Blocked nose,catarrh,cough

[LesleyH]

I seem to have the above continually does anyone else suffer these symptoms. I don't smoke, it's driving me mad especially at night as the minute I lie down I start to cough, I also RA and Crohns

[oldtimer]

Do you have any other allergies? At this time of year, it is common to react to fungus spores. Damp conditions in the house can make this more likely.

[LesleyH in reply to oldtimer]

I don't have any allergies and there is no damp in my home. I live in Spain so there is no damp air at the moment

[Penguin]

I sympathise - I've had catarrh for years - well before the RA diagnosis. It's always worse when i go to bed and when i get up in the morning and sometimes it doesn't bother me much at all during the day. Alas, I've never found a solution although I've heard it said that giving up dairy can help.

[Matilda_1922]

I have had a similar problem

Blocked nose and coughing especially at night. Have had this since late September. Been to GP who told me it's a virus. That was two weeks ago. I'm a bit worried as I am taking MXT and pulmonary fibrosis.

[Joy_1 in reply to Matilda_1922]

Hi Matilda_1922, I have RA that effects my arms and legs (but mainly hands and feet) and has also attacks my lungs but this is mild and stable.

I had a cough in the summer which took 9 weeks to go away. I knew it was a virus as my son and husband got the same symptoms. Pain on swallowing, cough, blocked right ear + balance issues due to ear. So I did not go to the doc. My son recovered in about 3 days, my husband in about 3 weeks - so I knew it was a nasty bug. Come week 10 it had completely cleared up.

When it comes to MTX and lung involvement with your RA then you need to keep an eye out for a persistent dry cough.

I have been on MTX since last Nov and my Consultant says usually you will discover MTX is not for you in the first few months as that is when you will get the dry cough. But of course he said I was to be aware of suddenly developing a dry cough. If that happens I must stop MTX immediately, go to the GP and get them to get me a chest x-ray PRONTO!

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Lesley. I'd pop & see your GP, she may want to check your breathing or sinuses & send a sputum sample off for analysis. Seems odd that lying down causes more coughing, unless you have acid reflux? You could also try keeping a glass of water by your bedside, not to drink but to add some humidity to the room, especially if it's still warm there or you've the air con on. Or, try drinking a glass of warm water with fresh lemon & honey (Manuka if pos) in the evening, it might help release the catarrh. Let us know how you get on? x

[weathervane]

Try steaming 3 times a day with teatree oil in water, and saline nasal spray 2 times a day, it really helps sinuses. I use the spray every day as it also helps dry cracked nostrils. I hope you feel better soon

[Hidden]

Hi Lesley - One thing that probably sounds silly, but works for my hubby who has the same issues, is to do a coconut pull. Just take a tablespoon of coconut oil (or actually any organic oil will do - I just like the taste of the coconut) and swish it around, through and between your teeth for 20 minutes or so. DO NOT swallow it - its loaded with debris, and do NOT spit it into your sink. It will harden at 75 degrees. We selected the kitchen trash can to spit into, and just know that unless it is a diamond or a 100 bill that accidentally gets thrown in there, we don't go searching for anything - ha ha. We both do this, and it has done wonders for allergies, and our dentist keeps telling us what great dental hygiene we have. so, just a thought!