Can any heart meds cause sneezing bouts/rhinitis. Can you use steroid nose spray &/or any any histamines on heart meds?

[Ewloe]

Have been on bisoprolol, ACE inhibitor, blood thinner, anti platelets, diruretic for 5/6 months post STEMI followed by constant AFib with successful cardio version 2/3 months ago. Now only short infrequent fleeting AFib.

Last 3 weeks episodes of sneezing and blocked nose. Not like a cold and I’ve not had anything like this before. Keeping me awake at night.

Can this be a side effect of any meds? If so should I stick with the culprit or ask for it to be changed ( worry is a new medication might have more side effects). ? I’m tempted to use some steroid nose spray I have in. And what antihistamine can I use? Suggestions please.

Thanks

[Maisie2014]

I can’t say if it’s the meds but I take an antihistamine daily for my allergies. I had HA February 2019. I have also used nasal sprays that are prescribed however I don’t take anything that is not advised by my GP. If I have a cold and when I had coronavirus I only used olbas and Jakemans lozenges till it cleared up. Take care.

[Hidden]

Dear Ewloe

It certainly sounds like a side effect of one of your meds, as both I and many others suffer the same.

From a running nose one minute to a dry crusted one the next.

You need to speak to your Dr/heart team about this , but I am presuming that this is a common side effect.

I personally would not use any steroid based medication until you have checked with your Dr/ team or even your Pharmacist, because they could interfere with the workings of your other medication.

Sorry you are suffering with this, can your medication be changed ? Well I’m not medically trained so I can’t answer that, but I’m sure a quick phone call could tell you.

I have kept with the annoying side effects as the drug combination that I’m on seem to be working well.

Take care

[AlanBigGrin]

Hi Ewloe,

This is just my personal experience so please consult with your GP/Cardiac Team before any actions.

I can sympathise with you as I am on the same cocktail of drugs and also developed chronic rhinitis symptoms. Runny nose, sneezing, post nasal drip and a persistent cough.

I carefully gave myself a few days break from the ACE inhibiter followed by a break from the beta blocker (Bisoprolol) while taking a decongestant (Phenylephrine). The rhinitis and cough stopped immediately during that time. When I restarted the meds the rhinitis did slowly return but at a fraction of the level it was before (4 months now). I am very aware of the risks of stopping meds so I monitored my BP every few hours during this period. I am also on two additional BP meds which I kept taking so I didn't experience any BP spikes or anything too serious.

I guess just giving my body a rest from these possible allergic triggers was enough to have a positive effect.

AGAIN this just my personal experience so please consult with your GP/Cardiac Team before any actions.

Keep well

Alan

[Gratitude99]

Hello EwloeI am 2 months post STEMI and have previously had the runny nose thing with meds. Yesterday was the first time I experienced the repeated sneezing and congestion along with it.

I took Loratadine (Claritin) which was previously described to me for another allergy. That worked great for me. Check with your GP if that might be an option for you.

Best wishes, I hope you find relief quickly!

[Swim2fitness]

This is interesting, sorry no advice on meds as not medically trained however I have been sneezing a lot recently- been putting it down to chlorine as I swim 3/4 times a week and slow down with reverse breast stroke ( con - water gets up my nose, pro - relaxes hard working muscles). But thinking about it also my medication was changed in December. I am left wondering now …… so will try different slow down routine to see, thank you.

[Ewloe in reply to Swim2fitness]

Thanks for your reply. Interestingly I swim as well. Twice a week so I’m going to keep a note of the sneezing and see if it’s worse on swimming days. I may need to consider a nose clip. I’ve read some medications can cause allergic rhinitis so I’m thinking they might make one more sensitive to things.