Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Does anybody have any experience or special knowledge about rhinitis? I've had a runny nose and post nasal drip for years, and I've always associated it with the onset of RA. I've had allergies before, but they were successfully treated. Nothing more for 10 years, or so.
Then RA. I wish, I wish I wish I had been journaling better back then, but I'm quite certain that was the beginning of a non-stop runny nose. I carry Kleenex wherever I go, have boxes scattered throughout the house. Usually, it's garden variety runny nose; sometimes a little more substantial. I asked my RD about it a couple of years ago, and he pretty much brushed it off as no big deal. Same with my PCP at the time. So, then comes a hospitalization for lung issues last summer, and the runny nose and crustiness interferred with oxygen. My doc in the hospital tested for Wegner's Granulomatosis, and the result was negative. My pulmonary doc (SOOO many docs) thinks it's allergies, so he referred my to an allergist. I had my appointment this morning, and there were no significant skin reactions. I did have a reaction, but it was a non-specific disoriented feeling.
I'm going to try a sample of Nasonex (man, I hate the commercials), but if anybody has dealt with this and/or can give me some clues, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Doug T
Then RA. I wish, I wish I wish I had been journaling better back then, but I'm quite certain that was the beginning of a non-stop runny nose. I carry Kleenex wherever I go, have boxes scattered throughout the house. Usually, it's garden variety runny nose; sometimes a little more substantial. I asked my RD about it a couple of years ago, and he pretty much brushed it off as no big deal. Same with my PCP at the time. So, then comes a hospitalization for lung issues last summer, and the runny nose and crustiness interferred with oxygen. My doc in the hospital tested for Wegner's Granulomatosis, and the result was negative. My pulmonary doc (SOOO many docs) thinks it's allergies, so he referred my to an allergist. I had my appointment this morning, and there were no significant skin reactions. I did have a reaction, but it was a non-specific disoriented feeling.
I'm going to try a sample of Nasonex (man, I hate the commercials), but if anybody has dealt with this and/or can give me some clues, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Doug T
One thing that tends to happen as people age is that they acquire "chemical sensitivities," which can cause allergy-like symptoms. The reason I mention this is because Cali is BAD when it comes to pollution (and the wildfire smoke isn't helping things). Over time your body can build an intolerance to these pollutions and try to rid itself of them by causing your nose to run, or having you cough. The "chemical sensitivty theory" isn't one doctors much agree on, as there's no way to really test for it (there are just too many different chemicals that could be causing the problem). I'm just throwing it out there as a possibility.
Mistylove is very right about the gastric reflux---I see that all the time at the hospital.
Sorry I can't help you more with this---I myself have severe allergies, so my rhinitis has a known cause. Trying nasonex is a good idea---it certainly wouldn't hurt you and might help.
I read through the fact sheet (as long as my arm), and there wasn't anything that alarmed me, except it is another stinking corticosteroid. I'm trying to rid myself of steroids completely, so I don't think Nasonex is a final solution. The claim is 1-2 weeks for maximum effect, so I'll give it that much time.
My 7 year old is on fluticasone spray daily (couldn't afford the Nasonex anymore) so it must be pretty safe. It has done wonders for his postnasal drip and coughing at night.