posted
I always used Fluticasone nasal spray for seasonal allergies, rhinitis. But haven't had an allergy season since being diagnosed and treated for Lyme.
Now, however, we are in the thick of it and I have my runny, stuffy nose that I would ordinarily treat with this prescription spray.
But I'm thinking... steroids and Lyme a No No.
Is that right? And what do others with allergies use?
-------------------- Judy G. Posts: 122 | From Minnesota | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged |
sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Have you tried any other allergy medicines recently? Maybe you should start off with OTC Zyrtec or Claritan. If that is not enough ask your doctor for and RX of Singulair.
Another thing you can try is "QBC plex" it is a combination of Quercetin, Bromelain, and Vit C. I use the Solaray brand from my local health food store. My Naturopath recommends 2 twice a day on an empty stomach when allergies are bad. Back down to 2 once a day after about a week.
I am highly allergic to mold and recently discovered that my workplace has a mold problem after some flooding issues. QBC plex and Zyrtec in combination have helped me tremendously.
You will probably have to play around with combinations to find the right one for you. If things are really bad and none of the above are working then maybe you can try just a week or two of the steroid nasal spray to help get things back under control. My LLMD says that nasal and topical steroids are OK to use as they have a more local action than oral steroids.
Another option you can ask your doctor about is RX Patanase. It is a non-steroidal nasal spray for allergies. Never tried it myself, insurance won't cover it for me, but it might be worth looking into.
There are also some non-drug/supplement ways to help reduce your allergen exposure. For example, take a shower immediately after working or playing outside. Do not sleep with your bedroom window open. Do not drive with your car windows down. You can buy pillow covers that block allergens (cheap at Walmart/Target/Meijer). There are many many more tips online.
Also, for a stuffy nose try using a Netti pot (again cheap at Walmart etc). It comes with saline packets that you mix with water. You use it to gently wash out your nasal passages and sinuses. Physically removes the allergens before they cause trouble. Also great to use when you have a cold or sinus infection.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I sure would not touch a steroid spray unless a life-threatening emergency and then only with the guidance of an LLMD.
Sammy has a great suggestion with " "QBC plex" it is a combination of Quercetin, Bromelain, and Vit C." Stinging Nettle, too, really helps me deal with allergies. More in the other thread at the bottom of this post.
More severe illness also results from other causes of weakened defenses, such as from severe stress, immunosuppressant medications, and severe intercurrent illnesses.
This is why steroids and other immunosuppressive medications are absolutely contraindicated in Lyme. This also includes intraarticular steroids. . . . .
From page 12: . . .
More evidence has accumulated indicating the severe detrimental effects of the concurrent use of immunosuppressants including steroids in the patient with active B. burgdorferi infection.
Never give steroids or any other immunosuppressant to any patient who may even remotely be suffering from Lyme, or serious, permanent damage may result, especially if given for anything greater than a short course.
If immunosuppressive therapy is absolutely necessary, then potent antibiotic treatment should begin at least 48 hours prior to the immunosuppressants. . . . . ===============
We have seen literally dozens of patients with Lyme who were initially treated with steroids who reported a dramatic worsening rather than improvement as would be expected. Dr. Joseph Burrascano has coined the expression, ' Steroid Disasters, ' to describe these patients.
. . .
Corticosteroids can last in the body for months, usually around 6 months. In many bacterial infections such as LD, damage can be done. . . . . =============
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-
A gluten-free diet helped my nasal and lung problems. Avoiding dairy and corn, too. Although, I know there is not much you can do about the blooming out-of-doors right now, I hope you find something that works.
In addition to Quercertin and Stinging Nettle, Allicin capsules also help open my my sinuses. There's always a little Wasabi paste to try, too - eating, not applying in nose, of course.
posted
My very good intelligent LLMD doc said it was okay, actually two of them said it was okay.
I was specifically told, that it wouldn't affect my lyme. I am not sure because of what I have learned about toxins etc. But if I can't sleep, I do go ahead after exhausting other possibilities.
Posts: 128 | From Raleigh, NC | Registered: Apr 2007
| IP: Logged |
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
I was on Omnaris, which is an allergy nasal spray that is also a steroid. However, my LLMD did not leave me on this for a long period of time. A couple of months at most.
As I wrote in the other post about steroids and asthma, sometimes, it is necessary, sometimes not.
You really need to work with a good Pharm, and a good LLMD to know what can and should be used. Fortunately, there are many choices these days.
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thank you all for the good advice and suggestions. I see my LLMD on July 1 so I can check things out then, but I think for now I will not use the cortisone nasal spray.
I took an OTC Zyrtec shortly after I posted this and it seems to be working. We do have central air and I appreciate the ideas about the other things I can do re: showering after being outside, windows closed in car, etc.
It is really only a couple of months a year -- in the spring and fall when I have outdoor nasal allergies.
Thanks again for all the help and support!
-------------------- Judy G. Posts: 122 | From Minnesota | Registered: Dec 2008
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic