Anyone else have terrible sinus issues after they ride?

After even a short ride I'll spend that night awake all night with my sinuses draining like a hose. It just started about a year ago. Never had this problem before. Makes me not want to ride sometimes just to avoid it.

Anyone else have similar issues? Remedies?
 
Not every time, but the lake water definitely makes my allergies go crazy some times.

I get seasonal allergies sometimes even without the lake water and the usual suspects of antihistamines work pretty well, claritin, allegra, zyrtec, benadryl in that order of effectiveness for killing the allergies and also in that order for how much they'll put you to sleep.

Also if you just have drainage pseudofed works pretty well and doesn't cause drowsiness. Get the good stuff that you have to go to the pharmacy counter to get, not the "PE" stuff they have on the shelf. It will do nothing for itchiness caused by allergies, but it will dry up drainage really well. Has a little it of a "caffeine" type of effect but (for me) very mild.
 
I scoop ALL the water in my nose on failed backflips. Can barely sleep the next couple nights bc of congestion.

I got a nose plug with a lanyard on it (the kind kayakers use) and it hooks to my helmet strap. Feels goofy at first, but it’s not even noticeable from a distance. All my problems went away after that. Best $11 spent.

Also, if you ever do get tons of water in your nose, avoid trying to forcibly blast it out every time, that will make matters worse due to constant irritation/inflammation. Just let it drain on it’s own without blowing your nose right away.


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headshock

still doin it
Location
Norcal
Yes, later in the season it gets bad as the water blooms. I use Flonase (Costco version) before a ride and the Pink Speedo competition nose clip tied to my helmet with Dental Floss. If I'm bad the next day I use Clariton D for a day and that seems to work for me.
 

SXIPro

JM781 Big Bore
When it is allergy season, which this year seems to be from April until November, I'll take a Zyrtec before hitting the lake and then use a netti pot before bed. Most disgusting device ever invented but it works for me. It's truly amazing how much snot the human body can produce. Not even trying to be funny, it really is amazing.
 
I am in the same boat as Chase with the failed flips. I think that is where my head gets filled up with water. I am not sure I can ride with a nose plug as I cannot stand breathing out of my mouth. I may have to try it though just to get my sleep back.

Also, a netti pot is super disgusting, but if you think it will flush out that lake water, perhaps I will try that. Ugghh, gross.
 

Big Kahuna

Administrator
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
When it is allergy season, which this year seems to be from April until November, I'll take a Zyrtec before hitting the lake and then use a netti pot before bed. Most disgusting device ever invented but it works for me. It's truly amazing how much snot the human body can produce. Not even trying to be funny, it really is amazing.
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Get this, I cannot do the pot, makes me feel like I am getting waterboarded!
 
I scoop ALL the water in my nose on failed backflips. Can barely sleep the next couple nights bc of congestion.

I got a nose plug with a lanyard on it (the kind kayakers use) and it hooks to my helmet strap. Feels goofy at first, but it’s not even noticeable from a distance. All my problems went away after that. Best $11 spent.

Also, if you ever do get tons of water in your nose, avoid trying to forcibly blast it out every time, that will make matters worse due to constant irritation/inflammation. Just let it drain on it’s own without blowing your nose right away.


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I've been using this one recently, sounds similar to yours and it also protects you from the low risk of brain eating amoebas in warm lakes.Screenshot_20200914-162722_Gallery.jpg
 
Take an OTC nasal decongestant before riding. Reduces the inflammation and mucus buildup in soft mucosal tissues. If you think it’s allergy related take some allergy meds.


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Every now and again it happens to me. I have allergies to dust and pollen so I'm constantly dealing with sinuses and allergies. Strangely the most effective thing I have found is Buckley's with mucus control liquid gels. I've done all the dedicated allergy pills and eventually they stop being effective. The system just gets used to them it seems. But the Buckley's has been the best yet. It doesn't give outstandingly clear breathing passages but it does help to at least get through a day or sleep without sliming all over the place or keeping you up all night. The added bonus too is it's a heck of a lot cheaper than any of the dedicated sinus/allergy meds.
 

E350

Site Supporter
Location
Sacramento Delta
I never have had sinus problems over years of white water kayaking and same now for jet skiing.

On the other hand, a much, much, much better kayaker buddy who missed by a few slots the Olympics in 1972 for Czechoslovakia has TERRIBLE trouble with sinus problems and uses nose plugs.

That said, WHENEVER I think I am having any kind of sinus/nose goo issues, I always take a Costco MUCUS RELIEF tablet. I swear by it that it dries out my sinus passages such that no bugs can survive because there is no goo to grow in. . .
 
I have the same issue as Chase , Only seems to be an issue when I’m back flipping and filling my sinuses with water. Usually just affect my first night of sleep which is pretty bad sometimes.
To the original poster, do you have these issues just with normal riding or are you spending all our time getting water in your face and possibly in your sinuses?
 

Sanoman

AbouttoKrash
Location
NE Tenn
What worries me is some the the methods used to either keep or dry out your sinuses.Mixed with other possible prescription meds you may be taking (anyone) could possibly cause a reaction.
 
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