nasal sprays/fungus

[jjaksic]

Penguin:
I too are allergic to Aspergillus mold. I had 2 attacks while living in Ohio. Where do you live? I'd never heard of the mold on the east coast.
Just this past November my husband brought a box of old photos with old Ohio dust in it. (it use to be in our basement opened). Now, I just came off prednisone and am very vulnerable to everything. He left the box in the LR and for two days I breathed in the mold. My lungs ached so bad; I was sooo hot I couldn't cool off. I knew I was very sick but wouldn't go to the ER only to be put back onto prednisone. I had some prednisone around and took one 80 mg. It reversed the inflammation about 50%. I waited purposely two full weeks and then took 90 mg for 3 days (that's a normal dose for me for my insect systemic reactions). I brought myself back to about 80% normal.
I'm left with some lung problem (feels like right smack in the middle of chest) and bad sinusitis. From what I've read, aaspergillus inhaling allergic reaction can cause severe sinusitis and permanent lung damage. I just went to ENT, ct scan, frontal sinuses very stuffed and my sinuses were built structural bad.
Put on Rhinocort nasal spray and told I could have an operation to open airway.
Going to pulmonologist next week for tests regarding the lungs.
Knowing I will probably never again inhale aspergillus mold, I'm wondering if I can reverse the inflammation even more with prednisone and will be asking him that question. I hate the stuff and what it's done to me but I'd like some options on getting better.
I'm so glad to know someone else who has had that same reaction.
Tell me about your lung problems from aspergillus?

[Penguin]

To jjaksic,

I have done some research on aspergillus. Luckily the type I have is only in the sinuses. Aspergillus of the lungs is very serious and in a different league. My ENT did some tests when I had nasal surgery to remove some polyps. Polyps and asthma go together as does aspergillus. I am currently on my third lot of antibiotics for this latest infection. There is a support group for aspergillus on the internet, it has some good info but it is more focused on the lungs. My ENT says to wear a mask when I am in the garden and to use a saline wash in my sinuses if I have extended time outdoors. The aspergillus mold likes to live in air conditioners, garden mulches and even in car airconditioning. I could not exist without airconditioning. I am currently under a gastroenterologist - he is investigating my reflux problems and thinks that some of the reflux is reaching my sinus cavities during my sleep. He is suspicious as I quite often wake up in the night gagging on stomach acid. I am on the max amount of the proton pump inhibitors and ranitidine but it is still a problem. I am going into hospital to have a PH study done over a 24 hour period, a tube is inserted through my nose into my stomach. Not over keen on this but if it helps with my sinus infections it will be worth it. I will have surgery to tighten the pyloric muscle if the test is positive. One thing leads to another I get really fed up with all of this at times.

[KIDINSANITY]

I know it seems like I've mentioned this alot inthe last week, but has anyone been offered nebulized antibiotics/steroids for their chronic sinus infections?? I've had 2 surgeries in less than a year, (reconstructive, polyp removal, drainage, etc) and was still getting fungus in my sinuses, and pseudomonas infections in my sinuses. My ENT just prescribed nebulized antibiotics/steroids. She says they tend to get right to the infection in the sinuses, unlike regular antibiotic/steroid treatment. I've posted some info on this in a couple of other allergy/sinus threads. I have noticed a big difference in how much better I breathe, and it's only been a week.

Hoope this helps.
Sue

[mikeralph]

if you are getting fungal infections why aren't you on anti-fungals like lamisal or diflucan plus a nystatin gargle and swallow treatment program (combined with a zero sugar, anti-yeast/fungus diet)?

all the doctors out there can't be that blind, or can they be?

there must be at least a few doctors who know what they are doing.

[purple2067]

I think that Nystatin is a good idea. When my dr thought I was possibly having a yeast problem, he had me taking it every which way possible! I was on the sugar free, yeast free diet. I took pure Nystatin capsules (by pure, I mean no additives, dyes, etc...) orally, about 10 or 15 capsules a day. I bought a plain saline nasal spray, removed the applicator tip, emptied the capsules into the saline and replaced the applicator tip, therefore making a nasal spray. I believe I used about 4 capsules and kept it refridgerated. I hate to sound gross but I have to tell you that I also had to insert capsules rectally and vaginally. If you really do have some sort of fungus, this will attack it from every angle.