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Does anyone on here get colds/sinus infections a lot?

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Posted 6/6/2011 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
I have ulcerative colitis and have had sinus/cold issues on and off for years. Since November I have had three diagnosed sinus infections, the tx for the first one I think started my UC flare and the other two times I was treated I was trying to get into remission and the antibiotics messed up my colon yet again. When I was on Entocort, my doc said that sinus infections are common but I am off that now and on Humira, which supposedly has less side effects. Since my immune system can't seem to function right on its own, and now I am currently on a drug to modify my immune system, does that maybe explain my constant colds and sinus infections? Very frustrated at my body's inability to fight over anything right now--I would love a week or two without colitis symptoms as well as cold/sinus symptoms. My current cold is a wicked one, though it does not seem to have quite taken the form of a sinus infection yet and I can not handle taking antibiotics again, it wreaks such havoc on my colitis.
Posted 6/6/2011 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
Since Humira is an immunosuppressant then it makes perfect sense that you might experience more colds and infections. I find that vitamin D effective for cold prevention. I have experienced only one minor cold in the 5 years since monitoring my blood levels of vitamin D.

Get your blood levels of vitamin D checked during your next scheduled blood work. As an added bonus vitamin D is also effective for IBD, fibromyalgia, arthritis, cancer, the list is endless. For example google 'vitamin D IBD' and see what you get. You may become a believer too.

Antibiotics have been known to wreck havoc on UC but most of us get around it by taking generous amounts of probiotics. Antibiotics kill both the good and bad gut flora. Probiotics during and after a course of antibiotics should help to maintain beneficial gut flora. Probiotics are one of the most popular supplements on the forum.
Posted 6/6/2011 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
It's a cycle:


It used to be just:

infections -> antibiotics -> infections -> antibiotics ->

Now it's:

infections -> antibiotics -> flareups -> infections -> antibiotics -> flareups ->
Posted 6/6/2011 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
I use Simply Saline spray several times a day to flush out airborne contaminants, mucous, bacteria etc, it stays sterile as it's pressurized not allowing for backfliw into the bottle and providing you clean the nozzle, it's also preservative free so there no burn like some other brands.
Posted 6/7/2011 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Chronic sinusitis is most often caused by fungal infections. Antifungals may need to be prescribed. You may find your UC symptoms improve as well.

 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/09/990910080344.htm

Posted 6/7/2011 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the feedback and support. I just went to my local pharmacy to find something to combat this cold, and after talking to the pharmacist for awhile(most nasal sprays and more than one cold medicine has no effect on me anymore), she said she thought I did have a sinus infection and that antibiotics were the only thing that would really get rid of this--I almost started crying out of frustration. I am barely out of a flare, I still have one or two episodes a week and so I know if I go on antibiotics again, my colitis will flare up with a vengeance.

Subdued, your cycle at once makes me nod my head in agreement and shake my fist in anger, because that is exactly my life for the last 6 months. To say I am frustrated doesn't even cover it anymore.

I do take a bunch of supplements as advised by a nutritionist including VSL#3 and vitamin D, though I'll admit cuz I haven't been feeling well, taking over a dozen pills a day just isn't happening right now. I will get back on that immediately no matter what.

kim123, I have heard of that Mayo Clinic study you linked to about taking antifungals for sinus infections and keep toying with the idea of going on a yeast free diet because I think there definitely is a connection. I just was never sure if just the diet(and its a big commitment, as I love sugar) would even have an effect in eliminating yeast if I am taking an immune suppresant and possibly antibiotics. I think I am going to go and see my general practice doctor and before she whips out her Rx for Augmentin again, talk to her about an antifungal instead. Or at the very least, if taking one of the really strong cold medicines, the ones the pharmacists keep behind the counter and ask for ID before they give to you, could help get rid of this enough to avoid antibiotics.

I will check back in and let you know what happens with the doc. Oh, and has anyone here been on Humira and an antifungal medication together? I know I am supposed to check with my GI before going on an Rx meds now, but just curious if anyone knows if its really bad to take both.
Posted 6/7/2011 6:15 AM (GMT 0)
I've had sinus infections go away without antibiotics, and I've had sinus infections stay despite antibiotics. In fact, the worst sinus infection I had was after I got out of the hospital. I had had pneumonia, and I left the hospital earlier than my doctor wanted me to because I didn't want to miss the school semester. I ended up getting a horrible sinus infection. My snot was thick and gooey like rubber bands. I took antibiotics for six months with no results. The infection finally went away on its own.

Yes. Sinus infections are very painful! Especially if you decide to wait them out and not take antibiotics. I take Sudafed and use a Neti pot. I'm also now taking beta carotene supplements, which are supposed to help acne and reduce infections. I simply get too many infections and have to stop this cycle of antibiotics -> flareups... by avoiding antibiotics as much as possible and taking beta carotene supplements. (My boyfriend says that it is hard to take way too much beta carotene because you'll turn orange if you take too much of the stuff.)

Post Edited (subdued) : 6/7/2011 12:18:16 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/7/2011 8:12 AM (GMT 0)

meredithf said...
Thanks for all the feedback and support. I just went to my local pharmacy to find something to combat this cold, and after talking to the pharmacist for awhile(most nasal sprays and more than one cold medicine has no effect on me anymore), she said she thought I did have a sinus infection and that antibiotics were the only thing that would really get rid of this--I almost started crying out of frustration. I am barely out of a flare, I still have one or two episodes a week and so I know if I go on antibiotics again, my colitis will flare up with a vengeance.

Subdued, your cycle at once makes me nod my head in agreement and shake my fist in anger, because that is exactly my life for the last 6 months. To say I am frustrated doesn't even cover it anymore.

kim123, I have heard of that Mayo Clinic study you linked to about taking antifungals for sinus infections and keep toying with the idea of going on a yeast free diet because I think there definitely is a connection. I just was never sure if just the diet(and its a big commitment, as I love sugar) would even have an effect in eliminating yeast if I am taking an immune suppresant and possibly antibiotics. I think I am going to go and see my general practice doctor and before she whips out her Rx for Augmentin again, talk to her about an antifungal instead. Or at the very least, if taking one of the really strong cold medicines, the ones the pharmacists keep behind the counter and ask for ID before they give to you, could help get rid of this enough to avoid antibiotics.

I feel your pain. When I first started getting Sinusitis attacks my doctor prescribed antibiotics which had adverse side effects. Ever since, the thought of antibiotics makes me tremble.

As Kim mentioned, fungus could be a problem. This is more common with patients who have nasal polyps or Asthma. Since you mentioned that you suffer from Chronic sinusitis, viral infection has a higher probability of being the cause of the problem than bacteria; in which an antibiotic may actually be more harmful than just useless. May I suggest that you medicate yourself only on the advise of your doctor.

Based on advise on this forum I have been using the Neti-pot, saline solutions and a gentle drug free nasal spray called Sinox nasal spray. I feel much better than I did earlier (fingers crossed).

Look forward to reading updates on your treatment. Wish you the very best.
Posted 6/7/2011 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
I'm also now taking beta carotene supplements, which are supposed to help acne and reduce infections. (My boyfriend says that it is hard to take way too much beta carotene because you'll turn orange if you take too much of the stuff.)

You may be right about not being able to take too much beta carotene in supplements, on the other hand it may be a problem. It is a matter of balance. There are many types of carotenes in food and eating carrots and sweet potatoes will give you a full spectrum. But by taking beta carotene supplements alone it is possible that the carotenes may go out of balance. This may explain why there is a huge correlation with carotene intake from food and a lower risk of cancer, but that does not hold up when taking beta carotene supplements. So maybe it is better to eat more carrots rather than carotene supplements. Carrots are packed with the carotenes.

The New England Journal of Medicine published an article[13] in 1994 about a trial which examined the relationship between daily supplementation of β-carotene and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and the incidence of lung cancer. The study was done using supplements and researchers were aware of the epidemiological correlation between carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables and lower lung cancer rates. The research concluded that no reduction in lung cancer was found in the participants using these supplements, and furthermore, these supplements may, in fact, have harmful effects.

Carotenes are found in plants in two primary forms designated by characters from the Greek alphabet: alpha-carotene (α-carotene) and beta-carotene (β-carotene). Gamma, delta, epsilon, and zeta (γ, δ, ε, and ζ-carotene) also exist.
Posted 6/7/2011 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
Subdued, your comment about not taking antibiotics is kind of where I am headed now..I mean,the congestion is a pain in the ass, but I don't have the pain(yet) so I am wondering what will happen if I wait this out. I do use a Neti pot daily, though only last night did the salt water even go all the way through--for days, I would do it and literally nothing would come out, I was so congested. I am actually feeling a lot better today, debating if I even need to go to the doc anymore, but I do have a babysitter for my kids this morning and its really the best time to go, so I think I will go and just to talk all this out and maybe find some other options.

A couple weeks ago, I did find a supplement called 'yeast cleanse' at Whole Foods that I am going to make myself take every day for awhile. It has three herbs that in several books I looked at should help with fungal/yeast issues, though not of course as strong as an antifungal, but I am going to give it a try. I think I need to find some regimen for strengthening my immune system, be that antifungals or a billion supplements or a neti pot five times a day. I haven't heard of betacaroten supplements, though I do like carrots and sweet potatoes a lot and maybe I'll just try eating a whole lot more of those..

Thanks again for all the support! It constantly amazes me how much ulcerative colitis messes up my body in ways I never thought possible.
Posted 6/7/2011 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
Are you taking Sudafed at least to help keep your sinuses open as best as possible?

Have you had x-rays for your sinuses? there's also possible surgery to help drain a pocket if you can't get rid of it.

One product you might consider is Healthmune by Sisu...

q
Posted 6/7/2011 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm....you mentioned an immune booster. Well, along with going on antifungal diet and taking natural antifungals and probiotics which helped me get rid my UC symptoms, I started looking for an immune supplement. I found one, beta glucan, from a reputable company, who gave out free samples to begin, and have not been sick one day in the last 5 years since I started. Could very well be a coincidence, but I have been untouched through every flu season, including the dreaded "swine" flu, and have hadn't had as much as a sniffle. I am a school teacher and come into contact with a lot of kids and adults. When my kids feel "something" coming on, I give them a double dose of my stuff, and they pretty well feel better the next day. Again, could be coincidence. You can buy regular, or superstrength dose. I am not advocating for the company at all, but if you are interested, the company is NSC-24.
Posted 6/8/2011 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
So my doc recommended taking the strong Sudafed, the one with pseudophedrine, as well as Mucinex and a prescription steriod nasal spray. I am having a sinus cat scan next week to look for fungus, polyps, etc. During the conversation with my doc, we simply didn't get to talking about immune boosters, as in supplements, but after I get my cat scan I am guessing I will be back in her office to talk about that so I can ask her then. I am going to try to go on at least a modified yeast free/antifungal diet just in case, and also since it may just help my UC as well. I wonder if talking to my GI about immune boosters is worth it at all..not sure.

The beta glucan and the Healthmune--can you buy these in a store or probably online? Definitely worth looking into. My mom keeps harping on vitamin C, never been much of a believer myself in that, but hey, whatever keeps me healthy, right?

Hoping all this stuff works and I can start to feel normal for a little while..
Posted 6/8/2011 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
Been there, done that. Have sinus infections all the time, and long term. Last two rounds of antiobiotics for a double ear infection and sinus infection wreaked havoc on my colon, never had that problem before. So I'm sitting with major sinus problems now and refuse to take anymore antibiotics.
Taking a long time to get straightened out.
Posted 6/8/2011 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
The Healthmune can be purchased at a healt/vitamin store. I don't think the one that Kim mentioned can. I got the idea to take the Healthmune (which is Beta Glucan) from her...it was available.

I took it consistently for quite a while and during my last cold a few weeks ago. I wasn't sick all winter which was a shock.

The Vitamin C won't hurt, it might give you a bit of loose stool which is fine.

The Sudafed and Mucinex will help, just don't take the decongestant mucinex...take the regular one.

Hope you get results soon.
q
Posted 6/9/2011 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
NSC-24 beta glucan order directly from company. Check website for info and how it helps you. Look for beta glucan that is micronized. $15/month supply. For me, that is worth it. Never sick....even when I want to be so I can take a day off work :)

Q- do you take BG consistently now, or only when sick? Do you think it has made a difference for you?

Posted 6/9/2011 8:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kim...I don't take it consistently, but I did over the winter. I don't know if it was responsible for my lack of colds, that's a first in an amazingly long time.

I did have a mild flu with fever/sinus/cough over a month ago and took it daily then.

I take it when I'm feeling a sore throat, if my husband has a cold (yes I force him to take it as well)..lol...but I think I still take it once or twice a week anyway.

q
Posted 6/9/2011 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
I think I have one right now. I hope I can get something to treat it that doesn't require antibiotics. I wouldn't be surprised if it is linked to something fungal but I have taken diflucan in the past and I still get this problem. I used a nose spray but it didn't help too much. I tried allergy pills, they didn't do anything. I am going to see the doctor next week if I don't improve.
Posted 6/9/2011 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
I used to suffer from cold/flu a lot until I started using alternative treatments over the counter only when needed.
Silver Biotics and a few other popular colloidal silver don't cure my IBD but get rid of my cold/flu symptoms pretty quickly. I thought this was all type but there are studies from Penn state University which backs up their product so I used it after reading and works fine. And the whole angyria thing is not really true.

I can't take antibiotics b/c they only exacerbate my colitis symptoms. So it's a win win for me.
Posted 6/9/2011 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
It started a few years ago with me that I would have a really bad sinus infection then get antibiotics for it and then have stomach and intestinal problems for a few weeks after. This december I got a severe case of sinusitis (which was found during a cat scan I had from a concussion) and the doc gave me a super powered antibiotic which would solve all my issues......1 week later I was suffering all the fun symptoms of UC. Every time I go on pred....which I guess isn't bad, two five week courses in 5 months I get another bad sinus infection. So basically I'm not touching antibiotics unless its a life or death situation!

Notsosickly, is that diflucan an antifungal? And what type of nasal sprays have you tried?

Quincy, is that healthimmune stuff expensive? What does it do exactly? Just an immune booster?
Posted 6/9/2011 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
http://www.sisu.com/sisu/products/product.jsp?category=200&sub=202&id=238

http://www.betaglucan.org/

This might help understand it. 

q

Posted 6/9/2011 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks quincy. Sounds like coldfx, but better. I wasn't sure if it would be an issue since the way my doc explained it to me that anything boosting the immune system could have terrible side effects since that's the problem in the first place with UC. But ill give it a try. It would be nice to be able to breathe for a change.

Meredith, have you ever tried the microwaved bowl of water with a bit of vap-o-rub? It seems to be working for me, I do that three times a day and my issues have been clearing up, slowly
Posted 6/9/2011 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
So apparently pseudophredrine and I do not mix well, I had some severe UC symptoms this morning, about 6 or 7 bathroom runs, lots of D, blood, pain, exhaustion, the works. Later on, I googled psuedophredrine and ulcerative colitis and this is what I found(scroll down to where it says do not take if..):

http://www.drugs.com/cdi/chlorpheniramine-pseudoephedrine-methscopolamine-sustained-release-tablets.html

So, be very careful if you need some strong cold medicine, I was initially excited to take this as regular cold medicines and nasal sprays weren't really helping and it was a way to avoid antibiotics. But this is one more thing we cannot take..sigh. I am hoping the nasonex I got from my doc and the Mucinex will do the trick.

zoolander, I have not tried vap-o-rub with warm water, might try it. The neti pot occasionally helps, so I will keep that up. Sounds like you are in the same cycle as me--even the word antibiotics makes me shudder a bit, remembering how bad my UC got while taking it.

I am definitely going to try and get some beta glucan asap, as this getting really sick every two months scene is getting really old.
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