For safe relief at eight months, try steam inhalation with plain water to soothe your dry nose, and drink warm water mixed with honey and a little ginger to ease your throat. Saline nasal drops are also highly safe and effective for dryness. Since you are in your third trimester, please consult your obstetrician before taking any commercial Ayurvedic formulations or continuing cetirizine (citrazen). Always prioritize your and your baby's safety by avoiding self-medication with complex herbal remedies right now.

Typically, inhaling steam with ingredients like salt, turmeric, or Vicks for five days will not cause a lasting loss of these senses. However, the strong menthol and camphor in Vicks can temporarily overwhelm your nasal passages, masking smells. More importantly, the underlying cold, sinus infection, or viral illness you are treating is the most common culprit behind a temporary loss of taste and smell. This usually improves as your body recovers. Please rest, stay hydrated, and consult a doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Yes, overusing nasal decongestant drops can sometimes cause rebound congestion and headaches. However, a severe headache paired with swelling on one side of your head is not a typical side effect and could indicate a localized sinus infection or inflammation. Since steam and menthol rubs haven't provided relief, it is very important that you stop using the drops and consult a healthcare professional promptly for an accurate diagnosis. Please avoid using over-the-counter nasal decongestants for more than three to five consecutive days.

This sounds like Eustachian tube dysfunction, where the passage connecting your nose and ears swells, likely triggered by your dust allergy. While Vicks provides temporary relief by opening nasal passages, it does not resolve the underlying congestion. To help, try using a generic saline nasal spray regularly, applying warm compresses, or practicing gentle swallowing exercises. I recommend discussing generic nasal steroid sprays with your doctor, or checking for jaw-joint issues, since the sound is linked to chewing.

Please be reassured that a white blood cell count of 11,200 cells/mcL is only slightly elevated. This mild increase, combined with persistent sneezing, is most commonly caused by a standard viral infection (like a cold) or allergic rhinitis, as your body fights off a virus or reacts to environmental triggers. To help calm your sneezing immediately, I recommend using a sterile saline nasal spray to flush out irritants and staying well-hydrated. An over-the-counter generic antihistamine like cetirizine can also provide quick relief. Please rest, and consider consulting a healthcare professional if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Since your cold and cough are not improving, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. A week-long persistent cough might need targeted treatment, as Citracin (an antihistamine) may not be enough on its own. In the meantime, please get plenty of rest, stay well-hydrated with warm fluids, and consider steam inhalation to soothe your airways. Your doctor can safely guide you on the next steps to help you feel better soon.