Sinusitis side effect with Atrovent and Spiriva

[Celie1]

Hi, after a flare up of asthma I was given Atrovent in addition to my Fostair, prednisolone, antibiotics (I had a raised temperature) and anti histamine. After a few days I developed sinus symptoms (which I’ve had on and off for years). I feel awful whenever I get this, not intense pain, but a pressure around my head, ears, face and feeling exhausted after a short time doing anything.

I’m starting on Spiriva in a couple of days when the pharmacy manage to give me some 🙏😬but when I read the information leaflet it says that sinusitis can be a side effect. I’m not sure if I was getting this infection anyway 🤷🏻‍♀️. Has anyone else had this as a side effect and does it go off or keep reoccurring?

I really want this Spiriva to work but can’t stand this sinusitis as a long term side effect.

[twinkly29]

It being listed as a side effect could mean that just one person reported it after taking it (and it could have been total coincidence that they had it...for example they could be someone who suffered with it anyway so actually nothing to do with the Spiriva.... but if reported, it has to be listed). Of course I don't know that that was the case but for perspective.

Also even if it can be a thing in some people, even with your tendency towards sinus issues, it doesn't mean it would happen.

However....I can understand why you would be concerned in case and also not really want that!

Not sure if I've mentioned to you before, but NeilMed Sinus Rinse is really good - for helping to prevent infections and reducing allergies (as it washes out the nose which is where most germs and allergens get it in) and also for helping with sinus issues (both acute and ongoing). So it might be worth a go anyway for you, regardless of the Spiriva.

Used regularly twice a day (if I've had a bad cold/sinusitis I've used it 3 times for symptom relief), with the sachet mixed in water as warm as you can manage (too cold anyway is ouchy and too hot is burny!) it not only rinses things through but I think the warmth helps with the sinuses.

Hopefully you'll get the Spiriva soon and it will be good (can take up to 12 weeks I think for full effectiveness) and hopefully won't cause further issues for you.

[Celie1 in reply to twinkly29]

Thank you Twinkly 😁. Hope you’re well.

I have used NeilMed, an ENT Consultant recommended it years ago and I’ve used it on and off since. I find it good too but nothing seems to help the sinusitis once it takes hold and unfortunately ran out of sachets, but my new supply came yesterday so back on with it now. 😅

Also when I’ve finished the pred will start on a nasal spray, but not sure which to go for. I’ve had them in the past but find they sting my nose and throat a lot (maybe poor technique 😆) and haven’t felt that they helped. Maybe I didn’t persevere for long enough. My nurse said I can get these over the counter now, but the pharmacist said you need a prescription for the Dymista! 🤔🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[twinkly29 in reply to Celie1]

Yes you do. I suppose you could show willing (which is very annoying when you've done it before!) and try an over the counter one or two and then ask for Dymista instead?! Or, if you know what you've tried, ask for a GP appointment/call and ask directly if you can try that because these (and tell them which) haven't been successful.

I think I'd try a steroid nasal spray as presumably your sinuses get quite inflamed - maybe ask a pharmacist which you can get from there are then decide (either on which one or to speak to a GP if the ones suggested you've already tried). Like with inhalers, I expect it's a personal thing. I was on Avamys for ages, the central meds thing for my previous GP changed it to something cheaper which I didn't mind trying but gave me nosebleeds, so GP switched it back. But then others don't get on with Avamys.

Incidentally, it's ok to use a steroid spray as well as pred. The spray only targets the nose/sinuses and is a tiny steroid dose.

[Celie1 in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks, I’ll try that - although I can’t actually remember which ones I’ve tried there have been so many over the years 🤨🤦🏻‍♀️😬.

Yesterday when I was talking to the pharmacist about them, he said I shouldn’t use the nasal spray while I was taking prednisolone because it would be too much steroid. I must admit I was a bit confused as no one has ever said this to me previously when I’ve been on both 🤔🤷🏻‍♀️. He said the pred would work on reducing inflammation in the nose as well. But... I’m thinking... why has the sinusitis taken hold if I’m taking pred and steroid inhalers and antibiotics then?😩

[twinkly29 in reply to Celie1]

I would say that's absolute rubbish. In all my years of being on prednisolone (on and off and, for several years on it every single day, as many people are), I have never been told not to take my steroid nasal spray. By anyone medical. If it was true then no-one would be allowed to continue nasal sprays every time they started pred or at all if on it long term.

If you're not sure though, I think I'd phone GP and request a callback and discuss that comment and then which spray would be best to try...say you've tried so many you're a bit confused but a lot of people have mentioned Dymista to you and might that be an option? Then they might just say yes!

[Celie1 in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks again. 😊I trust your advice and it certainly doesn’t make sense to start and stop these nasal sprays to my mind either. Perhaps a case of being over cautious 😳. My asthma nurse is ringing me in a couple of weeks so I’ll ask her about the Dymista . Take care x

[Lynneypin]

Hi there. Wondering how you got on with the spiriva. I’ve been on it a fair while but I have terrible sinusitis and wondering if there’s a connection.

[Celie1]

Hi Lynnneypin,

Sorry to hear you’re suffering with sinusitis, it’s horrible!

I’ve been mostly ok regarding the sinusitis thanks. I must have been getting it anyway when I started with the Spiriva. That’s not to say that it’s not affecting you in this way though, as we all react differently to meds. I’ve found that with me, the Spiriva caused a cough. At first it was difficult to say whether it was the Spiriva that was causing it because my asthma was flaring badly and I was given a lot of different meds, but it went on and on for months. I’ve recently come off the Spiriva, this was with the guidance of my nurse as my asthma has improved and the cough has gone.

If your sinusitis has got worse since you’ve been on the Spiriva, it might be worth mentioning it to your nurse and seeing if there’s something else you could take instead.

You probably do this anyway, but I’ve found that as soon as I feel it coming on, I drink loads of water and that sometimes helps it to stop getting worse.

Hope you feel better soon x