RA and sinus problems

[Mybirthday1975]

hi all I’m on metratrexate and adalimumab for my rheumatoid arthritis do any of you find it causes sinus issues and sinus headaches?

I would be really grateful if you could reply

Thanks 😊

[Cutes]

Hi, yes I have suffered from a blocked up nose ever since I started methotrexate, over 20 years ago and initially used to regularly wake up in the night unable to breathe properly and feeling very panicky.

A few years back, I had to stop my meds for a few months due to ENT infections and interestingly, noticed by the end of that time, my nose felt far clearer. I guess therefore that there are always going to be side effects when taking these meds. However, my GP has prescribed me with 'Flixonase' steroidal nasal spray, which I just use at night time (one spray for each nostril) and I find this helps my breathing at night. I understand it is ok to use this long term and the GP felt it was a 'safer' option to the one you can get over the counter ( called 'Beconaise' I think). You could also try using an 'Olbas' stick. I guess your headaches might well be due to sinus problems. I think it would definitely be worth discussing this with your GP and perhaps asking them about the possibility of using a mild steroid nasal spray, such as 'Flixonase'. I hope you get it sorted as I know how miserable it can be, especially at night time, when trying to sleep.

[ABwn]

Hi - I'm only on methotrexate (+ hydroxychlorine), as I suffered from congestion prior to the onset of RA can't say I have noticed any difference.

[Runrig01]

Ive had sinus issues for years, I’m also on a biologic, steroids and MTX. I was referred to ENT who say that my ankylosing spondylitis is causing chronic inflammation in the sinuses. My AS affects my jaw, and he said it’s filtering from there. I was prescribed a longterm nasal spray, called Monetasone. I’m due to see ENT again soon, as my pulmonologist thinks I havd a chronic infection, and it’s causing laryngeal spasms.

[welsh12 in reply to Runrig01]

I have the spasms too

[Runrig01 in reply to welsh12]

Sorry to hear, they can be quite frightening when you can’t swallow or breathe 🤗

[Mybirthday1975 in reply to Runrig01]

Hi thanks for replying!

I was supposed to have an operation on my airways in my nose a long time ago but really didn’t fancy the ENT specialist said my airways were extremely narrow and that’s what causes my sinus issues!anyway I had to had a pet scan for something different and the chest consultant said everything was fine but my sinus showed to be very inflamed on the pet scan..I’m wondering if I get referred back if they could give me meds to control it as I feel the RA and RA meds set it off can this happen?😊

[Runrig01 in reply to Mybirthday1975]

Yes, inflammation can filter from the jaw, causing symptoms. Mine at its worst, also caused vascular lesions on my tongue, and spasms of the tongue. MTX settles mine down.

[Chester1975]

Hello. I believe it is one of the side effects. I start on Biologics for the first time today and I am dreading it as I already suffer from allergies, hay fever, have nasal polyps and slight constant congestion. At the moment the nasal polyps have shrunk but I’m wandering if they will get bigger once I start the biologics and cause me issues once again. I use air purifiers and dehumidifies in the house. I don’t use candles or plug in scents, or spray deodorants etc. I use natural cleaning products and washing liquid and I do my utmost to reduce anything which will aggravate my sinuses. At the moment I’m in a happy place with my sinuses and congestion but dreading it if the Biologics make them worse as I literally couldn’t sleep at night when it was at its worst and I was so fatigued that I was literally super tired all of the time. Xx

[Mybirthday1975 in reply to Chester1975]

Thanks for your reply 👍

[welsh12]

Hi I have sinus issues and there is some recent research to say people with Rheumatoid Arthritis are prone to issues mine seems to get worse this time of the year. I use nasal sprays and have some facial reflexology to drain it and minimise impact I take methotrexate it's been worse since I had flu jab may be coincidence

[Mybirthday1975 in reply to welsh12]

Thanks for your reply

[Gottarelax]

Yes, I'd say that my sinuses have got worse. I've also developed a nasal drip at the back of my throat that gives me a constant sore throat.

[welsh12 in reply to Gottarelax]

Yes I have this anything help?

[junik53]

I am only on MTX and yes I do get blocked up and I use a saline nose spray as I can’t take things like Sudafed or vick sprays as I have heart problems and the make the heart beat faster. Just take paracetamol for any sinus pain

[Mybirthday1975 in reply to junik53]

Thanks for replying

[PloddingOn1]

Hi, my RA nose advised Sterimar nasal spray when I first when on bioligics, I’ve never had any issues since using this.

[welsh12 in reply to PloddingOn1]

I have this have to use it regularly

[Mybirthday1975 in reply to welsh12]

Thanks 😊

[Braecoon]

As a chronic sinus sufferer since my late thirties, I have suffered badly since being diagnosed with RA at age 52. In the past, I have had surgery to repair a deviated septum and removal of the turbinates in my nose, non of these have eased the problem. A lot of my medications for high blood pressure including the biologic and methotrexate for RA, and three drugs for blood pressure and drug for Supraventricular Tachycardia, all have sinusitis as a side effect!! And yes, I notice that after vaccinations, my sinuses become extremely inflammed - just had my covid/flu shots, and right on cue the sinuses have reacted.

I have learned to be proactive, as soon as the nose lining becomes sore and the post nasal drip (back of throat) starts, I use an electric nasal irrigator approximately £30 (Neil Med) and accompanying salt sachets, to try to prevent a bacterial infection. You can buy a manual squeeze bottle irrigator kit approximately £10-15 (Neil Med) from Boots in UK. They also do extra strong salt sachet kits for chronic stubborn sinusitis or when you have a confirmed bacterial infection.

When infection sets in, as well as regular sinus irrigation, steam inhalations with or without menthol, I also massage mild vapour rub for babies across nose, cheeks, forehead, neck and chest after I go to bed. You must AVOID Getting this on your EYES at all costs so do this after you have jumped into bed and do not touch your eyelids. Take your antibiotics and painkillers as prescribed. I take co-codomol as the sinus pain at night is ‘like a brick smashed into your face’ including referred ear pain because of blocked tube from nose to ears is no laughing matter. The vapour rub trick and painkiller at least gives me a good 4 to 5 hours uninterrupted sleep.

Hopefully, some useful tips for fellow sinus sufferers.

[welsh12 in reply to Braecoon]

What does the electric one do I have the normal one usual tips

[Braecoon in reply to welsh12]

It pumps the water in a continuous spurt, there are two heights. It helps to reach the sinuses better.

[welsh12 in reply to Braecoon]

Thanks will try it I have fun with the bottle one it's good but my technique is not great

[welsh12 in reply to Braecoon]

Useful tips

[Mybirthday1975 in reply to Braecoon]

thanks for replying 👍

[Dexter1414]

do any of you suffer with burping Aswell and uncomfortable in your stomach