[shelbydog]

Hi all - this may sound like a strange question - we are in Guat. City visiting Mia...and I am having piercing sinus pain in my cheeks!!! Kind of like the feeling when you have to sneeze, but take that feeling times THIRTY all the time. Someone here told me we are 5000 feet above sea level - could that be it?? I didn't know that by the way....I do have seasonal allergies and get this from time to time, but never this severe!! I found some Vicks decongestant in the gift shop and hoping that helps...it really feels like someone is piercing knives into my cheeks!!

Has anyone who visited ever experienced this?? Could it be the higher altitude?? Or has anyone's allergies worsened in GC?? Thank you!!

[themotheroffive]

Don't know about your question but, had to tell
you that my dog's name is SHelby.

Just thought it was funny!

Atleast I bumbed you back up to the top.

[BriellesDad]

BOTH times while I was in Guatemala Ciry - Pickup and visit - I had the SAME thing. It got SO bad for me that I actually got nauseous and threw up a LOT. No amount of medicine from Guatemala could ease the pain and I seriously never want to feel it again. It happened both trips on the same day - day 2. The second morning, I woke up with that pain.

I sure hope yours isnt as bad as mine was, but if it is just go to sleep if you can and the next day it should be mostly gone.

[MammaLo]

Hey sweetie, it's the altitude added to the humidity. Husband had same problem. Make sure and take you some Tylenol Sinus and/or Motrin with you next time; or whatever you normally take. It might be a good idea to take a decongestant before leaving for GC. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water!

[coachmom]

take the sinus medicine-it really helps. but take it about 1/2 hour before you get on the plane so it has time to be working. Also, swab your nose with a little neosporin or Zicam to help with the yucks on the plane.

Doretta

[brinawynne]

I'm so glad to see this thread. Linda, I'm so sorry you aren't feeling well! I have severe sinus infections from time to time and it feels like my head is about to explode, expecially around my cheeks and behind my eyes. Strangly, my gums will also hurt occassionally. I hope you feel better soon, and now I know to take plenty of medicine on our pu trip.

Get Well,
Brina

[shelbydog]

Thank you everyone. I found some Vicks decongestant in the gift shop, and took Advil. It helped and I feel MUCH better today. It seems to peak mid afternoon. My gums and teeth hurt too from it...I'm glad I'm not the only one. I was begininning to think I had a sinus infection or something but I feel fine/healthy otherwise. Right now there is NO pain at all so I am happy...I'll definitely bring more meds on the pickup trip!!! Thank you all for easing my mind while we are here.


And my dog's name is Shelby too! Hence the name shelbydog!

[MammaLo]

Linda,
Your gum and teeth hurt because of the swelling of the maxillary sinus (the ones in your cheekbones) therefore putting pressure on your gums, making your teeth hurt. It's probably peaking in the afternoon due to the humidity. I'm from Louisiana and I find that when the humidity peaks, my cheekbones start hurting. It's amazing what a gently massage to your cheeks will do...start at the bottom of your cheek and gently stroke upwards toward your ear, following the cheekbone line. Gently now, don't press to hard. Glad to hear you are feeling better. Don't forget to take the Advil, etc before getting on the plane, because the cabin pressure changes, especially if it's a rapid descent will be murder on you upper sinus's.

Hope this helps!

[brandydawn]

Just to add, my husband was affected by the pollution in Guatemala....cigarrette smoke in the hotel, diesel fumes and such outside the hotel.

It was almost as if he had caught a cold...sore throat, stuffed up and congested. This lasted a couple days after we returned from both trips.

Regards,
Brandy

[mcidas]

My guess it's the pollution. I would guess GC is how US cities were back in the 60's and early 70's before all the pollution laws. Amazing!