As for the nasal spray - you can get a wide variety of basically the same thing from almost any drugstore, apothacary, chemist, and many grocery stores and of course, Wal-Mart, etc.
It is available under a wide variety of brand names but in the cold and allergy aisle look for the term 'NASAL SALINE' on the bottle.
This spray works well to 'flush' the nasal cavities and help to alleviate issues caused from dry environments, allergies, and cold-like sypmtoms. How do I know this? I suffer from allergies on a regular basis (mostly hayfever) and when the temps drop to -40*C/F (it's the same - trust me) or lower the air is incredibly dry. Add to that the typical winter issues - especially the forced air heating systems prevalent in most of the lower US and you're well on your way to a head that's plenty dry and sometimes drinking a gallon of water a day still doesn't seem like it's going to help. With the amount of allergies, sinus problems, sinusitus, sinus infections I've had over the years I'd done LOTS of research on the drugs, the effects of the drugs, and means to overcome the problems quickly so I can get back doing what I love - KARAOKE! (woohoo!)
BTW, many of my problems are caused because I have a deviated septum and a prediliction to allergies, which causes most of the problems I experience. Unfortunately, the solution is a local anestetic and whacking a chisel that's up my nose w/ a large hammer to cut away part of the cartiledge - I'll pass, thank you very much. So your problems may or may not be typical of those I experience.
The nasal saline is non-addicting, provides relief from minor allergies and is inexpensive (usually a couple dollars a bottle in the US - depending on where you buy it).
BTW, if you're taking a nasal decongestant (like Pseudo-fed, AKA pseudoephedrine)it will dry out the nasal membranes (that's what it's supposed to do) which can make it harder to sing. Using a anti-hystamine (used for allergies - like Benadryl) doesn't typically cause the same drying action of the nasal membranes but typically won't help for cold like symptoms unless they're caused by allergies. Also be careful with over the counter medication (or any medication for that matter). Many people take a general cold pill and then take aspirin or Tylenol with it not realizing they've already taken aspirin (or Tylenol) resulting in overdosing... without even realizing it.
As always, the above information is based on my experiences and my own research. I am NOT A DOCTOR - I don't even play one on TV. Consult a licensed medical professional before beginning any treatment of any kind. In other words, nasal saline works for me, but if you try it and it kills you don't send anyone to me because I'm telling you to see a doctor FIRST.
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