Nasal decongestant symptoms and conditions

I started 20 mg Lisinopril in May 2008 shortly after catching a cold/sore throat in the doctor's office. Previous to this I had minor post-nasal drip, nothing serious. But this time It took over a month to get over the cold, with continuous coughing and congealed phelgm in my nasal passages just above my throat. The coughing never really subsided, and started again in September with a vengeance. I purchased an Orek air cleaner, TB tests turned out negative. The doctors prescribed Claritin to counter the phlegm production, it didn't stop it only made it so thick I could barely swallow, and a asthma puffer to counter the wheezing. Now I'm stuck between trying to swallow all day like a thick motor oil is in my throat, or medicating it with a nasal decongestant which starts it flowing and a return to coughing. I have never smoked and have avoided smoky conditions for years religiously. The connection between Lisinopril and the onset of coughing is too strong to ignore. After reading the other posts on this site I will try to get off it ASAP.

I took guaifenex last year for fluid in my ears. It caused sleeplessness made me feel nervous, and accelerated my heart rate. I tried breaking the pill in half and still had the side effects. This year I am having ear problems again, and tried an over the counter nasal decongestant. I am having similar side effects. It seems anything with Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is the culprit.

Does anyone know an alternative to clear up ear fluid?