Chronic Sinusitis | Hiatus Hernia | CSS

Nalz

hi folks,

Roughly 5 years ago I returned from hols (didn't do anything out of the ordinary before anyone asks ) and got a chest infection.

Long story short I've developed chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, chronic sinusitis and a hiatus hernia. There's a possibility I have something called churg strauss syndrome but that's not 100% confirmed yet. I've missed 50-60 days of work in 5 years, today being one and its getting a tad bit annoying!

I'm on and have been for over 3 years now prednisolone daily (not good I know) and nexium+zantac for the stomach. Few inhalers now and again.

I'm just wondering if there's anyone on here that suffers from any of the above, particularly anyone who has sinus plus stomach issues or who's aware of CSS.

thanks,
Trilla

Nalz

Giving this a bump

TheNap

Just stumbled across this thread . I have been on nexium for the last 6 months or so for my stomach . I find if i take them everyday they make me feel sick because they are so strong. However if i take them only when needed they work wonders .Onto sinusitis . Since September i have had what i thought was just a head cold . However i have been unable to shake it off . My nose has constantly been blocked for the last 3 months. Im pretty sure i have chronic sinusitis. What does the doctor prescribe for it ?

happygoose

I've heard of CSS, a small percentage of people with Samters (ASA) Triad develop it. There is a yahoo discussion group on Samters, its worth searching / posting there... http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/samters/

Nalz

TheNap wrote: »

Onto sinusitis . Since September i have had what i thought was just a head cold . However i have been unable to shake it off . My nose has constantly been blocked for the last 3 months. Im pretty sure i have chronic sinusitis. What does the doctor prescribe for it ?

In my case, due to the high eosinophil blood cells, mine is reduced/managed using prednisolone (oral steroid) steroid nasal sprays and nasal washes.

Together with the nexium (stomach), zantac (stomach) and bonviva (taken once a month as steroids can damage bones/teeth) are the drugs I take to tackle all of this.

I'm still experiencing acid reflux / trapped gas in throat which is becoming quiet uncomfortable. My only saving grace is that it is very easy to hide and somewhat manageable on a daily basis. I feel like I'm working off 60-70% everyday and to me thats fine considering I've been a lot worse in the past.

I'm now trying to look into other specialists in Ireland that can help with my stomach/sinusitis/eosinophilic problems as there has been very little progress with my current clinic

TheNap

Trilla wrote: »

In my case, due to the high eosinophil blood cells, mine is reduced/managed using prednisolone (oral steroid) steroid nasal sprays and nasal washes.

Together with the nexium (stomach), zantac (stomach) and bonviva (taken once a month as steroids can damage bones/teeth) are the drugs I take to tackle all of this.

I'm still experiencing acid reflux / trapped gas in throat which is becoming quiet uncomfortable. My only saving grace is that it is very easy to hide and somewhat manageable on a daily basis. I feel like I'm working off 60-70% everyday and to me thats fine considering I've been a lot worse in the past.

I'm now trying to look into other specialists in Ireland that can help with my stomach/sinusitis/eosinophilic problems as there has been very little progress with my current clinic

I seem to be suffering from the exact same problems as you .. Im also taking nexium for reflux and sterimar for sinusitis ... Would it be better for me to go see a specialist ?

Nalz

TheNap wrote: »

I seem to be suffering from the exact same problems as you .. Im also taking nexium for reflux and sterimar for sinusitis ... Would it be better for me to go see a specialist ?

I think so, just to be sure. I'm not doctor/specialist but get your blood levels checked imo.

Anca levels, eosinophil count I recall were important in relation to my situation.

Let me know how you get on!

TheNap

Trilla wrote: »

I think so, just to be sure. I'm not doctor/specialist but get your blood levels checked imo.

Anca levels, eosinophil count I recall were important in relation to my situation.

Let me know how you get on!

Just one more question , im trying to get off Nexium if i can . Have you ever tried Aloe Vera capsules instead ?

Nalz

TheNap wrote: »

Just one more question , im trying to get off Nexium if i can . Have you ever tried Aloe Vera capsules instead ?

Nope, never heard of them. I've tried zantac, protium and using gaviscon when i can.

I've been told very recently that pantoloc is very good. Going to purchase it today.

derossi

Trilla wrote: »

hi folks,

Roughly 5 years ago I returned from hols (didn't do anything out of the ordinary before anyone asks ) and got a chest infection.

Long story short I've developed chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, chronic sinusitis and a hiatus hernia. There's a possibility I have something called churg strauss syndrome but that's not 100% confirmed yet. I've missed 50-60 days of work in 5 years, today being one and its getting a tad bit annoying!

I'm on and have been for over 3 years now prednisolone daily (not good I know) and nexium+zantac for the stomach. Few inhalers now and again.

I'm just wondering if there's anyone on here that suffers from any of the above, particularly anyone who has sinus plus stomach issues or who's aware of CSS.

thanks,
Trilla

What a weird post to find, I have had the exact same problems since November of 2011. I remember the stomach issue came first, followed closely by the lung problem and then the sinus. I put the lung issue down to a chest infection due to the time of year and because the xray showed nothing irregular. I was lucky in that I knew someone in the hospital and managed to push through fairly quickly an Endoscopy. It showed that I had a Hiatus Hernia. I was prescribed Omeprazol 40mg long term. They are expensive here, around 40-50 a box but I get them elsewhere for around 9 euro a box.
The lung issue never went away and further xrays showed nothing. I think the doc thinks I am a hypo! Basically it is in one lung for me with constant phlegm and a tightness and sometimes a difficulty breathing. I was given antibiotics and inhalers but nothing seemed to make any difference. The sinus issue is recent and I have a intermittently swollen Uvula.

I have always asked if there could be any connection with the symptoms but have always been brushed off. Your post gives me some hope. Have you asked is there any connection with the symptoms? When I return to the Doctor, what do you think would be the best thing to ask to see if I can confirm what I have, without telling him what his job is?

Nalz

derossi wrote: »

I have always asked if there could be any connection with the symptoms but have always been brushed off. Your post gives me some hope. Have you asked is there any connection with the symptoms? When I return to the Doctor, what do you think would be the best thing to ask to see if I can confirm what I have, without telling him what his job is?

Hey,

My chest/sinus problems came first. The specialist noticed my problems due to the significantly high eosinophils (a white blood cell) found in my blood. From that I strongly suggest you get your bloods checked for as much counts as possible.

My original symptoms consisted of sinus problems, newly developed asthma, fatigue, severe (and I mean severe!) intermittent joint pains, that I havent had in years thank God.The oral steroids supress the eosinophils/asthma... they're probably keepin me live to be honest. The inhalers help it along a bit more. The nexium on the odd occasion gives relief in the stomach and throat.

The stomach problems came along later for me. A year or year and a half later. I rarely get the feeling of heartburn but do have acid reflux and a horrible blocking lump sensation in the throat. I do recall one of the docs saying that the constant coughing caused the hiatal hernia. Also if you google it you will find acid can cause sinusitis.

I've just taken pantoloc for the stomach by the way and it seems a little better than usual. Nothing dramatic but an improvement nonetheless!

2rkehij30qtza5

Trilla wrote: »

Hey,

My chest/sinus problems came first. The specialist noticed my problems due to the significantly high eosinophils (a white blood cell) found in my blood. From that I strongly suggest you get your bloods checked for as much counts as possible.

My original symptoms consisted of sinus problems, newly developed asthma, fatigue, severe (and I mean severe!) intermittent joint pains, that I havent had in years thank God.The oral steroids supress the eosinophils/asthma... they're probably keepin me live to be honest. The inhalers help it along a bit more. The nexium on the odd occasion gives relief in the stomach and throat.

The stomach problems came along later for me. A year or year and a half later. I rarely get the feeling of heartburn but do have acid reflux and a horrible blocking lump sensation in the throat. I do recall one of the docs saying that the constant coughing caused the hiatal hernia. Also if you google it you will find acid can cause sinusitis.

I've just taken pantoloc for the stomach by the way and it seems a little better than usual. Nothing dramatic but an improvement nonetheless!

This is EXACTLY the same as me. It's freakily similar. I could have written this post word for word.

Sinus, asthma, fatigue (& feeling spaced out), severe joint pain, high oesenophiles, hiatial hernia.

ETA: did u get official diagnosis of churg-Strauss syndrome?

idunno78

Trilla look Into losec I take it instead of Zantac. Ask your doctor. Pantaloc is very good tho! Also neilmed spray I found better then sterimar, has a more powerful spray! I suffer from chronic sinusitis and have stomach problems just in case ye are wondering..

TheNap

I've just been told that my sinusitis could be linked to my stomach problems . Have to go for a food intolerancy test to see if a change in diet will get rid of my symptoms

Nalz

Cheers idunno78, I've used and still do on occasions Neilmed wash. I might give that stomach tablet a go.

@TheNap, lets us know how you get on!

TheNap

Trilla wrote: »

Cheers idunno78, I've used and still do on occasions Neilmed wash. I might give that stomach tablet a go.

@TheNap, lets us know how you get on!

Change in diet has worked a little bit , however im going to my GP tomorrow and going to get sent for an Endoscopy and going to get referred to an ENT specialist also . Want to get it sorted once and for all

Nalz

TheNap wrote: »

Change in diet has worked a little bit , however im going to my GP tomorrow and going to get sent for an Endoscopy and going to get referred to an ENT specialist also . Want to get it sorted once and for all

Best of luck!

TheNap

I was referred to an ENT specialist by my GP . He gave me antiobiotics and steroid drops to take in the meantime . Is it ok to take these before i see the ENT specialist or will they make it difficult for him/her to diagnose whats wrong with me

Nalz

TheNap wrote: »

I was referred to an ENT specialist by my GP . He gave me antiobiotics and steroid drops to take in the meantime . Is it ok to take these before i see the ENT specialist or will they make it difficult for him/her to diagnose whats wrong with me

Only thing I will say, and this is purely from a personal point of view I'm no doctor, but with my "condition" (yet to be named, potentially CSS) some anti biotics can have an auto-immune affect.

I'm sure you'll be grand but might be worth checking into.

What was the steroid drops, bethnesol?

djPSB

Hi folks, hope it's okay to post in an old thread.

Just wondering if you guys have had any luck solving the eosinophil problems.

I have had excessively raised eosinophils for the past 2.5 years and been taking prednisnone for 1.5 years now.