January 4, 2009

CF Question

Samantha has had a bloody nose today. I've read a couple of threads on the cysticfibrosis.com forums that they are not only caused by sinus issues, but also as a side effect to various CF meds. Can anyone give me some advice on this? I'm assuming I should call our CF doc tomorrow morning whether or not I think it's CF related? Email me at experiencingeachmoment@gmail.com if that's better. Thanks!

6 comments:

Katey said...

I think it could be several things. However, I had that problem A LOT when I was younger. Even during the day in elementary school. Mine was caused by my sinuses and the nose sprays I was using. What my doctor ended up putting me on is a saline nose spray. I did this several times a day, and it helped to moisturize my nose so it wouldn't bleed. A lot of times the breathing treatments can dry you sinuses (nose) out as well (especially if she uses a full face mask and not a mouth piece). This could be contributing to the dryness. Try the saline and see if that helps...or rather, that's my suggestion. You can get it at Walgreens or Walmart...and it needs to be just pure saline. Hope this helps!

Alicia said...

Katey, thank you so much! That's very helpful information. I'm leaving for the store now anyway, so I'll pick up some nasal spray for sure!

Cara said...

When we were living where you guys are living, I got A LOT of nose bleeds. But, I wasn't using any sort of nasal sprays and mine were caused by the dry air. I slept with a humidifier on when it got too bad. I think I'm backwards from most people because the consensus seems to be that humidity makes it harder for most CFers to breathe, but I need it to function! Just my two cents. :)

Christy said...

Saline nose spray definitely! I hope it resolves.

BloggyMom said...

I agree with the saline.

I also get nose bleeds due to the dry air where I live.

Kelli said...

Flonase & Nasonex are known to dry out the nasal passages. I have used them both, but would always get nosebleeds evenually and had to take breaks every month or 2 (which of course led to getting an infection) but Rhinocort and Nasacort don't dry out, so you might check with the doctor for a rx change. The downside to the "corts" is that they don't shrink polyps.

It could be that the combo of dry winter air and her flonase is just too much.

I also agree with the saline suggestion, we love saline at our house! Sydney does 8oz sinus rinses twice a day and it has much a huge difference in her sinuses. I would start with something like Simply Saline bc it is an aerosol so it is a really nice, gentle spray.