A Scientific Way to Cure a Headache Without Painkillers
Escaping to a relaxing spa for the day is the perfect way to cure a headache. However, I know we don't all have that luxury (at least I don't – and I'm guessing you don't either if you're here reading my list instead of chillin' at the spa)… so I asked the Slap Dash Minions for their best natural ways to cure a headache. Some of the answers might surprise you!
Ways to Cure a Headache
1. Kale – There may be some truth to this one.
2. Hydration – This is definitely true. If you have a headache, you might be dehydrated. Drink up!
3. Vicks Vapor Rub around your hairline – Rubbing Vicks on your temples does help!
4. Coffee – or any large amount of caffeine. This one works, but isn't the best option because caffeine withdrawals actually cause headaches.
5. Gatorade – as long as it's not a migraine, Gatorade works in the same way water does… but better.
6. 2 teaspoons of hot sauce – Lifehacker says you can cure headaches with peppers. Try it and let me know how it goes. ;)
7. Eucalyptus and mint candle – scents like mint, peppermint, eucalyptus, etc help when rubbed on your temples or if you breathe them in (like with bath salts, candles, etc).
8. Lavender – This is a calming scent, so I'm assuming it works on stress headaches.
9. BC Headache powder – Yes! From experience, I know this one works. It tastes disgusting, but is 100% worth it. BC Headache Powder
10. The gym – Not sure how you can make yourself go to the gym when you have a bad headache, but if you can, it might help.
11. Sleep – I know it's not always an option, but sleep in a cold, dark room helps my headaches.
12. Divorce – Ha!
13. Sex – Not sure about that one, get away from me with that noise when I have a headache!
14. Hot shower – or a cold one, depending on your triggers/relief.
15. Hot rice pack on the back of your neck, or a cold one. I prefer cold.
16. Selling your kids to the gypsies. Then drugs and sleep. Yes this was an actual suggestion. #DontJudge ;)
17. Bloody Mary – or any alcohol. I'm not sure about this one… lol.
18. Ice pack on your head, eyes, and neck. <<< Oh yes. This helps! 19. Frankincense oil on your thumb pressed to roof of your mouth. I haven't tried this one but a good friend recommended it.
20. Yoga – Best yoga poses for headache relief
21. Comfort food – Obviously this isn't the best options, especially if you're trying to lose weight… but headaches suck! Eat some mac & cheese and call it a day.
22. Fresh air and sun. Though you might not feel like it with a headache, getting outside should help – unless you're sensitive to sun. Then, back to square one. :)
23. Acupuncture – I know from experience that this works! I use my Zensufu Mat for headaches often.
24. Silence! — Not sure what that is… ;)
25. Peppermint oil – This one is worth repeating. Peppermint oil is amazing!
Vicks VapoRub was introduced in 1905 with the name Vick's Magic Croup Salve, rebranded in 1912 as VapoRub. The flu epidemic of 1918 increased sales of VapoRub from $900,000 to $2.9 million in just one year. My parents used it on me when I was a kid, and I still use it on myself today and my kids, that stuff has really been a life saver. Love those vapors!
Instant Headache Relief in Seconds with Self Massage. Do-it-Yourself
I found some uses that you may or not know about Vicks VapoRub, alot of these surprised me too!
10. Go Away Mosquitoes
Vicks wards off mosquitoes. Apply small dabs of Vicks VapoRub to your skin and clothes and mosquitoes will steer clear. If you do get bitten, apply Vicks to the area and cover it with a Band-Aid to relieve itching.
9. Ticks and Bugs
If you get bitten by a tick, apply Vicks immediately. The strong odor might help get the critter to release itself and stop bugging you.
8. Paper Cuts and Splinters
To prevent infection and speed up healing time, dab a small amount of Vicks on any small cut or splinter.
7. Headaches Be Gone
Rub a small amount of Vicks VapoRub on your temples and forehead to help relieve headaches. The mentholated scent will release pressure in your head and instantly relieve pain.
6. Pet Pee-Pee Deterrent
If your dog or cat is not yet potty trained, put an open bottle of Vicks on the area he or she likes to mark as their territory. The smell will discourage them from lifting their legs and wetting your rug.
5. Stop Your Cat from Scratching
Cats are notorious for scratching every hard surface they get their claws on. To prevent Miss Kitty from ruining your doors, walls, and windows, apply a small amount of VapoRub to these areas. Cats detest the smell and will steer clear. Vicks can also be applied to your arms and legs if your kitty is prone to scratching you.
4. Get Rid of Nasty Nail Fungus
Rub VapoRub on your toenails if you suspect you have a fungus. Within days, the nail will turn dark—this means the Vicks is killing the fungus. As your toenail grows out, the dark part will grow off and you will have fungus-free feet. Keep applying the ointment over a period of two weeks to fully cleanse nail beds of any remaining bacteria.
3. Achy Breaky Muscles
Vicks relieves sore, overworked muscles. It increases circulation and provides almost instant aid. Use a generous portion and apply it all over the aching area.
2. On Your Tootsies
Applying Vicks to your feet provides nighttime cough relief. Generously rub VapoRub all over your feet and cover them with socks. Within moments your cough will subside—in the morning you’ll wake up a new, hacking free person.
1. Decongest Your Chest
The most common use of Vicks is to decongest your chest and throat area. When applied to the upper chest, it provides excellent relief of cough and congestion symptoms.
Read More: 10 Surprising Uses For Vicks VapoRub | https://wbkr.com/10-surprising-uses-for-vicks-vaporub/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
Use Vicks Vaporub (Topical) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
What causes headaches? - Dan Kwartler
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not apply to broken skin or an open wound.
This product can cause a mild cooling or burning sensation wherever it is applied. If this sensation is painful or causes severe discomfort, wash the treated skin area with soap and cool water.
Do not heat the product before use or it may cause burns.
To relieve cough, apply a thick layer of this product to the chest and throat up to 3 times per day. Do not use in your nose or mouth. To make the vapors easier to breathe in, keep the treated areas uncovered or covered only with loose clothing.
To relieve muscle or joint pain, apply this product to the affected area 3 or 4 times per day.
You may cover treated skin areas with a warm and dry cloth. Applying heat may worsen the sensation of cooling or burning. Do not apply a tight bandage over treated skin.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol topical is a combination product that is applied to the skin.
When applied to the chest, inhaling the vapors of this product may provide temporary relief of cough caused by irritation of the throat or lungs.
When applied to other areas of the body, this product is used for temporary relief of minor muscle or joint pain.
Vicks Vaporub for migraines
Camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
WARNINGS
What is the most important information I should know about Vicks Vaporub (Topical)?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:
a cough with mucus; or
a cough caused by smoking, asthma or emphysema.
Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 2 years old.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid breastfeeding a baby while using this product on your chest.
Vicks VapoRub — a topical ointment made of ingredients including camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol that you rub on your throat and chest — doesn't relieve nasal congestion. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose. By contrast, decongestant tablets and nasal sprays sold over-the-counter may narrow blood vessels in your nose's lining, leading to reduced swelling in your nasal passages.
VapoRub has drawbacks in addition to its ineffectiveness as a nasal decongestant. It's unsafe for any use in children under 2 years old. In adults and children age 2 and older, use it only on the neck and chest.
Swallowing a few teaspoons of camphor — one of the main ingredients in VapoRub and other topical medications, such as Campho-Phenique and Bengay — can cause deadly poisoning in toddlers. Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic. That's why you should never put VapoRub in or around the nostrils — especially a small child's nostrils. And if VapoRub gets in your eye, it can injure your cornea.
If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i
An Increase In The Thickness Of Lung Secretions
Drowsiness
Dizziness
INFREQUENT side effects
If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i
Abnormal Liver Function Tests
If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i
False Sense Of Well-Being
Dryness Of The Nose
Dry Mouth
Dizziness
Difficulty Sleeping
Headache
Nervousness
Inducing Of A Relaxed Easy State
RARE side effects
If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i
Decreased Blood Platelets
Very Low Levels Of Granulocytes, A Type Of White Blood Cell
Low Levels Of White Blood Cells
Low Levels Of A Type Of White Blood Cell Called Neutrophils
Vocal Cord Swelling
Acute Liver Failure
Damage To The Liver And Inflammation
Inflammation Of The Skin Due To An Allergy
10 Surprising Triggers Of Your Headaches | Dr. Mike
A Skin Disorder With Blistering And Peeling Skin Called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
A Skin Disorder With Blistering And Peeling Skin Called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
A Type Of Allergic Reaction Called Angioedema
A Type Of Bumpy Skin Rash Called A Maculopapular Rash
A Type Of Skin Disorder Called Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis
High Blood Pressure
Abnormal Bleeding In The Brain Resulting In Damage To Brain Tissue, Called A Hemorrhagic Stroke
An Intense Headache
Chest Tightness
Difficult Or Painful Urination
A Type Of Blood Disorder Where The Red Blood Cells Burst Called Hemolytic Anemia
A Blood Disorder
Extra Heartbeats
Low Blood Pressure
Hallucinations
Seizures
A Significant Type Of Allergic Reaction Called Anaphylaxis
If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i
Erythema Or Redness Of Skin Or Mucous Membrane
Hives
A Skin Rash
Nausea
Confusion
Over Excitement
Nightmares
An Extreme Sense Of Wellbeing Called Euphoria
A Migraine Headache
Double Vision
Blurred Vision
A Change In Vision
Ringing In The Ears
Dryness Of The Nose
Dry Mouth
Constipation
Increased Sensitivity Of The Skin To The Sun
Itching
Sensation Of Spinning Or Whirling
Difficulty Sleeping
Low Energy
Excessive Sweating
Chills
Muscle Tremors
Loss Of Muscle Coordination
Decreased Appetite
Headache
Throat Dryness
Heart Throbbing Or Pounding
Trouble Breathing
Diarrhea
Difficult Or Painful Urination
An Increased Need To Urinate Often
Abdominal Bloating
Nervousness
A Feeling Of Pins And Needles On Skin
A Feeling Of General Discomfort Called Malaise
Irritability
Intense Abdominal Pain
A Type Of Bumpy Skin Rash Called A Maculopapular Rash
Chest Discomfort
Anxious Feelings
Fast Heartbeat
I would say it’s possible since frequent or prolonged use of a Vick’s inhaler dries out your sinuses. When your sinuses are dry, they become painful and swollen which very closely mimics a headache. Using Vick’s nasal inhalers means you are inhaling air forcefully and frequently, which - unless you are doing so and using a humidifier or other moist treatment - means your sinuses are being exposed to dry air while causing the blood vessels to expand, precipitating the loss of some natural moisture as well.
Using Vick’s inhalers only gives one temporary relief from stuffiness. But because they tend to dry out your sinuses, repeated and/or frequent use can actually make the stuffiness worse.
If treating stuffiness, you will likely achieve better relief by increasing the humidity in your environment (home or office, etc), using a decongestant and by staying hydrated. Decongestants can be somewhat dehydrating, so be sure to drink more than you normally do to counter the effects of the decongestant.
Is VapoRub toxic?
A warning has been issued about the popular cough and cold treatment Vicks VapoRub. Experts say it should not be used on children under 2 years of age.
Vicks VapoRub, a salve which can be bought over the counter, is used to relieve coughs and congestion, but can apparently harm infants and toddlers.
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According to Dr. Bruce Rubin from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Vicks VapoRub can have severe effects on breathing in young children because it may stimulate mucus production and airway inflammation.
The product made by Procter and Gamble has been around since 1905 - it is applied to the chest or throat for congestion relief or to relieve sore muscles.
It contains camphor which is toxic if swallowed or absorbed into the body and the manufacturers do in fact warn that VapoRub should not be applied in or near the nostrils and not used on children under 2 years of age.
Dr. Rubin was first alerted to the dangers of the misuse of the Vaporub when an 18-month-old child developed severe respiratory distress after it was put directly under her nose.
Dr. Rubin says the ingredients in Vicks can be irritants, causing the body to produce more mucus to protect the airway, and infants and young children have airways that are much narrower than those of adults, so any increase in mucus or inflammation can narrow them more severely.
Research was then carried out on the effects of the salve on the respiratory system of animals - ferrets, which have an airway system similar to humans, were used and tests conducted which measured the effects of the Vaporub on mucus secretion and build up in the airways, and fluid build-up in the lungs.
It was found that the Vaporub increased the mucus secretion and decreased the clearance of the mucus and Dr. Rubin says Vicks should not be put in or under, the nose of adults or children and never used in children under age 2.
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He says even when the directions on the label are followed Vicks may make people with congestion feel more comfortable, but it does nothing to increase airflow or actually relieve the congestion and he suggests similar products, including generic brands, could cause the same adverse reaction in infants and toddlers.
The Wake Forest team says cough and cold medicines and decongestants are dangerous and neither effective nor safe for young children and medications which dry up nasal passages also present problems.
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Dr. Rubin says the best treatments for congestion are saline (saltwater) and gentle rubber bulb suction, warm drinks or chicken soup, and, often, just letting time heal the child.
However, Dr. Rubin says a child struggling to breathe is a medical emergency and needs would to be seen by a doctor as quickly as possible.
Experts recommend parents check with a doctor before giving infants and young children any over-the-counter medicine as they can be harmful.
Proctor & Gamble says Vicks VapoRub has a long-standing history of being safe and effective when used according to package directions and its safety and efficacy has been demonstrated in multiple human clinical trials including more than a thousand children aged 1 month to 12 years.
The company says the findings of the animal studies, prompted by a single case report, are of questionable human clinical relevance.
Can VapoRub make you feel sick?
In 1905, a North Carolina pharmacist began marketing a product called Vick’s Magic Croup Salve. The product, now known as Vicks VapoRub, became wildly popular — sales during the 1918 flu epidemic grew from $900,000 to $2.9 million.
More than 100 years later, some still swear by the product.
“My husband loves Vicks. He rubs it on his chest and under his nose,” reports 37-year-old Shannon Marks, of Mandeville, La. Marks says other family members use it to relieve a cough and even to ease dry feet, but she doesn’t use it on herself or for treating her children’s cold symptoms. “We’ve used the vapors in a humidifier and we’ve bought the plug-ins.”
There’s a reason that some people don’t use Vicks VapoRub on their children: Recently, researchers found that putting Vicks VapoRub under a child’s nose actually makes it harder for the child to breathe.
Vicks VapoRub: Camphor Concerns
The report earlier this year was not the first time that products like Vicks VapoRub that contain camphor have come under scrutiny. Camphor has long been used in combination with menthol in a variety of preparations that are promoted as chest rubs to fight colds by soothing coughing and opening stuffy noses.
However, camphor is also highly toxic: Eating or drinking as little as five milliliters of camphor oil can kill a child.
As a result, in 1983, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration decided that camphor-containing products such as Vicks VapoRub could not contain more than an 11 percent concentration of the substance. Vicks VapoRub contains less than 4.8 percent camphor.
Vicks VapoRub: The Chest Report
Camphor concerns aside, researchers say there is no science to back up the claim that Vicks VapoRub makes it easier to breathe.
In fact, putting Vicks VapoRub directly under the nose, as opposed to rubbing it on the chest, may actually make it harder to breathe, according to results from a study published in the journal Chest. In children under age 2, this could result in an increase in mucus and congestion.
“We showed in the lab that Vicks VapoRub produced changes consistent with inflammation and increased mucus in animals with pre-existing airway inflammation similar to that seen with a respiratory infection,” says Bruce K. Rubin, MD, MBA, chair of the department of pediatrics at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond.
Vicks Vapor Rub On Chest - Vicks For Headache
Dr. Rubin and his colleagues tested the effects of Vicks VapoRub after treating a young girl who was brought to the emergency room with breathing problems after having Vicks VapoRub placed under her nose. Rubin said he has heard of similar accounts.
Other studies have shown that menthol, one of the ingredients of Vicks VapoRub, may also make it harder to breathe, despite creating a “cooling” sensation that feels like easier breathing.
“Although [Vicks VaporRub] does not [open you up], it does trigger receptors that make the brain believe that your nose is more open and it is easier to breathe,” says Rubin.
Vicks VapoRub: Vicks’ Instructions
Rubin notes that the labeling on Vicks VapoRub clearly states that it should not be used on young children and should not be placed under the nose.
“Parents should only follow the directions on the label,” Rubin says. Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer "has been very clear in its labeling that VicksVapoRub is never to be used in children under the age of 2 and never placed directly in or beneath the nose of adults or children. [The company] is also acting responsibly about educating patients as to when and how to use the product safely.”
On its Web site, Procter & Gamble gives these cautions that specifically say not to use Vicks VapoRub:
By mouth
With tight bandages
In nostrils
On wounds or damaged skin
The site also says that you should contact your doctor if you have a cough that lasts more than seven days, produces a lot of phlegm, or is a chronic cough due to asthma, emphysema, or other lung disease. Additionally, the company states that Vicks VapoRub should never be heated before use. If your child eats some of the product, contact Poison Control immediately. Procter & Gamble has a line of products, such as Vicks BabyRub, that are specifically made to be safe for babies over 3 months old and toddlers.
Vicks VapoRub: Signs of Overdose
Although an overdose of Vicks VapoRub is unlikely if you follow the directions and keep it out of the reach of children, it is important to know the signs of an overdose and respond immediately:
Stomach pain, vomiting, nausea
Burning sensation in the mouth or throat
Seizures and perhaps muscles in spasm
Being thirsty
Speedy pulse
Restlessness or agitation
Losing consciousness
Difficulty breathing
When using Vicks VapoRub, remember to apply it only on the chest, keep it out of children's reach, and do not use it on children younger than 2 years old.
Can I use Vicks for sinus headache?
You probably don’t give too much thought to your ability to breathe through your nose — until you wake up with a sinus infection and that ability is gone!
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Sinus infections, sometimes called acute sinusitis, can steal your joy pretty quickly.
A lot of viruses start with nasal symptoms. If you have a scratchy throat, congestion, and a runny nose, you’ve probably got a virus on your hands.
(You should probably go wash those, by the way.)
What’s Happening in My Body?
Most sinus infections come from colds that start in the nose. (Doctors and nurses actually call the viruses that cause these “rhinoviruses,” because rhino means nose!)
A lot of sinus infections are caused by coronaviruses. (The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is a more severe type of coronavirus, but studies have shown that an estimated 15% of common colds originated from less serious coronaviruses.)
These viruses replicate in the nose. Your immune system then kicks off an inflammatory response to help kill the virus. This can cause swelling in the sinuses, leading to your symptoms.
Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections don’t respond to antibiotics and usually just need to run their course. But you don’t have to take it lying down!
Home Remedies for Sinus Infections
While you wait for the virus to finish doing its thing, you can try some home remedies for sinus infections to make yourself more comfortable.
Saline Spray and Sinus Rinses
Using a saline solution, rinse your nose and sinuses with a neti pot or other irrigation system.
You can buy saline solution over the counter or make your own at home with distilled water and saline packets. Saline spray also comes in small bottles that you can spray directly into your nose.
Sinus rinses like these work by flushing mucus out of the nose and sinuses to keep things flowing freely.
Saline also has a natural decongesting effect, meaning it shrinks your swollen nasal tissues and makes it easier for you to breathe through your nose!
Over the Counter Medications
For help alleviating sinus pressure and pain, try ibuprofen and a decongestant. Some medications include a combination of pain reliever and decongestant. (Advil Cold and Sinus is one example.)
Why Do We Get Headaches?
Mild antihistamines like Claritin and Allegra are helpful in moderation. Strong antihistamines like Benadryl are often way too drying. Be careful not to take antihistamines too often.
Even though you want your nose to stop running, too many antihistamines can make it more likely that you’ll get sinus infections in the future.
Drugs like Mucinex and Flonase can also be helpful in thinning the mucus in your nose and sinuses. (Don’t use Mucinex-D if you have high blood pressure, though!)
If you use Afrin, make sure you stop after three days. Though it can seem like a miracle drug, using it more than three days in a row can lead to something called rebound congestion. In other words, when you stop using the Afrin after continuous use, your nose becomes more congested than it was in the first place!
Vapor Rub
Vapor rub products like Vicks usually contain mentholatum, which can help clear out your sinuses. Breathing mentholatum works similarly to eating spicy foods. You can apply vapor rub to your chest or add it to a humidifier.
Take Your Vitamins
Supplementing your diet with vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin D, can give a boost to your immune system to help it kick infection to the curb.
Vitamin C can be taken in chewable, liquid, or pill form. Vitamin D is usually taken in capsule or oil form.
Closely follow all directions on the bottle from the manufacturer.
Steam It Out
Steam is a great natural way to reduce the symptoms and discomforts of a sinus infection. The moist heat can open up your sinuses and help you breathe better.
Try the steam method by taking a hot shower, or just turn the shower on and sit in the steamy bathroom for 15 or 20 minutes.
Adding a humidifier or vaporizer to your bedroom at night can also help you breathe easier while you sleep.
Stay Hydrated
Fluid intake is one of the best ways to keep the mucus flowing so it doesn’t clog up your sinuses.
Be sure to drink plenty of water. You can also try an electrolyte beverage such as Gatorade.
Do These Things Work for Kids?
Sinus infections make everyone miserable, children as well as adults!
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Most of the tips above also work for kids, but antihistamines aren’t recommended for young children.
Young children can’t blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial.
A nasal aspirator or a product like the Nose Frida can be a lifesaver in helping young children breathe through their nose.
A warm bath can help clear the sinuses and take a child’s mind off their illness.
Kids are often fascinated by the condensation that forms on surfaces in a steamy room. To occupy them while a hot shower runs in the bathroom, try tracing pictures with them on the mirror!
When Should I See a Doctor?
These home remedies for sinus infections are great for acute infections in the upper respiratory system.
But if five days or so pass and you’re not seeing any improvement, or if things are getting worse, it’s probably time to see an ENT doctor.
If you feel a lot more pressure behind your cheekbones and eyes or your nasal drainage has changed to yellow or green-tinged, it’s likely your sinus cavity has gotten infected from the blockage.
If you have symptoms like a fever, body aches, chills, chest congestion, or a cough, something more serious could be going on. Especially in this era of COVID-19, it’s a good idea to get checked out just to be safe.
If you’ve tried these home remedies without luck, contact ENT Associates of Lubbock to see what your next steps should be.
Can Vicks inhaler cause headaches?
Many of us associate those white plastic tubes with rounded ends as the ultimate “uncle” accessory. Others simply can’t go a day without one wedged in the nostril. “Can’t breathe” or “nose is blocked” is their common refrain if you try to separate them from their nasal inhalers.
And during the “circuit breaker” period, you may even have noticed family members, who are already fans, sniffing their little tubes more than usual.
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The reason: If you haven’t been cleaning your flat often, all that dust can trigger allergic rhinitis, which can cause more nasal obstruction.
“Allergic rhinitis can cause sinus and nasal congestion, and pain,” said Dr Lim Keng Hua, an ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre’s Ear Nose Throat, Head & Neck Surgery clinic.
“At night, the nasal congestion affects sleep, causes snoring and sometimes, sleep apnoea.”
Other allergies and having a sensitive nose can also make you more likely to suffer from nasal congestion, said Dr Leslie Koh, a consultant with Changi General Hospital’s Otorhinolaryngology department.
Testing Vicks Vaporub Hacks
HOW DO NASAL INHALERS WORK?
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So what goes into these tiny dispensers of cool, minty vapours anyway? Mostly, camphor, menthol and/or eucalyptus oils, said Dr Lim.
Although these oils make breathing feel easier, like there’s an increased sense of airflow through the nose, that isn’t what’s actually happening, though.
“On the contrary, the administration of menthol via nasal inhaler has been shown to cause nasal congestion,” said Dr Lim, who explained that the blocked sensation “might be due to an irritant action”.
READ: Is there a safe zone to escape the germs when someone sneezes near you?
Furthermore, “excessive amounts of menthol can cause vertigo, dizziness, agitation, abnormal eye movements, unsteady gait, hallucinations, lethargy, and even coma,” cautioned Dr Koh.
Camphor, also deemed as natural, isn’t to be trifled with either. “Excessive amounts of camphor can cause irritation in the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Agitation and seizures have also been described as a sign of menthol and camphor poisoning,” he said.
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Besides plant-based oils, some nasal inhalers may also contain powerful decongestants such as oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, said Dr Lim. These decongestants are not without their downsides, too.
“They are very effective in relieving nasal congestion but their prolonged use can damage the nasal tissue, resulting in a rebound phenomenon, that is, the nose becomes even more congested,” said Dr Lim.
“Other side effects include an increase in runny nose, fast heartbeat, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, nervousness and trouble sleeping.”
To be safe, don't use the inhaler more than three times a day, and don't use it for longer than one to two weeks, said Dr Koh.
“If you need them daily for more than a week, you should consult your doctor and treat the underlying cause of nasal congestion,” said Dr Lim.
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CAN YOU BE ADDICTED TO YOUR INHALER?
There aren’t addictive ingredients in the over-the-counter nasal inhalers sold in Singapore, said Dr Koh. “However, overusing the product may develop into a habit, especially if the patient feels that he derives some physical benefit from it.”
But how bad can nasal inhalers be? “Some develop rhinitis medicamentosa, a medical condition whereby the mucosa lining of the nose is damaged, replaced by fibrotic tissue that is no longer contractile,” said Dr Lim.
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“As such, the nose is mostly blocked, and is only relieved momentarily with nasal decongestants. Some have worsened signs such as a runny nose, crusting and a foul smell.”
He recalled a patient who had been continuously using the nasal inhaler for five years. It started when she developed pregnancy rhinitis and needed to relieve the severe nasal congestion.
“It was almost like helping someone quit an addiction. You need to ‘cold turkey’ them," he said. “It took two months to wean her off the effect of nasal decongestants and treat her without surgery.”
In addition, the patient was put on a course of oral steroids, intranasal steroidal spray, saline rinse or douching, and decongestant-free antihistamine, he said.
OTHER WAYS OF UNBLOCKING YOUR NOSE
There are other ways to “unblock” your nose. If it’s a chronic situation, meaning the congestion has persisted for a long time or constantly recurs, you might want to see the doctor for possible allergies or a nose sensitivity, said Dr Koh.
“Patients with allergies may require intranasal steroids, which could help significantly with the nasal congestion.”
“In the worst case scenario, some patients may actually have tumours of the nasal cavity and sinuses. Hence, a consultation with a doctor would be helpful,” he said.
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If the congestion is recent, perhaps caused by an upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold, Dr Koh suggests over-the-counter nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline.
But limit the use of these decongestants to no more than three times a day, and a continuous duration of five to seven days.
There are also oral decongestant medications, as well as combination antihistamine-decongestant medications, said Dr Koh.
These can also be used by patients with acute nasal congestion. However, they come with side effects, especially in the elderly, including agitation and acute urinary retention, he cautioned.
Identify if it’s a sinus headache or not.
There are nearly as many types of headaches as there are ways to get them. And besides migraines, many people feel that sinus headaches are the worst.To determine if yours is a sinus headache (so you can target treatment), lightly tap your face a few times with your finger. Tap above each eyebrow, above the bridge of the nose, and just below each cheekbone. This is where your sinus headaches are located.If you feel a sharp pain when you tap, then your sinus headache is likely the source of your discomfort. Treat with antihistamines or decongestants for up to seven days, or in severe cases, with doctor-prescribed antibiotics.
Are there side effects to Vicks VapoRub?
Vicks VapoRub is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) medication. It is applied to the skin to treat coughs and relieve muscle aches and pain. Both symptoms can be caused by the common cold.
There's no evidence that Vicks VapoRub can cure upper respiratory symptoms. It may help lessen congestion and cough, however. It is also an effective treatment for mild myalgia, or muscle aches.
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Vicks VapoRub contains these active ingredients:
Camphor
Eucalyptus oil
Menthol
An active ingredient is an ingredient that makes the drug work. Vicks VapoRub also contains these inactive ingredients:
Cedar leaf oil
Nutmeg oi
Petrolatum
Thymol
Turpentine oil
Inactive ingredients are ingredients that don't have a therapeutic effect.
This article looks at Vicks VapoRub as a treatment for cough and muscle aches. It also looks at how to use Vicks VapoRub and what some of the side effects might be.
Vicks VapoRub box and jar on a shelf
jaminwell / Getty Images
Who Should Use Vicks VapoRub
Most people over the age of 2 can safely use Vicks VapoRub. Ask your doctor first, however, if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a chronic cough caused by smoking
Have been diagnosed with emphysema
Don't use Vicks VapoRub if you've ever had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients. These include:
Camphor
Eucalyptus oil
Menthol
Don't use Vicks VapoRub on children under the age of 2. Studies have shown that using camphor on small children can cause:
Seizures
Severe high white blood cell count called leukocytosis
High blood sugar, called hyperglycemia1
How to Apply Vicks VapoRub
To treat a cough, rub Vicks VapoRub on your chest. Never put it under your nostrils. This is because inhaling petrolatum based products can cause a rare form of pneumonia.2
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To treat muscle aches, rub Vicks VapoRub directly over the muscle. Don't use Vicks VapoRub internally or in a way other than what the label directs. Do not use on broken skin or burns.
A 2010 study found that Vicks VapoRub was over 98% effective in relieving cough, congestion, and sleep difficulty in children age 2 to 11. It was less effective in relieving a runny nose.3
Some people use Vicks VapoRub to treat other conditions like toenail fungus or hemorrhoids. These off-label uses haven't been well studied or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They may even be dangerous. For example, camphor and other ingredients could cause problems when absorbed through vulnerable or broken tissue.
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Recap
Vicks VapoRub can be helpful for sore muscles, congestion, and cough. Don't apply it under the nose and don't use on children under the age of 2.
Side Effects of Vicks VapoRub
Side effects are uncommon but have happened. Because Vicks VapoRub is applied to the skin, the most likely side effects are:
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Skin irritations
Rash
Redness
Hives
If you notice these side effects, stop using Vicks VapoRub and call your doctor.
Vicks VapoRub may also cause difficulty breathing, especially in children under the age of two. There have also been isolated cases of respiratory distress and pneumonia.4 These cases have usually involved elderly adults who overused Vicks VapoRub.
Call 911 or go to the ER if you or your child have any of these symptoms after using Vicks VapoRub:
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Difficulty breathing
Dizziness
Hives
Irregular heartbeat
Summary
Vicks VapoRub is a popular over-the-counter remedy for treating cold symptoms and muscle aches. It should not be used by children under the age of 2. It also should not be applied under the nostrils.
Studies have shown that Vicks VapoRub helps relieve cough, congestion and sore muscles. It hasn't been proven safe or effective for other off-label purposes.
Vicks VapoRub may cause side effects like skin irritation and respiratory distress, but these are rare.
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