GCA Ear pressure and stiff neck

[Pamk1949]

I have GCA/PMR for the second time. For the past 6 weeks I’ve been taking 3mg prednisone and Actemra injections every other week. Since then, I have had ear pressure, and a throat that feels swollen. I’ve read that GCA can cause ear problems. Has anyone else experienced this? There are no visual symptoms, but I’m thinking maybe increase my prednisone? I hate to yo-yo around with the dose, it is it worth a try?

[SnazzyD]

Hello, there isn’t much to go n here. can you describe the swollen throat a bit more? Is it sore? Is it inside or outside? Any viral symptoms or mucus hanging around? By ear pressure, do you mean if feels stuffed up as if there is something in the ear canal?

[Pamk1949 in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi Snazzy, it’s not like a regular sore throat. Just feels swollen, mostly near the inside of my ears, and muscles in the neck. I have had a chest cold a few weeks ago but that has resolved. No sinus issues though. In the past I’ve had similar symptoms, but always with temporal pain so I upped the pred. Could it be the Actemra causing infections?

[SnazzyD in reply to Pamk1949]

No pain or discomfort at all?. After a cold, fluid can hang around in the middle ear for weeks even when all other tubes and spaces are fine. Sometimes a simple ear exam can show fluid behind the eardrum. Have you tried chewing menthol gum to help the eustacian tube unblock to help drainage? .

I’d be seeking advice before bumping up the dose because there are aspects that don’t fit with your GCA. If there is an infection, the increased Pred might mask it.

My GCA ear problems were more hearing loss, tinnitus and motion sickness.

[Pamk1949 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you SnazzyD, I’ve not tried menthol gum—I’ll try it today. I never had such issues with the first time I had GCA, but they say second time is different? But this ear problem has been on/off for months. Thanks for your reply

[PMRpro Ambassador]

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[Pamk1949 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro, I saved the full version. I don’t have tinnitus nor loss of balance or hearing but something is going on, that’s why I was wondering if 3mg pred is enough. Doctors have said they don’t see any infection.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pamk1949]

It is so frustrating isn't it - there is something not right but they can't see anything so it doesn't exist!

[Temoral in reply to PMRpro]

This is really interesting PMRpro. I had vertigo for over a year before the temporal headaches started and I was diagnosed. Maybe another symptom to which GPs should be made aware.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Temoral]

They do need their knowledge of potential symptoms broadening!

[Pamk1949]

yes that’s been my whole story with this PMR/GCA journey!! thanks for your reply!

[Cubanurse49]

I’ve had ear stuffiness, discomfort for the last 3 months, it radiates to my right side of the throat, painful to swallow, even with brushing the teeth , is an unusual discomfort, bought ear drops from Amazon have found some relief ,