ProudGrandma Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 My 12 year old daughter is so congested. No OTC meds have helped her except Afrin. We used that twice (in the last 2 days) and she got a bloody nose this morning. I am assuming it was becasue of the Afirin, but I am not sure. IF so, what else we do to help her breathe? If not, what could have caused her bloody nose this morning. The exact same thing happened the last time she was congested...we used Afrin 2-3 times (in about 2-3 days) and she got a bloody nose. any thoughts for me??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiddenJewel Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 We use garlic oil on the bottom of the feet which has helped thin the mucous so it could get gotten rid of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 My children often get bloody noses with bad head colds, especially in the winter months. We use Nyquil at night, and that usually helps them sleep. A hot shower before bed (as hot as she can handle it), Mentholatum on the chest, sitting upright against pillows at night... All of those make for a better night sleep, usually. I have one daughter who once every few years gets such a bad cold that her sinus membranes swell to the point that she remains congested for weeks, until she goes on prednisone for a few days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 Afrin is actually used to TREAT bloody noses...it constricts the veins. Her nose is most likely bleeding from the combination of dry air and irritation. Forceful nose blowing can also cause a bloody nose. Afrin is a very safe medication, and can be used for three days straight with no rebound effects (and I use it more frequently than that...no problems). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 The only thing that workd for my DD is sudafed or the generic- which you have to get at the pharmacy counter. We've tried all of the OTC replacements, and I'ma lways glad I bought the store brand with the money-back guarantee because they don't work for her. :glare: I give the smallest dose- usually it is 2 little red pills (READ THE PACKAGE! DOSAGE VARIES!) and I'll give her one pill. One usually clears out the stuffies so she can breathe. Two gives her heart palpitations. But one pill gets her through the worst night, and she usually only needs one total for the entire cold. I wonder if it;s the pill that works, or the fact that she can now BREATHE and sleep which helps her get better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted January 24, 2013 Author Share Posted January 24, 2013 Afrin is actually used to TREAT bloody noses...it constricts the veins. Her nose is most likely bleeding from the combination of dry air and irritation. Forceful nose blowing can also cause a bloody nose. Afrin is a very safe medication, and can be used for three days straight with no rebound effects (and I use it more frequently than that...no problems). REALLY??? So it's not causing the bloody noses? that is good to know. Thanks Diane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted January 24, 2013 Author Share Posted January 24, 2013 The only thing that workd for my DD is sudafed or the generic- which you have to get at the pharmacy counter. We've tried all of the OTC replacements, and I'ma lways glad I bought the store brand with the money-back guarantee because they don't work for her. :glare: I give the smallest dose- usually it is 2 little red pills (READ THE PACKAGE! DOSAGE VARIES!) and I'll give her one pill. One usually clears out the stuffies so she can breathe. Two gives her heart palpitations. But one pill gets her through the worst night, and she usually only needs one total for the entire cold. I wonder if it;s the pill that works, or the fact that she can now BREATHE and sleep which helps her get better. my daughter can't swallow pills no matter what we try. Does this come in liquid form? When I take Sudefed I get all hyped up...I tried it once at night and I hardly slept at all...I wasn't cloggy...but I didn't sleep either. Scared to give that to my child at bed time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 I don't know if it comes in liquid. My child who takes it is about 130 pounds, so the half dose isn;t too bad. I think by the time she finally takes it she is so exhauseted, and can finally sleep now that she can breathe. Hope your sweetie feels better soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readinmom Posted January 25, 2013 Share Posted January 25, 2013 The saline rinses are what worked for us. We are on day 7 of our horrible colds. The OTCs didn't work for us, either. I used the Neti pot and got some minor relief. It was the salt gargles (even if no sore throat) that helped with the congestion. You might want to try one of the saline sprays, also. The warm showers, vicks rub on the feet w/socks, made us feel comfortable, also. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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