problem. Last weekend I went to the hot mineral springs over in Asan. It's all gone now. I plan to head back next weekend. Oh yeah!

[ds_fan]

man that thing looks disgusting, cant imagine being able to stick sucking up warm salt water through my nose, might give it a bash though, desperate times and that. im personally putting it down to air conditioning, dirty brats in kindy, and pollution. Would a decognestant not do the trick, and where could one fetch? would try a sauna but havnt been brave enough yet

[PeteJB]

I had a serious sinus problem a couple of months back, even an X-Ray showed the pressure of the sinuses. After a few weeks of medicine it cleared up nicely, though I still suffer from runny noses and dripping down the throat.

[KumaraKitty]

If you can find an ENT office in your area, they will happily suck out your sinuses with a little vacuum. It's a slender metal rod they can stick in your nose and mouth. Sucks everything right out. If you like, for added pleasure, they can then rinse your sinuses out with saline using a little hose.
It only takes a few minutes and the effects are pretty instant. Most Koreans I know do it regularly while they have a cold, skip the drugs and go straight for the sucking out of the head!

[ds_fan]

[livinseoul]

I saw that netti pot thing on the Oprah show a couple of weeks ago and everyone swore by it. Folk who had been suffering for years. They did a demo of it on air. Gross yeah but yer man seems to work OK.

[KumaraKitty]

ENT= Ear, nose and throat doctor. Depending how bad your sinuses are it can be a little painful when they do the saline rinse. I had surgery in 1997on my right sinus cavity. I have chronic sinusitis as a result. It can be uncomfortable but a good ENT(mine here in Bucheon is excellent!) will spray inside your nose with a numbing agent before starting. Mine also puts in gauze with some topical anaesthetic before starting. It takes a minute maybe to suck out. When they go in your sinuses through the mouth it gags you for a second but generally it is worth it. Costs about 6,000won without insurance. Most Koreans would know of an office if you ask. Popular type of doctor.

[ardis]

I get sick all the time here--really, really sucks. Sure enough, my nose is completely clogged at the moment and I feel like I'm starting to lose my voice. Ugggh I need to try the recommendations from above.

[Cornfed]

My brother is an ENT and when I had this problem before coming to Korea he seemed to think that the sinuses actually being blocked with mucus was not the problem in most cases but rather an ongoing allergic reaction causing inflamation on the nasal passages. Therefore, cleaning the sinuses out probably wouldn't help. He recomended a mild, steroid-based nasal decongestant. Anyone know where you can get these in Korea and what the brand name is?

[Kaeden]

I've been using this stuff called Otrivin, it's a nasal spray that can be picked up at almost any pharmacy here. The stuff works WONDERS and has saved my ass on many a day. It's similar to Dristan I guess, but seems to work a bit better.