[canoehead]

I am FOS (full of snot) and I will either suffocate or perform a self amputation in the next 12 hours. Either way, a lot of Kleenex will be involved. Help me fellow nurses, with interventions to maintain my oxygenation and sanity. I've tried;

blowing
dabbing
dripping (causes nasal diaper rash, not recommended)
letting all gather and horking (gross)
Vicks
humidifier
hot shower
hot drinks
stolen broth from MS
cool fan
alcohol (the drinking type)
Tylenol
Motrin
Zithromax 2 tabs po (left over, and expired)
movies
working (patients don't like it when you sneeze on them)
calling out sick
hot compresses
whining
calling Mom

Currently taking suggestions. Anything that allows me to breathe through my nose for 5 minutes or more will get honorable mention. I'll also send you a free used Kleenex so you too can pass on the germs and gross out your family and coworkers. SASE required.

[Crocuta]

It doesn't look like you've tried shoving a Yankauer up each nostril on high intermittent suction.

[ertravelrn]

personally, I would go back to the alcohol and wake up when the cold was over

[NRSKarenRN]

My family cureall:
Saline nasal spray to open passage
**Expectorant/Mucolytic: OTC Mucinex tablets is 12 hr guiafenesin (Robitussin)**
also comes in DM forrm (+ dextromethophin)
Mucolytic: Progresso Chicken Noodle soup
A+D ointment to sooth skin

Care package on its way!

[canoehead]

Errr....I forgot...also tried cough syrup with codeine. Man, that is good stuff. I slept the sleep of the innocent and woke up in a pool of my own drool and mucus. Conclusion- cough syrup probably works better when you don't have a cold. Apparently the drug seekers were right all along.

RE the Yankauer? My secretary wouldn't follow me around with the portable suction all night, but I did try charting with tissues up my nose to conserve Kleenex. FYI you can't have a decent professional consultation with tissue tampons. You'll spend all your time explaining the value of nursing innovation, and critical thinking skills. No one where I work has any of either.

Currently typing with diaper rash cream on my nose, so add that to the list. Karen, I will try the chicken broth, good idea.

[casi]

Cold/wet air always seems to open up my nasal passages and at least relieve some of the dripping. If it's warm outside stick your head in the freezer for a few moments.

Claritin D 24hr is my ultimate life saver

[Indy]

You also haven't tried squirting warm (tepid) saline up your nose with either a 10cc oral syringe or a bulb syringe. That works, even if it is gross.

[canoehead]

Originally Posted by casi

If it's warm outside stick your head in the freezer for a few moments.

You're trying to kill me aren't you.

[RNsRWe]

I'm LOL reading this thread!! I wish I had something to have you try, but you've tried about anything I've either done myself or heard about! If you do find the answer, and it works on peds, I have a young child I'd like to work some magic on. Man, that kid can snot out the best of 'em.

At this point, you have my deepest sympathies.

[BSNDec06]

Originally Posted by Crocuta

It doesn't look like you've tried shoving a Yankauer up each nostril on high intermittent suction.

OMG that's really funny