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Saw the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor yesterday. He says that my sinus infections are likely RA-related due to decreased immune system functioning. This will be the second time this year I'll need antibiotics. I also use a neti pot and nasal spray. Have any of you had issues with sinusitis as a consequence of RA?
He also did a biopsy on my thyroid, since I also had thyroiditis this year (which is also new to me) that caused me to lose 15 pounds. Anyone have related thyroid issues too? I'm… read more
I have found that RA messes with my whole body. From my eyes down to my toes and most if everything in between. Sinus is just one. But I also have lots of allergies that my allergist put me on shots for several years. This has been the first spring and summer that I haven't had any Infections, so far. I also use simply saline to help keep my nose washed out.
@A myRAteam Member, allergies are basically an out of control immune reaction. So is RA. Thyroid problems also stem from the same thing. many RA meds--even biologics, can cause stuffiness, so if you are already prone to sinus problems, it tends to amplify that problem. That's a simplified explanation and it's a lot more complicated, but that's the crux.
I used to get sinus infections twice a year until I started using a netti pot ( I use 2 every morning), and this spring it has been a constant battle. Seems the allergy season is rougher than usual. I also make sure to take elderberry, astragalus, vit.C, D, and zinc to help immune health without annoying the RA. I avoid supplements or meds with iron, echinacea, white willow bark, tylenol and sugar cane, and suphedrine pe (the fake suphedrine) since those all make me worse. I have yet to find an ultimate solution for congestion from allergies--if it gets too bad, I resort to taking suphedrine because it's the only thing that breaks up the congestion when it's rampant. I also use something similar to Vick's vapor rub at night and sleep with my head elevated--it does help the congestion a bit so I can sleep.
Dr Isabella Wentz has some good info on thyroid issues.
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/about/
Praying you get some relief! Love and hugs!
@A myRAteam Member thank you so much for the suggestions. I'll look into that stuff. Love and hugs to you too!
@A myRAteam Member I really appreciate your suggestions. I'll take all I can get! Thank you.
@A myRAteam Member good point Sam, on the cleaning of the neti pot. Will definitely clean it out thoroughly.
Yes ma'am I have severe sinus infection because of the Enbrel I take. I get them all the time. Sometimes if it last more than 3 days I receive antibiotics.
I had a Sinus Endoscopy Surgery 2 years ago. Honestly it was no help. Still have sinus infections. He was a great doctor and he treated me nice. The hospital staff was AMAZING!!!!! The place was clean and everyone I encountered was friendly.
But hunny rinse your nose everyday with saline spray. I do my rinse throughout the day because we encounter dust, pollen etc.
Purchase a humidifier, get you some peppermint essentials oil. I will post the link. These are some of the best oils. The peppermint aroma opens your nose.
There are certain spices you can eat helps with opening nose.
Too much of the Vicks vapor rub is not good. But I hope you find a better solution. Make sure too dust inside your house and wear a facemask. I try to dust at least twice a week. Good night🙏
https://www.nowfoods.com/essential-oils
I have also used netting pot for a couple years for sinusitis, which seemed to help. Since my ENT physician moved out of state I haven’t gone back. I’m thinking of restarting my nasal washes.
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