What's the color of the nasal discharge: green, yellow, or clear?
Is the discharge thick and/or foul-smelling?
What specific "cold like symptoms" have you had?
The reason I'm asking these questions is because, if you have a bacterial infection, you may benefit from antibiotic therapy.
Please note that it's very possible that you have the common cold, which is an upper respiratory infection caused by a
virus. Technically speaking, antibiotics will
not be effective against a viral infection. Sometimes the common cold can lead to a sinus infection, which may involve the same virus or perhaps an opportunistic bacterium. The right antibiotic might be effective against the latter.
Under normal circumstances, a wait-and-see approach would be advisable since common colds and sinus infections in the vast majority of cases are self-limiting. Since you're planning on going on a scuba trip in the near future and want/need results right away, seeing a doctor about this might result in getting a prescription for a course of antibiotics. This could be helpful.
For sinus infections, decongestants can help. It sounds like you have a small pharmacy at your disposal.
Use whatever seems to work best. Regular use of the Neti-pot can be helpful (and that's what you're already doing). Steam and hot showers can also loosen up the mucus a little.
Antihistamines such as Claritin (loratidine) will provide relief if there's an allergic component to your problem. The "D" part of "Claritin D" is pseudoephedrine, which acts as a decongestant. Considering your history of allergies, I think Claritin D was a good 2-for-1 choice.
[Edited later: I see that
doctormike has already posted in a
cross-listed thread. He's an ENT. If you have any specific questions, ask him.
]
