Heads Up on Sinus and Ear Issues!

Donna · 11-07-2006, 01:12 PM

Dear Amazing Group,

I had been assuming my sinus problems and ear problems were side effects of the chemotherapy based on what I read. These are not listed as side effects that are typical, but anecdotally it seemed everyone was experiencing them. My oncologist got me an appointment with an amazing Ear Nose and Throat specialist and it turns out I have a massive sinus infection that is also affecting my hearing.

Since I am getting Neulasta this type of infection isn't sending me to the hospital like it did my mother 14 years ago, and I was assuming it was just a side effect. Now I am being treated with antibiotics and steroids and my nasal problems are already better after only three days.

Maybe it's worth it to check for sinus infections and not assume it's just a side effect. I saw the CT scans of my head and it was really an eye opener! If my oncologist hadn't followed up on my noting in passing these atypical symptoms, I would still be putting up with this misery unnecessarily. It could just be that what we are taking is predisposing us to sinus infections and we are accepting this as a side effect instead of a separate issue.

Check it out! I'm glad I did. I have a great oncologist known for her attention to detail beyond the norm.

Best luck to all of you and have a great day!

Donna

rinaina · 11-07-2006, 03:38 PM

Sorry you have such a bad sinus infection. Ouch, how uncomfortable those can be and how sick it can make you feel. While it may be a separate issue for you, these chemo drugs do lower your immune system by lowering the white count so indirectly it can be caused by chemo drugs and not always a separate issue. I sure hope you feel better soon and hope this is the last time you get this. Good luck.

Sandy H · 11-07-2006, 06:36 PM

May I ask what your symptoms were? I have been having a fullness in my face and sinus when I bend over. Have not had any headaches or sinus pain. When I get up in the morning my head is stuffy, it will clear up after I have been up for a short time. I mentioned it to my oncologist and he said it sounded like sinus congestion to him. I thought it may be from Tykerb I am on. Have not found it listed as a side effect. Can't even bend over to tie my shoes feels like my head is going to burst! hugs, Sandy

Donna · 11-07-2006, 07:11 PM

The symptoms were pretty much the same as have been listed here as side effects:
a feeling of fullness, but not painful, in the sinus area
constantly dripping nose during the day
waking up with "crusty nose" in the morning
trouble with hearing loss or feeling like my head is in a tunnel

None of these were really monumental, painful or troubling - but the hearing part was what drove me to check it out - musical theater is a big part of my life and the hearing issues were bothersome and I wanted to make sure that whatever was causing it wasn't permanent.

I do think that the infection is due to the suppression of the immune system, so it is ultimately due to the chemotherapy - however, it can be treated. Before Neulasta I would have to assume the the lack of white blood cells would have produced a fever with this type of infection and probably resulted in a hospital stay. With Neulasta, no fever, no compelling reason to check it out since it seems across the board a complaint we all have, so it could just be a direct side effect. I only posted because doubtless some of this group could also be experiencing an infection like this and might not check it out and get the help it requires.

Best to you,

Donna

Lauriemn · 11-08-2006, 04:28 AM

I also had similar sinus issues and thought I would post what worked for me.

My onc ordered a brain mri because of the pain I was having and it turned out to be a sinus infection. So, my onc gave me antibiotics. This happened several times during chemo. As soon as I went off the antibiotics the symptoms came back.
He referred me to an ear,nose throat dr who told me that I didn't have an infection, I had inflamed sinuses, which can be caused by chemo. He said the antibiotics would help because it was reducing the inflamation, but I needed other meds to get rid of it. He gave me 2 prescription nasal sprays. I used them for about a week or so, and the pain was gone.

This happened while I was on Herceptin. I have now been off Herceptin for 6 months and the sinus pain has not returned.

Laurie

BonnieT · 11-08-2006, 11:48 AM

hello
I have had sinus infections pre and post chemo.
Nasal prescriptions are good like Nasonex , one thing to note is that you need to take them all the time not just when you have symptoms because they take awhile to start working.One other thing that my Dr. has me do is use a Saline nasal spray or you can make your own with 1/8 tsp of salt to 1 cup of warm water and use a bulb syring ( like the nasal bulb syringe you might have gotten when you had a baby) and spray in each nostril and let it drain, YES it is disgusting, but it really helps ! I only do it when I have some nasal drainage.
Hope this helps
God Bless
Bonniet