Korean Job Discussion Forums

[myenglishisno]

I have a sinus infection, I've had it for a few months. I've taken a full course of antibiotics that was prescribed to me yet the infection still persists. I've also taken countless pills given to me by yakguks.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knew where I can get an OTC "nettipot" or whatever they're called? The thing you inhale threw your nose? I already went to a few yakguks over it but they only give you nasal decongestants and flu medicine.

Any help or knowledge would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Destroyer]

I bought my Neti pot off gmarket.

http://item.gmarket.co.kr/detailview/Item.asp?goodscode=191889479&pos_shop_cd=SH&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T&search_keyword=%B3%D7%C6%BC%C6%CC

be careful though... My ear got all messed up after I used it a few times, I think I was tilting my head wrong.

[DIsbell]

I had one last week that I was able to kick pretty quickly. The main thing that seemed to help was two really steamy showers every day where I blew out as much snot as possible. Keeping well-hydrated will also help with that (keeps the mucus less solid).

I think you might want to see a doctor again. The infection shouldn't be lasting past the antibiotics.

Good luck!

[laconic2]

The misery of multiple sinus infections a year over several years only disappeared for me when I left Korea. Whatever it is or was that caused them, they ceased when I left Korea and they have never reappeared. I would not be surprised were I not the only person in the world to have experienced this phenomenon.

[madtownhustl]

[Underwaterbob]

I bought a big, fat syringe and some saline from a pharmacy. Works just like a neti-pot, just squirt up one side and let it come down the other. Improvise!

[pangaea]

I've had a few pretty bad sinus infections that included a fever of over 102. After having 3 of them in 4 months, I learned that inhaling warm salt water and taking an over the counter decongestant worked faster and better than a prescription from the doctor.

I just mix salt with warm water and take it in the shower with me. Then I just steel myself and inhale. Yeah, it burns, but it immediately clears out the infected mucous and I can breathe again. I usually do it a few times a day until the infection is completely gone. Combined with an over the counter decongestant, the sinus infection is gone within a few days. It might not be pleasant, but it is effective.

[Dazed and Confused]

You could also buy a bottle of saline solution used for contact lenses for about 2,000 won from any pharmacy. Use the same way as using a neti pot.

[deadhead]

Thanks for reminding me about the Netipot! I heard about it a long time ago, but never got one. I just ordered mine this morning.

I have a long history of sinus infections. Last year I has endoscopic sinus surgery to fix a sinus infection I had for 6 months! I also had my deviated septum repaired.

To anyone who has a Netipot and is in Korea.... What kind of salt do I need to buy for it? I am excited to try it out! Thanks!

[Hootsmon]

I've had problems with my sinuses for years and even when I don't have an actual infection, usually one or both of my nostrils are blocked. I've tried neti pots and while they sometimes clear the nose for a short time, I end up blocked up again. Wondering if it might have turned into rhinitis...if anyone has worked out a good, permanent solution (rather then a temporary fix), I'd love to know it.

For short term relief, nose sprays like Otravin or Vicks Sinex are good (they reduce the swelling in the nasal passages, making it much easier to clear out the nasty stuff), but they're only supposed to be used for a few days at a time. My mother uses Otravin every day back home and has had no problems, but when I tried it for over a week it gave me crazy insomnia

[partymop]

I feel like I'm finding an addiction support group here. I too, know the pain of multiple sinus infections. I never had one my whole life until i moved to korea, now I get one every 3 months. They are horrible.

I just go to the doctor and take what they give me until it goes away. So I tell you exactly what works. But I can give you some advice on preventing them. Dont smoke a pack of day and live in central seoul like I do!

[FDNY]

I had sinus problems here for years. I also thought it was an infection. Turns out it was allergic rhinitis. Easily fixed, but you may need to go back each time it flares up. I cycle to all my classes and in the spring I have to go see my doc about twice every month.

[cvitur1]

You might also consider going to an ENT and having your sinuses drained. I had a nasty sinus infection (persistent high-grade fever, discolored discharge, pain, all that ugly stuff) and the draining of the sinuses and some strong anti-biotics cleared it right up

[pangaea]

I've heard about that. How do they drain your sinuses? Do they just stick a tube up your nose and vacuum it out?

[Harpeau]

I often go to the sauna and put Tiger Balm, Vicks, Parrot, or other stuff under my nose, on my chest, temples, around where my sinuses are and breath deeply. Sweat it out and often gargle with Yellow Listerine and/or sea salt & water. A Nettie pot is also awesome. An air purifyer is another good idea.