I have also the problem of sinusitis. But by inhaling the medicines, my
sinus become in control.

An X-ray of the sinuses may sometimes be used to confirm a suspected
diagnosis of acute sinusitis
Because a computed tomography (CT) scan shows a much clearer picture of
the sinuses and other structures, the use of standard X-rays has
declined.

Surgery is most successful when used along with medication

Endoscopic surgery is preferred over traditional surgery for most cases
of chronic sinusitis that require surgery. It is less invasive, less
expensive, and has a lower rate of complications

u can get more information about sinus by visiting this site.

http://www.medical-health-care-information.com/encyclopedia/s/Sinusitis.asp

http://www.medical-health-care-information.com/encyclopedia/s/Sinus-X-ray-for-si
nusitis.asp

Hi Don,,,, Yes,   I have RA lung.   I also smoked 3 packs a day for many
years and 2 packs a day for many more.    I do not know how a person can say
what caused what but the scar tissue in my lungs was enough to make me
whistle when I say the CT scan.  I got the scan because I tested positive
for TB.   After the treatment for this,,,, the scar tissue will be with me
for the rest of the time the Lord lets me live.
   I had a family doctor many years ago that said that TB would be coming
back into our life after being completely rid of it in America.   It started
with the VN people saved from slaughter and the rest has and continues to
come across the border from Mexico.
    To be honest about my lungs,,,,, I do not know what part is due to RA
lung with 7-8 years of Methx, the smoking, the exposure to TB and the above
does not help you at all.   My RD's have listened for that dry crackley
sound for over 20 years and none of them said anything about it to me.

Harv

Hi Don,

I am sorry to hear you are still having such a rough time of it with the
breathing issues.   They can be tricky to pin down at times.

I have had several bouts with RA lung and/or mtx lung.   Sometimes this
can be going on and won't show up on a regular x-ray but will show up on
a high resolution CT scan.   Sometimes it will show up on a regular
x-ray though.   Usually if there is any concern at all about this issue,
the doctors will send you for a high resolution CT scan just to be safe.  

The usual treatment for this is high dose prednisone for a few months,
immuran, etc.   Sometimes there is a need for oxygen as well.  They also
will take you off the mtx, but you said you are already off this.

Sometimes, if you do have this condition, they will want to try and get
a more firm diagnosis as to what the actual cause is, so they might
suggest doing a bronchoscopy and if that doesn't work, they might
suggest doing an open lung biopsy.   My doctors felt the open lung
biopsy was too risky, so we did the bronchoscopy, but they already had a
pretty good idea of the cause based on the patterns showing on the CT
scan.

You might want to do some additional reading on topics such as:
alveolitis, interstital lung disease, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis,
inflammatory lung disease, etc.   I have several areas of nodules and
areas of fibrosis, that my doctors watch closely,but otherwise I am
doing ok.

One of the main symptoms is usually a dry constant cough that just
doesn't seem to go away with antibiotics and other treatments for
infections and such.   Do you have any type of dry hacking cough at all
along with your shortness of breath?

Sure sending lots of prayers that they can pin down the problem for you
and get you to being much more comfortable!!!

Hugs,

Donna G

I have no idea if this will relate to your problems breathing, but worth
considering.

I've had severe asthma all my life.  Lots of steroids and other toxic drugs
etc.

About ten years ago I developed symptoms of GERD, with all its lovely
effects.  Long story short after various treatments I ended up having it
corrected surgically (twice)

I've had very little trouble with my asthma since.  Lungs still are very
twitchy if I get a cold but daily problems are nearly gone.

If it is possible that some of what you have been through has caused some
reflux problems, it could be why you wake up with lung and sinus congestion.
First and quickest way to check it out, don't eat for several hours before
you lie down at night and try raising your upper body when sleeping.

Jo

Don,

I have alot of problems with sinusitis and lung issues too. But mine are not
the same as yours. Mine is from COPD and asthma and empheysma. Or so they
tell me that is what it is. I am wondering because I also have Hashimotos
and I hear that can cause alot of breathing problems too.

I am wondering if you are not having asthma problems. That is when I get
mine most is in the morning. I don't usually have the wheezing, it is mostly
the constant coughing.

I hope you get an answer to your questions about it with the drs. I hope
they will find something that helps you out.

I am living these days on benedryl, nasarel, the salt nasal spray, and
steam. So I feel for you. My allergies are in full flare. We have a tree
that is blooming that I am allergic too. We rent, so can't take it out.

You take care, keep us posted to how you are doing. You hang in there. I am
always thinking of you.