Re: Persistent Colds/Sinusitis

[Guest guest]

,

I have had sinus problems with my PA. My history is listed below. If

you let your problem continue you may damage your lungs as I did. I am

convinced that I had Psoriasis in my sinuses.

I advise you to

1: Get checked out for polyps in your sinuses and persuade your ENT to

remove them.

2: Start daily washing of your sinuses. It sounds yucky but it provides

a lot of relief.

To wash I use a rubber bulb syringe of the type used to wash out ear

wax. I make up a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 6 ounces of warm

water. I fill the syringe and squirt gently into each nostril three

times.

Afterwards bend your head down and blow your nose out , rotate your

neck so you are looking sideways, blow to the left with that nostril

and then to the right. Use a good wad of tissue. This avoids the

embarrassing water dribbles later :-).

There are devices for this sold by Respironics and WaterPik or you can

get the ear syringe bulb at any drug store.

-----> Nasal irrigator By Respironics

<

http://www.respironics.com/product_library/

invoke.cfm?objectid=4E0DC31D-D761-423C-9206F0D003AE806D & method=display >

-----> Waterpik attachments for sinus washing

< www.cash-us.com/products/waterpik.htm >

< http://www.sinus-relief.com/whatsirr.html >

----> Simple Nasal (Ear) Syringe

<

http://www.drugstore.com/products/

prod.asp?pid=77706 & catid=231 & trx=PLST-0-

CAT & trxp1=231 & trxp2=77706 & trxp3=1 & trxp4=0 & btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT >

My personal history of sinus problems.

I had a lot of sinus problems in the first three years of my current PA

attack.(1997-2000) I had constantly running nose (sinusitis) along with

blocked noses and post-nasal drip. There were times when my sinuses put

out a very " corrosive " substance that inflamed my throat badly. I saw

several ENTs as well as my own doctor. Trouble was the discharge from

my sinuses was usuually clear and all they could see was an inflamed

throat. They saw some polyps in my sinuses but told me they looked OK.

During this time I was also developing classic PA symptoms in my joints

and muscles and rashes but none recognizable as classic Ps.

As the sinusitis continued I developed asthma and COPD and I had many

courses of antibiotics and chest x-rays for pneumonia. (I probably also

had costochonditis to confuse things). Stairs and inclines became a

problem!

I thought at one time that I had Churg-Strauss Syndrome. Reading the

help groups for CSS put me onto nasal washings. I got myself a rubber

syringe. I immediately felt a lot better when I started washing out my

sinuses. About the same time I found an ENT willing to take out my

polyps and open up my sinuses. I insisted on local anesthesia because

my throat and lungs were very bad by this time (it took two hours and

thirty-six shots of novocaine). As he cut away the polyps I heard him

exclaim at the pus-filled ulcers hidden under the polyps. I was so

happy about finding some reason for the flushes of foul-tasting and

corrosive post-nasal drip.

It didn't take long for my sinuses to heal but my lungs took much

longer. I had three months of pulmonary rehab to get to being able to

climb a couple of flights of stairs. I have continued to try to improve

my lungs since then.

I still wash my sinuses most days and I still spray double dose

aquacort for my sinuses and pulmicort for my lungs. I still get the

occasional asthmatic attack (this cold winter doesn't help) and the

occasional taste of the post-nasal drip keeps me using the meds.

On Saturday, February 8, 2003, at 10:03 PM, wrote:

> I am currently on Enbrel and I have had sinus congestion and cough

> since mid November. I have gone to the dr. 8 times for this cold (4

> different GPs). I have had 2 steroid shots to try to open my sinuses.

> I have been on 4 rounds of antibiotics (3 different types) and took

> them as directed. I have had 4 different types of prescriptive

> decongestants and 2 different types of nasal sprays. It seems like I

> get a little bit better then much worse. I even had 1 dr. tell me to

> come off the Enbrel for 2 weeks to see if it helped. All that did was

> send me into a horrible flare. Then my rheumy told me to go back on

> it since you only have to come off if you get a serious infection

> (like bronchitis or pneumonia). I am really baffled. I know that

> there is something going around cause everyone seems to be getting

> sick but I think almost 3 months is ridiculous! Even my husband is no

> longer smoking in the house to see if that helps. It seems like

> nothing works. Has anybody else !

> had any infections lasting this long? It's not like I am terribly

> sick and stuck in bed. Just not feeling well (sore throat and bad

> congestion) and it has become very annoying.

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/9/03 2:54:19 PM Central Standard Time,

davidevans@... writes:

> My personal history of sinus problems.

> I had a lot of sinus problems in the first three years of my current PA

> attack.(1997-2000

That is an interesting story . My brother has suffered sinus problems

for years that sound identical to what you have described. I thought he was

crazy for shooting saltwater up his nose but within a few days I could tell a

a big improvement by the difference in his voice. He has been diagnosed with

Reiter's syndrome which looks to me like PA and sjorgens syndrome combined.

If you look up the description of Reiters it talks about skin lesions that

can " mimic psoriasis " though he hasnt had any skin problems. The arthritis

that is part of Reiters is more of a reactive arthritis. Some with PA

describe significant destruction of both soft tissue and even bone with PA

that sounds like reactive arthritis to me. How do you sort it all out? I

havent had the morning stiffness so bad as many people in this group but he

certainly does. Get out of his way in the morning, he gets mean sometimes.

Many people in this group have been talking about recurrent colds which I

thought were maybe a result of the high percentage who are or have used

immunosupression. That doesnt explain why I am just getting over the 4th

cold this season. I usually get one. Maybe this is just a bad year? I have

used quite a bit of topical steroid which I am now tapering off and an

occasional vioxx. I just started the vioxx a couple of weeks ago. Was using

25 mg daily and here comes another stinkin cold. So I backed off the vioxx to

every other day. I dont know if the V had anything to do with the cold but

it did help my joints a bit. I could live with it.

In a message dated 2/9/03 3:32:43 PM Central Standard Time,

garylitz@... writes:

> I have had chronic sinus infections for about as long as I've

> had PA

Hi after reading your post I had an interesting thought. Many of us

first developed psor after a strep infection of the throat. A few have also

said it came on after sinus infection. Someone who had strep throat help me

out. I dont remember whether I had problems with sinuses at the same time as

the strep throat, if I did it was minor in comparasin and I dont remember

it. The sinuses are notorious for harboring difficult to treat infections.

All the cavities offer good places for infection to hide. Could a chronic

infection of the sinuses, that may have started in the throat for some of us,

be the root of our inappropriate immune response? And I can relate to

your reluctance to ask for help. I've always been a can do kind of guy and

always sought to prove that I could do anything that needed to be done, I

will suck it up and go on in spite of the pain, I'm not gonna be a sissy. I

can tell you first hand if there is something wrong you better put the pride

on the shelf and get some help or you might end up in a situation where its

too late and little help is available to you. I'm sure you can tell by

looking at posts on this board that this disease can and does disable people.

If you hang on to that foolish pride and wait until it has wrecked you before

you finally decide you need help you may be *hit out of luck. I appologize to

you all for the semi-disguised vulgarity.

In a message dated 2/9/03 2:55:47 PM Central Standard Time, CTNATIVE@...

writes:

> May I ask you , to go by #2, and I will go by ,

> group founder, to avoid any confusion? Thanks in advance.

I am glad I got here first so when another Orin shows up I wont have to be

Orin #2 ; )

~~PA never causes muscle spasms for instance

It is conceivable to me that if you had fusion of vertebrae related to the

PA, ankylosing spondylitis, you could end up with some nerve compression that

could cause spasms. What do you think Gordon? Orin

[Guest guest]

> ...Many people in this group have been talking about recurrent

> colds which I thought were maybe a result of the high percentage

> who are or have used immunosupression. That doesnt explain why

> I am just getting over the 4th cold this season.

> I usually get one. Maybe this is just a bad year?

Orin,

You're too gregarious. People catch colds and viruses mostly from

being out amongst the public and crowds. Become a hermit like me and

you'll hardly ever catch a cold or flu again. I can't remember the

last time I caught a cold, and I've been on immunosuppressive drugs

(MTX and Remicade) and of course NSAIDS for a very long time. I also

run three Hepa-filter air cleaners day and night.

Hermits of the world UNITE, for we shall inherit the earth - of

course we'll never know it, because we never leave the house! ;-)

-- Ron

[Guest guest]

,

Everyone, even healthy people, are having a tough time fighting this cold

that is going around. Many healthy people, who do not have suppressed immune

systems due to drugs, have wound up in the hospital with pneumonia or

pleurisy. Try Orin's suggestion of the salt water nose thing, I have used

it in the past and it does help. Nothings happens overnite #@$%^. It seems

like the weather is exceptionally cold and dry here and just doesn't help

anything. When I am fighting a bug, I really try to cut down on processed

foods, and try to each as much natural (veggies, nuts, juices etc.) as

possible. I figure that if my body doesn't have to work as hard to unprocess

foods, then it should have more strength to fight off the bug??? It does

help?

Gentle hugs & prayers,

Carol

[Guest guest]

Ron and Orin,

I hardly ever leave the house and I have been sick for 3 months. My husband

works but he hasn't gotten sick. Is it possible he has the germs on him and

since he has a healthy immune system it doesn't affect him? Maybe my crappy

immune system (sorry but I am so tired of being sick) picks up on everything

while my husband is so lucky to resist it all?

[Guest guest]

At 04:39 PM 2/10/2003 -0600, you wrote:

>I hardly ever leave the house and I have been sick for 3 months. My husband

>works but he hasn't gotten sick. Is it possible he has the germs on him and

>since he has a healthy immune system it doesn't affect him? Maybe my crappy

>immune system (sorry but I am so tired of being sick) picks up on everything

>while my husband is so lucky to resist it all?

, it turns out that the air quality in most homes is often worse than

outside. There's plenty of environmental contaminants indoors. From molds

to household chemicals, off-gassing from plastics or carpet fibre

particles, there's a lot that can irritate your body. It's totally possible

that you are affected by some form of 'sick building syndrome'. Having a

weaker immune system doesn't help, of course!

Elfstrom

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/10/03 8:36:44 PM Central Standard Time,

leslieiansa@... writes:

> I hardly ever leave the house and I have been sick for 3 months. My husband

> works but he hasn't gotten sick. Is it possible he has the germs on him

> and

> since he has a healthy immune system it doesn't affect him? Maybe my

> crappy

> immune system (sorry but I am so tired of being sick) picks up on

> everything

> while my husband is so lucky to resist it all?

I dont remember how long the average cold germ can survive outside of a

suitable home, ie your body, but someone else carrying something and being

unaffected by it is possible. It seems like it is a matter of a couple of

hours. There is also a possiblity that it isnt a cold at all but rather an

allergic reaction to pollen, animal dander or mold spores.

Another poster mentioned the idea of contamination of surfaces causing

re-infection with the same cold. While I agree with the dishrag/sponge

spreading bacteria and also with the solution (=>180 degrees for 10 minutes)

I have to disagree with the re-infection. Once your body has conquered an

invader you will produce antibodies. These antibodies are fairly specific to

whatever strain you were infected with. Using antibodies your immune system,

in essence, " remembers " that strain so that if you should ever become

infected with it again your immune system will identify it more rapidly and

mount the appropriate response so that subsequent infections are less severe

and of shorter duration. Now our immune responses are not normal so the

previous statement may not be entirely true. A few possible contradictions

may be'; Is there a limit to how many different antibodies your body can

maintain? What can cause your body to stop producing a particular antibody,

" forget " . In fact if we could get our immune systems to " forget " a specific

antibody it learned that is causing us a problem we might cure ourselves.

Orin

[Ed. Note: Good point. Maybe by introducing ourselves to a deluge of

multivarious foreign organisms, we could overwhelm it into shutting down or

" forgetting " prior antigens??? Ron]

[Guest guest]

,

Since I started the MTX I am also constantly sick. I am also having a problem

with the mouth sores. Got up this am with another runny nose and sore throat

....does this ever end???

Robin, Penny, Chance, Heidi, and Hope (Florida)

http://www.geocities.com/goldens4life2000/index.html

I hardly ever leave the house and I have been sick for 3 months. My husband

works but he hasn't gotten sick. Is it possible he has the germs on him and

since he has a healthy immune system it doesn't affect

[Guest guest]

Robin,

It pretty normal to catch things more easily, especially when you are first

taking the methotrexate. I found that tendency towards getting everybody's

colds waned after awhile. I think it just our systems getting used to the MTX

and not being able to fight off things as easily. I'm going on MTX 3+ years

now, and I haven't had a cold in well over a year.

As far as the mouth sores, make sure you take you folic acid every day. You

can also get a prescription for Magic Mouthwash which you swish in your mouth

and spit out. It has antibiotic and I think an anesthetic it. It works really

well.

Up until I was in my late 20s, I used to get multiple canker sores (we're

talking sometimes a dozen or so) in the roof of my mouth on my gums, under my

tongue, on my tongue, and down my throat at the same time. I would be hardly

be able to eat, and the glands under my jawline and behind my ears would

swell. The Magic Mouthwash really helped. Before they had the mouthwash, I

used to have to take tetracycline capsules apart and swish the contents

around in my mouth and spit it out. It was disgusting, tasted like vomit!!!

The mouthwash is much better.

Hang in.

P.S.: I get my in Enbrel this Friday on Valentine's Day. Yeah!!!!!

Carol in Vancouver, WA

In a message dated 2/11/03 9:53:16 AM Pacific Standard Time,

goldens4life@... writes:

> Since I started the MTX I am also constantly sick. I am also having a

> problem with the mouth sores. Got up this am with another runny nose and

> sore throat ...does this ever end???

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much Carol,

Right now the mouth sores are so bad I can hardly eat. I will have to call my

rheumy tomorrow and see about a prescription. It is reassuring to know I won't

stay sick. I have a horrible cold now and know it is from the MTX as until I

started taking it I was never sick. I go tomorrow for my bloodwork...fun, fun.

Robin, Penny, Chance, Heidi, and Hope (Florida)

http://www.geocities.com/goldens4life2000/index.html

Robin,

It pretty normal to catch things more easily, especially when you are first

taking the methotrexate. I found that tendency towards getting everybody's

colds waned after awhile. I think it just our systems getting used to the MTX

and not being able to fight off things as easily. I'm going on MTX 3+ years

now, and I haven't had a cold in well over a year.

[Guest guest]

,

Gee, I'm kinda worried now. I don't have psoriasis anywhere besides my

nails (which are mostly cleared up). Wouldn't it be strange if it finally

reared it's ugly head in my sinuses. My mom said maybe it's allergies. I

don't think though since I am on zyrtec decongestant and it is supposed to

be for allergies too.

I am planning on going to an ENT though. As far as the washing of sinuses -

my mother in law used to tell me to do that. Doesn't it burn though? My

nose is so irritated from the constant blowing it sometimes bleeds. I would

imagine cleaning your sinuses would burn like snorting water up your nose.

Is this true?

My throat hurts too, especially in the morning (which is the worst). This

also causes me to have a hoarse voice. My discharge is clear as well.

Chest X-ray was normal. I have had bronchial spasms though and some

wheezing (but not lately). I will definitely check into it though. How

unfortunate for you to have to go through that experience. Thanks!

Take care,

[Ed. Note: , the purpose of putting salt in the water used to irrigate the

sinuses is precisely to *prevent* the stinging or burning sensation. The blood

in our bodies is slightly salty. If you irrigate an open or raw wound with pure

water, it dilutes the naturally occurring salt in our tissues and blood, and

that is what causes the stinging (the loss of salt). I'm not sure how it works

on a molecular scale, but that is why nurses will always use a saline (salt

water) solution in Intravenous drips, and that is why eye washes and eye drops

are always slightly saline (salty). I personally am not positive about the

correct proportions of salt to water, but the proportions the previous poster

listed (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 6 ounces of warm water) sounds about right. Ron]

[ ] Re: Persistent Colds/Sinusitis

> ,

> I have had sinus problems with my PA. My history is listed below. If

> you let your problem continue you may damage your lungs as I did. I am

> convinced that I had Psoriasis in my sinuses.

> I advise you to

> 1: Get checked out for polyps in your sinuses and persuade your ENT to

> remove them.

> 2: Start daily washing of your sinuses. It sounds yucky but it provides

> a lot of relief.

>

> To wash I use a rubber bulb syringe of the type used to wash out ear

> wax. I make up a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 6 ounces of warm

> water. I fill the syringe and squirt gently into each nostril three

> times.

> Afterwards bend your head down and blow your nose out , rotate your

> neck so you are looking sideways, blow to the left with that nostril

> and then to the right. Use a good wad of tissue. This avoids the

> embarrassing water dribbles later :-).

>

> There are devices for this sold by Respironics and WaterPik or you can

> get the ear syringe bulb at any drug store.

>

> -----> Nasal irrigator By Respironics

> < > http://www.respironics.com/product_library/

> invoke.cfm?objectid=4E0DC31D-D761-423C-9206F0D003AE806D & method=display >

> -----> Waterpik attachments for sinus washing

> < www.cash-us.com/products/waterpik.htm >

> < http://www.sinus-relief.com/whatsirr.html >

> ----> Simple Nasal (Ear) Syringe

> < > http://www.drugstore.com/products/

> prod.asp?pid=77706 & catid=231 & trx=PLST-0-

> CAT & trxp1=231 & trxp2=77706 & trxp3=1 & trxp4=0 & btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT >

>

>

>

>

> My personal history of sinus problems.

> I had a lot of sinus problems in the first three years of my current PA

> attack.(1997-2000) I had constantly running nose (sinusitis) along with

> blocked noses and post-nasal drip. There were times when my sinuses put

> out a very " corrosive " substance that inflamed my throat badly. I saw

> several ENTs as well as my own doctor. Trouble was the discharge from

> my sinuses was usuually clear and all they could see was an inflamed

> throat. They saw some polyps in my sinuses but told me they looked OK.

> During this time I was also developing classic PA symptoms in my joints

> and muscles and rashes but none recognizable as classic Ps.

> As the sinusitis continued I developed asthma and COPD and I had many

> courses of antibiotics and chest x-rays for pneumonia. (I probably also

> had costochonditis to confuse things). Stairs and inclines became a

> problem!

> I thought at one time that I had Churg-Strauss Syndrome. Reading the

> help groups for CSS put me onto nasal washings. I got myself a rubber

> syringe. I immediately felt a lot better when I started washing out my

> sinuses. About the same time I found an ENT willing to take out my

> polyps and open up my sinuses. I insisted on local anesthesia because

> my throat and lungs were very bad by this time (it took two hours and

> thirty-six shots of novocaine). As he cut away the polyps I heard him

> exclaim at the pus-filled ulcers hidden under the polyps. I was so

> happy about finding some reason for the flushes of foul-tasting and

> corrosive post-nasal drip.

>

> It didn't take long for my sinuses to heal but my lungs took much

> longer. I had three months of pulmonary rehab to get to being able to

> climb a couple of flights of stairs. I have continued to try to improve

> my lungs since then.

> I still wash my sinuses most days and I still spray double dose

> aquacort for my sinuses and pulmicort for my lungs. I still get the

> occasional asthmatic attack (this cold winter doesn't help) and the

> occasional taste of the post-nasal drip keeps me using the meds.

>

>

>

> On Saturday, February 8, 2003, at 10:03 PM, wrote:

>

> > I am currently on Enbrel and I have had sinus congestion and cough

> > since mid November. I have gone to the dr. 8 times for this cold (4

> > different GPs). I have had 2 steroid shots to try to open my sinuses.

> > I have been on 4 rounds of antibiotics (3 different types) and took

> > them as directed. I have had 4 different types of prescriptive

> > decongestants and 2 different types of nasal sprays. It seems like I

> > get a little bit better then much worse. I even had 1 dr. tell me to

> > come off the Enbrel for 2 weeks to see if it helped. All that did was

> > send me into a horrible flare. Then my rheumy told me to go back on

> > it since you only have to come off if you get a serious infection

> > (like bronchitis or pneumonia). I am really baffled. I know that

> > there is something going around cause everyone seems to be getting

> > sick but I think almost 3 months is ridiculous! Even my husband is no

> > longer smoking in the house to see if that helps. It seems like

> > nothing works. Has anybody else !

> > had any infections lasting this long? It's not like I am terribly

> > sick and stuck in bed. Just not feeling well (sore throat and bad

> > congestion) and it has become very annoying.

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I didn't mean to frighten you, but lack of attention to it over 2-3

years caused me some lung damage.

I used a ton of zyrtec and other antihistamines to no effect. " IT "

wasn't allergies. I was on prednisone and I still had " IT " . One doctor

told me that prednisone stops allergies completely.

Nasal washing was/is the most effective therapy. All the accumulated

dirt and junk in your sinuses will surprise you and take a few days to

clear out, but your throat will feel better straight away. Breathing

through your nose isn't a bad feeling either.

Steroid sprays (Aquacort, Nasonex) come in a close second in

importance. These nasal sprays are a long term therapy and I continue

to use one to prevent any inflammation starting.

As Ron said, the wash does not sting because of the salt dissolved in

it. Use tepid water. I find I am quite tolerant to variations in the

salt level so I usually pour a little salt in my palm to measure it. If

you use too much salt, it will make your nose/sinuses run for a while

as the body tries to dilute it. One of the ready-made wash solutions is

advertised as hypertonic (high in salt) for this 'benefit.'

I still bleed a little sometimes even now and I get the occasional

taste of the post-nasal drip. This reminds me that " IT " is only under

control and not gone!

Are you seeing a pulmonologist about your wheezing? You may already be

asthmatic and need albuterol when your asthma kicks in. Do you get

short of breath when you go outside in the cold air. Do you get short

of breath going up stairs?

On Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at 11:19 PM, wrote:

> ,

>

> Gee, I'm kinda worried now. I don't have psoriasis anywhere besides my

> nails (which are mostly cleared up). Wouldn't it be strange if it

> finally

> reared it's ugly head in my sinuses. My mom said maybe it's

> allergies. I

> don't think though since I am on zyrtec decongestant and it is

> supposed to

> be for allergies too.

>

> I am planning on going to an ENT though. As far as the washing of

> sinuses -

> my mother in law used to tell me to do that. Doesn't it burn though?

> My

> nose is so irritated from the constant blowing it sometimes bleeds. I

> would

> imagine cleaning your sinuses would burn like snorting water up your

> nose.

> Is this true?

>

> My throat hurts too, especially in the morning (which is the worst).

> This

> also causes me to have a hoarse voice. My discharge is clear as well.

> Chest X-ray was normal. I have had bronchial spasms though and some

> wheezing (but not lately). I will definitely check into it though.

> How

> unfortunate for you to have to go through that experience. Thanks!

>

> Take care,

>

>

>

>

> [Ed. Note: , the purpose of putting salt in the water used to

> irrigate the sinuses is precisely to *prevent* the stinging or burning

> sensation. The blood in our bodies is slightly salty. If you irrigate

> an open or raw wound with pure water, it dilutes the naturally

> occurring salt in our tissues and blood, and that is what causes the

> stinging (the loss of salt). I'm not sure how it works on a molecular

> scale, but that is why nurses will always use a saline (salt water)

> solution in Intravenous drips, and that is why eye washes and eye

> drops are always slightly saline (salty). I personally am not positive

> about the correct proportions of salt to water, but the proportions

> the previous poster listed (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 6 ounces of warm

> water) sounds about right. Ron]

[Guest guest]

,

I had 2 IM steriod shots for this cold with the hopes of opening me up.

First one helped. The second didn't. Guess I'll try the washing.

thanks,

[ ] Re: Persistent Colds/Sinusitis

>

>

> I didn't mean to frighten you, but lack of attention to it over 2-3

> years caused me some lung damage.

>

> I used a ton of zyrtec and other antihistamines to no effect. " IT "

> wasn't allergies. I was on prednisone and I still had " IT " . One doctor

> told me that prednisone stops allergies completely.

> Nasal washing was/is the most effective therapy. All the accumulated

> dirt and junk in your sinuses will surprise you and take a few days to

> clear out, but your throat will feel better straight away. Breathing

> through your nose isn't a bad feeling either.

> Steroid sprays (Aquacort, Nasonex) come in a close second in

> importance. These nasal sprays are a long term therapy and I continue

> to use one to prevent any inflammation starting.

>

> As Ron said, the wash does not sting because of the salt dissolved in

> it. Use tepid water. I find I am quite tolerant to variations in the

> salt level so I usually pour a little salt in my palm to measure it. If

> you use too much salt, it will make your nose/sinuses run for a while

> as the body tries to dilute it. One of the ready-made wash solutions is

> advertised as hypertonic (high in salt) for this 'benefit.'

>

> I still bleed a little sometimes even now and I get the occasional

> taste of the post-nasal drip. This reminds me that " IT " is only under

> control and not gone!

>

> Are you seeing a pulmonologist about your wheezing? You may already be

> asthmatic and need albuterol when your asthma kicks in. Do you get

> short of breath when you go outside in the cold air. Do you get short

> of breath going up stairs?

>

>

>

> On Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at 11:19 PM, wrote:

>

> > ,

> >

> > Gee, I'm kinda worried now. I don't have psoriasis anywhere besides my

> > nails (which are mostly cleared up). Wouldn't it be strange if it

> > finally

> > reared it's ugly head in my sinuses. My mom said maybe it's

> > allergies. I

> > don't think though since I am on zyrtec decongestant and it is

> > supposed to

> > be for allergies too.

> >

> > I am planning on going to an ENT though. As far as the washing of

> > sinuses -

> > my mother in law used to tell me to do that. Doesn't it burn though?

> > My

> > nose is so irritated from the constant blowing it sometimes bleeds. I

> > would

> > imagine cleaning your sinuses would burn like snorting water up your

> > nose.

> > Is this true?

> >

> > My throat hurts too, especially in the morning (which is the worst).

> > This

> > also causes me to have a hoarse voice. My discharge is clear as well.

> > Chest X-ray was normal. I have had bronchial spasms though and some

> > wheezing (but not lately). I will definitely check into it though.

> > How

> > unfortunate for you to have to go through that experience. Thanks!

> >

> > Take care,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > [Ed. Note: , the purpose of putting salt in the water used to

> > irrigate the sinuses is precisely to *prevent* the stinging or burning

> > sensation. The blood in our bodies is slightly salty. If you irrigate

> > an open or raw wound with pure water, it dilutes the naturally

> > occurring salt in our tissues and blood, and that is what causes the

> > stinging (the loss of salt). I'm not sure how it works on a molecular

> > scale, but that is why nurses will always use a saline (salt water)

> > solution in Intravenous drips, and that is why eye washes and eye

> > drops are always slightly saline (salty). I personally am not positive

> > about the correct proportions of salt to water, but the proportions

> > the previous poster listed (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 6 ounces of warm

> > water) sounds about right. Ron]

>

>

>

> Please visit our Psoriatic Arthritis Group's informational web page at:

> http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/ -- created and edited by list member

aka(raharris@...).

>

> In August 2001 list member Jack aka(Cornishpro@...) began to

conduct extensive research which he publishes as the Psoriatic Arthritic

Research Newsletter monthly in our emails and digest format. Many thanks to

Jack. Back issues of the newsletter are stored on our PA webpage.

>

> Also remember that the list archives comprise a tremendous amount of

information (Over two years of messages and answers).Feel free to browse

them at your convenience.

>

> Let's hear from some of you lurkers out there! If you have a comment or

question chances are there is a person who has been around a while who can

help you out with an educated guess for an answer. If not we can at least

steer you in the right direction with a good website to go to for the

answers.

>

> Blessings and Peace,

>

> Atwood-Stack, Founder

> Alan , Web & List Editor

> Jack , Newsletter Editor

> Pat Bias, List Editor

> Ron Dotson, List Editor

> and many others who help moderate (thank you!)

>

>

>