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Sinus issues caused by PF
Most of us know the dryness our sinuses experience from using supplemental oxygen. The cannula itself can bother our noses, but I find ongoing 02 use can cause everything to dry out and even cause nosebleeds at times. Remember: it’s important to never lubricate your nostrils or sinuses with Vaseline while using oxygen because it can be flammable. Aside from dryness though, has anyone experienced ongoing sinus pain, pressure, or recurrent infections since using supplemental oxygen?
My first experience with COVID-19 was terrible, and I had a lot of sinus pain for over 10 days so I’m not sure if my discomfort is due in part to that, or my increased use of oxygen. Regardless, my pulmonologist says my sinuses are constantly inflamed and I shouldn’t have the ongoing ‘sniffle’ I do. She is referring me to an ear, nose & throat (ENT) specialist this summer.
Has anyone had to see an ENT due to their sinus issues following a diagnosis of IPF? If so, please share your experience!
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4 Replies
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I have had trouble breathing – totally “stuffy” nose for many months. I have complained to the doctors that when I try to spray something in my nose, most often it just falls back out. Finally, last month my pulmonologist looked in my nose and said “no wonder you can’t breathe – your nose is full of polyps !”……..I can’t have surgery because of having oxygen in my nose, so he has suggested Dupixent. I was turned down the first try, but guess they didn’t have enough info. Dupixent is for allergy, asthma, excema and nose polyps ! It’s a self shot a week. Supposedly it’s $3000/month, but hopefully with medicare and secondary it won’t be that – I will suffer using all the things I use now if it costs that much. I am hoping it all works. I use Ayr in my nose when it gets dried out. My PCP has just ordered a CT of my sinuses, so that will be another piece to the puzzle !
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Thanks for sharing @Sally
It sounds like your experience is similar to mine, and I hope the CT reveals some answers for you. Not being able to breathe due to sinus blockage is terrible!
Take care,
Charlene.-
CT scan showed no polyps so I think what the pulmonologist saw was swollen and inflamed Turbinates. I don’t know what else it could be !! I have had two shots of Nucala (alternative to Dupixent and I don’t pay for this). I am still having problems but not as much. Nucala also helps asthma.
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My sinuses have been horrible for months now. I only use 2 litres of oxygen and for over a year I had no problems. My PC looked in my sinuses and said they are a mess. Sent to a ENT who also thought they were a mess. Constant post nasal drip into my throat and constant hoarseness. Nothing over the counter works. ENT put me on antibiotics—-no infection just constant inflammation. I get a CAT scan of the sinuses tomorrow and have been put on nose drops. There seems to be some improvement but I am uncomfortable all the time with this. It affects the quality of my voice. Constantly clearing my throat. Hopefully, a solution is forthcoming when wee get to the bottom of this.
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