[Rod Fulmer]

I have a lot of drainage that has made dealing with IPF and oxygen therapy vey difficult. About a year ago, after trying all OTC meds known to man,  my pulmonologist prescribed Ipratropium Bromide nasal spray. 2 sprays each nostril 3 times a day. I understand it has an antihistamine. By the 2nd dose of day, I am normally dry for remainder of day. BUT, I go through 6-8 Kleenex the next morning, along with spraying saline water until clog breaks up and I can get clear for my 1st dose of Ipratropium. I am on 12 lpm so I have a lot of clogging. Not able to use water bottle inline due to it reducing oxygen flow. Good luck to all of you.

[Rod Fulmer]

Thanks David and Charlene for reply. As I mentioned, my new Pulmonologist prescribed a prescriptive nasal spray, Ipratropium 0.06% NAS SP 15ml (165), and I have been using it about a week. Seems to help during the day and evening, of course wears off through the night and so mornings are not helped. But a positive. Again, thanks for your replys.

[Rod Fulmer]

Hello,

I was diagnosed with IPF as well as severe Emphysema 3 years ago. Primary to my having to leave the job I was doing was the chronic runny nose and congestion that occurred with the slightest of exertions. Already having reduced lung function, the runny nose or sinusitis made it to where I could not breathe through my nose and the shortness of breath was intensified. My saturation would drop, often into the 60’s, and I would search for a place to sit until I was able to reduce the sinusitis to the point that I could begin to breathe through my nose.

I was referred to a pulmonologist after a bout with pneumonia three years ago. He diagnosed the IPF. I guess the runny nose was outside his expertise as he passed it off. I was accepted into a clinical trial in Birmingham, AL, but the pulmonologists there did not address the sinusitis either. I have been to an ENT that prescribed a nasal spray that did not help. I am now with a different pulmonologist and he has prescribed a different nasal spray. Have not tried it yet because my pharmacy had to order it. I have considered going to an allergist, but I know it is not driven by pollens because I have it whether I am in Denver, or LA, or Miami, or here in Alabama.

Mornings are especially difficult, seems that I have stored the drainage all night and drainage begins early. 12-15 Kleenex later, I can begin morning hygiene. I use a concentrator at night, set on 6. I am less than compliant on using the portable tanks when I am up, usually limiting my outings to short trips and not using oxygen. About the only thing that helps is 4-6 Benadryl a day, but then I am drowsy and even more resistant to being up and about.

I feel for those few of us that experience sinusitis in addition to being short of breath. Hopefully, someone will find a good remedy for this problem so that the difficulty of living with IPF is not intensified. Have a good day.

[Rod Fulmer]

Hello. I have struggled with sinusitis and congestion since I was diagnosed with IPF and severe emphysema. For three (3) years, any exertion would open up the drainage, making it impossible to breathe through my nose, and use of a cannula was severely interrupted. Every physician I came in contact with, every forum I joined, I could not find anyone that either would or could address the drainage that was triggered by exertion and shortness of breath. I recently changed Pulmonologist to one that actually shows some empathy about my overall condition. He prescribed Ipratropium Bromide Nasal Solution 0.06%, 2 sprays per nostril, 3 times a day. I usually take my first dose mid-morning, second dose late afternoon, and third dose before bed. I am proud to report that this has alleviated my drainage and congestion to a manageable level. Mornings, when I take the oxygen off, I have a significant amount of drainage, but once I take my first dose, I generally do not experience much drainage if any. By the second dose, I am drainage free, and the third seems to carry me through the night. Hopefully this will help you, I certainly feel for what you are going through.