High altitude and Wegeners

[WG mom]

Any known effects of high altitude on Wegeners, especially if contained within the sinuses? Did an Internet search, but couldn’t find any information.
Thanks

[Pete]

I’ve flown in pressurized airliners in which the cabin altitude is 8,000 feet and also roamed at about 7,000 feet in the Swiss Alps with no problems. At disease onset, my sinuses, ears, and lungs bore the brunt of it. I’ve since recovered to almost my pre-wegs lifestyle.

Unless you have other issues such as lung damage or tracheal stenosis, I doubt you’d have problems.

[WG mom]

Thanks for info. Actually it’s my daughter with Wegeners and we are planning our annual mother/daughter trip and thinking of Denver . She’s not officially in remission, but with bi-annual rituxan treatments, she’s doing pretty well. Was concerned about possible breathing issues at high altitudes.

[NatriceRomeo]

I have problems clearing my sinuses. I cannot scuba dive due to this reason. I fly for my job but the maximum cabin pressure we fly is at 3000 FT. If I know I’m going to fly at higher altitudes I use Afrin nose spray. This opens the sinuses & makes it easier to clear your sinuses.


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[WG mom]

Good suggestion about nasal spray. I'll make sure she brings some. Thanks.


I have problems clearing my sinuses. I cannot scuba dive due to this reason. I fly for my job but the maximum cabin pressure we fly is at 3000 FT. If I know I’m going to fly at higher altitudes I use Afrin nose spray. This opens the sinuses & makes it easier to clear your sinuses.


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[NatriceRomeo]

[emoji2]


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[Pete]

NatriceRomeo What airplane do you fly in that maintains a 3,000 foot cabin? A wannabe jet pilot is curious.��

[NatriceRomeo]

I’m a flight paramedic. Fly in both a helicopter & a small plane. I’m sorry I don’t know what the model is.


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[Pete]

Thanks! That explains the relatively low cabin altitude.

[Helen]

Yes - compromised immune systems seem to be more sensitive to Barotrauma, which creates negative pressure within ears, and effected by the eustachian tubes (ETs). The sinuses, ears and ETs require the "healthy" ability to function to equalize pressure when needed. If sinuses are compromised, the temporary fast acting Afrin nasalspray is suggested during these times (but not for consistent use & can cause increase heartbeats like asthma inhalers). Steroid sprays and antihistamines are considered "safer" and effective. A list of "ear-clearing" maneuvers are mentioned - if you type up "Ear Clearing" on Wikipedia .

Some hotels in high elevation areas carry hand-held mini oxygen breathing tanks for this reason, as even healthy "regular" folks get altitude sickness. These looked like a thermos with a mouthpiece. I developed a severe migraine and implosive effusion in both ears. Unknowingly, at the time I had dysfunctional Eustachian tubes and chronic sinus disease. I had NO idea at the time of this or much on ENT jargon, but by experience and education overtime, I eventually learned what Drs did not tell me. I hope this helps. -H.

[WG mom]

Very helpful. Thank you, Helen.

[MikeG-2012]

If sinuses are compromised, the temporary fast acting Afrin nasalspray is suggested during these times (but not for consistent use & can cause increase heartbeats like asthma inhalers).

I agree with this completely. I use Neo-Synephrine Cold & Sinus Extra Strength Spray 0.50 oz (PACK OF 4) (https://www.amazon.com/Neo-Synephrine-Sinus-Extra-Strength-Spray/dp/B01HUNCAIE/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1516824895&sr=8-1&keywords=neo+synephrine+nasal+spray)nasal spray. It is good for about 5-6 hours and is not as addicting as the 12 hour ones. Also, I like to use "Ear Planes" ear plugs. I was at CVS over the weekend, and they have a generic version of these that are about $8.00. They gradually let the air pressure into the ears and make the popping, pressure thing much more bearable. We've flown all over the place since diagnosis, even to Switzerland last summer. No issues whatsoever, and almost all of my disease has been nasal and sinus related--really bad.