I have been experiencing nasal congestion & the doctor considers it a side effect of the medications that I'm taking for my lung condition. She prescribed Ipatropium. Soon after I began using this nasal spray I began experiencing my heart racing periodically ... so I discontinued use for a week. The racing heart symptoms subsided and so I used the spray two days and then the racing heart symptoms began again.
I called the doc and requested a different nasal spray. She is prescribing steroid nasal spray now.
After reading some posts here, I'm interested in what others might have to say about steroid therapy.
Also interested in viewpoint on oxygen therapy. I'm on 2.0 for overnight use during sleeping only because my oxygen sat levels drop so low while I sleep.... Is is possible to become stronger and not need overnight oxygen therapy?
My condition is Pulmonary Hypertension.
Thanks
Cindy
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TequilahCat
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I'm newly dx with copd after being sob on exercise and at rest AND after having chronic nasal congestion for over 20 years. I have been on beconase all this time , GP gave me budesonide and a breezhaler for the lungs after I went to him about this. I have bought a Neilmed nasal wash & it has made the world of difference after 2 weeks! Tonight I had to wipe my nose indoors and I sneezed! I've not sneezed for 6 months and I was a constant sneezer,! I still have the feeling of congestion in my throat from the post nasal drip, especially after being in bed, however it is much improved since using this. You mix it with sachets of salt and bicarb, however you don't swallow any salt so nothing goes down...just a suggestion and hope you find some relief soon,
Ever since I was young I have had to blow my nose all the time...I could never go anywhere without a tissue....then I read on the internet that dairy products cause catarrh and mucus production.... I cut out all diary from my diet..no milk in tea/coffee, lactose free milk on cereals...and the hardest one to do, I gave up cheese which I used to eats LOADS of and love...and its worked !!!!! I hardly ever blow my nose now, it was amazing.....I wondered if it might have a beneficial affect on the mucus in my lungs..but sadly no, I still cough that up at the same rate . But for my nose and sinus's it really has worked...try it before you use drugs that's what I would say to you all
ps every now and again I have a very little tiny weeny bit of cheese
Cutting out dairy products is not the healthiest option for someone with COPD especially if they are getting towards the severe end of the scale. In fact we are advised not to even go for the low fat options. I know when I have an infection, I am told that I need to drink super milk.....full fat milk with milk powder added to throw the cream content through the roof. Just though folk should be aware.
Never thought of that CB , but the blessing of not having to blow my nose all the time AND having gunk run down from my nose etc when I am lying down..far outweighs the disadvantages re: deficiencies in the diet FOR ME...but yes I agree its a good point for others to take on board.
hi cindy, re the oxygen, i do believe you can get stronger, or rather improve your lungs,,but if you are prescribed night oxygen, best take it, in my opinion. as oxygen levels can drop, like the "drop of a hat" sometimes without warning.
as far as the steroids, although there are many side effects, they can be and indeed are a lifesaver at times.
as far as your nasel prob, i have that myself [and believe me, with the size of my konk its big trouble [and big hankies ] why not give the old manuka honey a try, its very expensive the24+ stuff, but really has some natural antibiotic qualities,, worth a try cat,,,
Cindy, I don't know your condition. I have bronchiectasis. I sincerely believe that one can improve with exercise. You can start with ever so little exercise, so you can take it in and do it, but exercises is vital.
I can recommend one that I do every moring when I take my nebuliser:
As I said I don't know your condition. What I can say ( but I am different from you) I went to the gym with my oxygen bottle for 2 months. After that I could discard the bottle and the night oxygen too). I believe exercises are vital to, at least, improve your condition. BUT do these gently, easily without straining. Tell us how you get on with these. Mic
Finally got some sleep last nigh ... thank goodness for nighttime oxygen
Hi Sohara & thank you for your suggestion! I have cut down on dairy significantly and it has helped. I do typically eat more dairy tho, it keeps my calories up so I don' tlose too much weight.
jimmy - will definitely be giving your suggestions a try! I used to take bee pollen years ago to help my energy levels. IT seemed to help!
Hey Mic These lung exercises have become a regular part of my routine! I can see lots of improvements from where I was originally at upon coming home from the hospital. My resting o2 levels still fall to the low 90's and often rest at 90 - 91 ... but it's not unusual for me to register at 97% ... and I really believe that this video has been a great help in accomplishing this!
At this point I'm still waiting for insurance to approve the steroid nasal spray, but as far as congestion goes, it has not been too bad for the last 24 hours. I tend to be careful with meds and so when this prescription goes through, I'll probably go slow with it and if it doesn't work out, I'll set it aside & go back to the nasal washes.
My heart has been fluttering or racing for the last couple days -- and my resting heart rate is dropping from 83 down to the 70's .... I think that the fluid around my heart is withdrawing and my heart is beginning to recover from the medical crisis of the last 6 months. Last month my resting heart rate was high, and sometimes even would beat at low 90's.
I'm going into the hospital for another RH Cath on Tuesday to find out if there has been any improvements overall ... If I compare now to a couple months ago, just on observation I'm doing so much better!
I'll update on my condition as soon as I get the news!
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