Sinus and cough

[Mctd]

Morning everyone, I was diagnosed with Sjogrens about 4 months ago and started taking Pilocarpine along with Hydroxychloroquine and other meds for Raynaurds. One of my biggest issues was painful sinus headache and catarrh build up in my throat, which had been quite settled. However, 2 weeks ago I started feeling not well. The headaches started, the post nasal has been awful, my throat is raw with coughing and I've felt so weak and fatigued. I took a couple of days off work, but went back in as they messaged me to ask how long I was going to be off... I felt guilty. Still feel dreadful, just want to stay in bed, its half term now (I'm a teacher), so can now at least rest. Can someone tell me if I should have contacted my GP. I just don't know how to deal with a flare, which sounds stupid, but do you just push through them? I'm not used to being off ill, and have crawled in so as not to let my team and students down in the past. I have dropped to 4 days over the last year as I struggle with the pace and workload and dropping to 3 days in September. I literally go to work and then back home to bed. Family life is non existent 😪.

[StriatedCaracara]

I have been getting one sided headaches which this week I learnt could be due to sinus issues. My current thinking is my sinuses are getting blocked, causing post-nasal drip, that sometimes not aware of, and then a cough.

I found disprin helped to ease, and clear, so I guess there is inflamation of my sinuses.

I also have steroid nasal spray, but only use this if my nose gets continually sore.

When I'm on prednisolone then sometimes I get a sinus infection that needs antibiotics.

[soul22]

Hi nice to meet you 😀

I'm battling the post nasal cough like a spasm violent choky type not even proper cough .

So annoying tried all sorts 😞 hope u find solution

[Mctd in reply to soul22]

I always have post nasal drip and I've got used to it. However, every now and again I think my sinuses must dry out and I get an infection. I originally just took Hydroxychloroquine and a couple of other meds. Then they gave me Pilocarpine as well and it has eased my mouth ulcers etc., and eyes, have you been offered that? Still my nose drives me mad thouh... It doesn't seem to crust over and bleed as much, but inside it is always dry. I eventually called my GP yesterday and he has given me antibiotics - I feel a lot better today. I've no temperature now and don't feel as ill, I just hope it doesn't come back for a while. The next time I go to the Sjogrens clinic, I'll ask if there is anything else that can be used for post nasal drip and will let you know what they say. Take care J

[soul22 in reply to Mctd]

Hi

Yes same but my nose had severe deviation of septum had two operations on it fixed as much can safely.

I also have allergic rhinitis since age ten I'm in UK not heard what you use for ulcers.

New dentist recommended a wash so got that for mouth.

Thanks

I use neilmed sinus rinse twice daily plus steam with oilbas oil that is my management plus nasal spray.

Currently dental abscess on treatment that had sinus infection recently after being in hospital unable rinse sinuses got big blockage then infection.thks

[Mctd in reply to soul22]

I dread people asking how I am, and often say I'm good even when im not. I don't think people really understand how constant irritation in your mouth, eyes, nose and throat can get you down. Just got to keep on going and looking for new things to help.

[soul22 in reply to Mctd]

I hear you there I understand Totally ,others who don't have it I'm afraid won't.It's hardest part sometimes I kinda got used it now been years for me.

Sometimes it hurts

Hugs 🫂

[Poshcards in reply to Mctd]

every time I blow my nose I use Vaseline up inside both nostrils, helps keep it moist and helps with hay fever too x

[Babycakes1971]

hi there. I've taken hydroxychloroquine for 10 plus years now. It's usually the first drug they tend to put you on and is generally well tolerated. Unfortunately it takes around 4 plus weeks to work. For me it was great. It calmed down the first real flare I had after giving birth where I was in so much pain and desperate . Other drugs were added shortly after but the migratory body pain horrendous joint pain, weird rashes, hair loss, burning skin in any kind of sunlight, stomach pains etc all dulled down massively. Good luck xx