In the middle of all the celebrations, I developed a health issue- I couldn't seem to breathe easily through my nose. It was noticeably worse at night, and Bob said my snoring was irregular and worse than usual. I rang 111, and a very helpful woman did her checklist [mucus? no, nosebleeds? pain? no....] She directed me to a nearby pharmacy, and explained she thought it was sinusitus and the pharmacist would be able to help and advise. So I went off and waited less than 10 minutes.
But its an undignified process and I hate doing it. One of the reasons I took forever to learn to swim was that I hate water up my nose! The guy said many people do not seek help until they have a painful infection. By acting promptly, these rinses should prevent that.
Since May 2023, the NHS has been working to help patients access primary care, and ease that early morning rush to book GP appointments. This includes encouraging people to Think Pharmacy First - there are seven conditions which pharmacists are now able to treat, and offer prescription medicines if needed.
This is such a useful service.
The expression 'gets right up my nose' seems to date back to the beginning of the twentieth century. Certainly it was used by English troops to describe something annoying.
This medical provision is anything but annoying, I am very grateful for it.
It's great that the pharmacy can help out. I wonder if everyone knows this or not?
ReplyDeleteI thought it was information worth sharing
DeleteThe same thing I use, and I also hate it! I get sinusitis often. It doesn't always work, though mostly it does. I hope your sinuses keep improving.
ReplyDeleteThank you Celie.
DeleteHello Angela,
ReplyDeleteSinusitis can quickly become a chronic condition so it is good to get help promptly. And, how fortunate to be able to see a pharmacist and obtain just what you need without a wait.
Living between Hungary and England, we notice a difference in health care and, over the years, it is worrying how the NHS has declined in comparison with the state health service offered in Budapest. It did not always look like this.
When one of us had a bout of sinusitis recently, first we could see our GP the next day....no appointment needed. A referral to our local health centre within a week meant that a specialist ENT doctor arranged an X-Ray then and there and prescribed the necessary treatment. We could not imagine this level of health care to be provided in England.
It is interesting to hear of your experiences. I had a brief holiday with Liz in Budapest 20 years ago, and thought it was a beautiful city
DeleteYou were lucky to get those samples for free as that stuff sells for a ridiculous price considering it's just water and salt. Tap water and table salt will do just as well in the appropriate implement i.e. a neti pot/lota (looks like a miniature watering-can)although the technique involves literally pouring water into one nostril and out the other, best done under the supervision of a Yoga Teacher or experienced practitioner. I do it every day as I produce a lot of mucus overnight.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that more people use this technique than I realised. Auntie Peggy [Julians Gran] used a neti pot
DeleteHope you feel better very soon
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
Thank you.
DeleteI had an Estonian friend who used to get rid of a cold by deliberately inhaling cold water and flushing out her nostrils. She said it was horrible but better than suffering for days with a cold!
ReplyDeleteJanF
I can't bear cold water. It has to be slightly warm.
DeleteOH really suffers with sinus problems, giving him headaches and face pain. He uses a herbal remedy called Plantago, which is a liquid added to a little bit of water. Not cheap but it works for him. Xx
ReplyDeleteThat is apparently a very old remedy for sinus issues. I am glad it works for your husband
DeleteI used this too. It was very effective. I'm going to get a new bottle and start doing it again (ugh). We've plenty of sachets saved left over.
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteIt sounds nice that you can use the Pharmacy service!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful and convenient
DeleteNorrie had equally good service on Saturday morning from a local pharmacy. His feet and legs had developed a lumpy rash which was driving him crazy. It is a side effect if his diabetes. Pharmacist examined him and prescribed a steroid/antiseptic cream which has worked well. It was fortunate he didn’t wait until Monday as yet again we got a text telling us there were no appointments due to GP absence. Glad your spray helped-I am afflicted by sinusitis periodically and it’s so painful! Catriona
ReplyDeleteGood that Norrie got prompt treatment.
DeleteIt's so good to hear that you got prompt treatment and free is even better.
ReplyDeleteHow is Bob's back pain now? Is it any easier?
Angie x
Thank you Angie. His back issues are still pretty bad, but he is managing his pain meds well, and that helps. But it is very tiring. We hope the treatment will happen before too long. He's on a standby list, and will take a cancellation slot if one comes up.
DeleteFingers crossed that one will come up soon. Pain is so debilitating :(
DeleteAngie x
I always used pre boiled water allowed to come to room temp or maybe a little warmer.
ReplyDeleteExactly
DeleteI hope you recover quickly with the help of this treatment. I had sinusitis earlier this year and recognized it when my upper teeth started aching, a side effect I had experienced in the past.
ReplyDeleteTooth ache is a nasty pain
DeleteI'm glad you were able to get help right away from the pharmacy. Hope you feel better, soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bless. It's improving daily
Delete