Chronic sore throat due to ribavirin

Does anyone else experience a sore throat due to the tx. I have had a sore throat for a month now and it is becoming a huge burden. Is there nayone who knows of something to remedy this, I have tried everything inluding ant acids and sinus meds. over the counter meds and Homeopaths, I even tried a humidifier and all it did was make my throat moist and painful. Please someone help because it is not the tx that is making me depressed it is giving up hope in this pain that is driving me down.
                          Jeff

[jmjm530]

Have you been examined by an ENT specialist? There can be many explanations for sore throat but you really need a good diagnosis from someone who has the proper instruments to look down your throat. My throat was also sore much of treatment and hudifiers also didn't work. Part of the problem was LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux)sometimes called 'silent' reflux because it often comes without hearburn. LPR can cause sore throats, hoarseness, ear pains and even sinus issues; especially with the tender and dried out tissues from the treatment drugs. Simple antacids are generally ineffective. I ended up on two PPI's (Nexium) a day and that gave some relief. I was also on antibiotics for several months. From what you say, home treatment isn't working, so it's really time to see a specialist. GP's and even Gastro's are not equipped to diagnose LPR so that's why I recommend an ENT. A month after treatment most of my throat, ear and sinus issues went away and I stopped the Nexium.
--------------------
As to the antacids you mention -- do not take them within 2-3 hours of your ribavirin dose or the ribavirin will not be absorbed as well. You will not have this problem with PPI's like Nexium, Aciphex, Prevacid, etc; or even H-2 Pumps like Zantac 100, Pepsid, etc.

Be well,

-- Jim

[wyntre9]

Sore throats and post nasal dripping have been terrible for me.

It started (coincidentally?) when I had the endoscopy, back on Dec. 5, and has never fully gone away.  (14 weeks tx)

I saw the ENT 2 weeks ago.  He scoped me and said it was dry as a desert in my throat and nasal passages and said the area has to be kept moist and recommended Guaffinisin (Mucuinex).

I've been taking the mucinex since then and the symptoms aren't quite as bad, although they're still a problem.

But I agree you should see an ENT to rule out other issues.

Good luck.

[Jeffyboy]

I used a humidifier to find relief for my sinuses. Not to gross anyone out but I had huge scabbs in my nose from elevated platlets they were painful but since I added the missing ingredient (Moisture) My skin is clearing up too. It is a big bonus for those of us suffering from dry skin.

[Jeffyboy]

I used a humidifier to find relief for my sinuses. Not to gross anyone out but I had huge scabbs in my nose from elevated platlets they were painful but since I added the missing ingredient (Moisture) I can sniff without crying, and My skin is clearing up too. It is a big bonus for those of us suffering from dry skin.

[Jeffyboy]

sorry about the double post. My brain fog is still there I think.

[wyntre9]

My ENT suggested a humidifier, too.  My problem with that is I've read that if you don't clean it throughly on a regular basis it can lead to mold growth and for those allergic to molds (ME) that can cause even more problems.

if I was a stellar housekeeper, which I'm not, I'd use a humidifer.  instead, I do saline nasal irrigation 2X daily and use saline spray throughout the day.  

Even then, I still had what felt like a pair of socks in my throat for 2 months 'til i started the guaffinnissen.

Someone mentioned in an earlier post that sinus problems are a common SX of TX.

I think it was Friole.

[MissMiss]

Water, water and more water.

The cause of the problem will still be there, whatever that may be.  But, the more hydrated your body is, the better it will handle the situation.  It definitely won't hurt and may very well help.  Tx itself dehydrates you to no end, it seems.  There are lots of formulas to use as to how much to drink but common sense is to drink as much as you can tolorate and probably a bit more.  The color of your urine is also a clue.  Cloudy or more yellow will mean drink more.  You will notice a big difference in your skin, mental clarity and general well being by ensuring you are hydrated.  

Often folks mistake the bodies clue that you need more water for hunger.  The book "Your Bodies Many Cries for Water" is very enlightening.

I hope your problem resolves quickly.  Good luck.


miss

[web52]

i have several cool-mist dehimidifiers running (1 upstairs, 1 down, they do the whole house). they are both hamilton beach 05920. they each hold 3.5 gallons and have electronic humidistats. gotta fill them in the morning and evening during very cold weather when the heat is blasting in the house to keep the humidity around 40%. they are very easy to take care of: dishwasher safe (just stick the 2 plastic parts in the dishwasher once a week).  the filter has anti bacteria and anti mold chemicals built in. i bought the humidifier from drugstore.com (best price) and the replacement filters from filters-now.com (also best price). during the winter i go through about 18 filters (it's the most expensive part). keeping the humidity up really helps my dry skin alot. it also helps my sinuses and my plants like it too :)

[Jeffyboy]

You may have something there and I believe the Riba also causes certain little critters to have a disruption in reproduction.

[madbrad]

LOL...I think Riba causes chronic EVERYTHING..
IE; sleeplessness,irritability,diarehea,fatigue,sweats.dry skin, skin lesions,ect ect.

[wyntre9]

MAYBE if my dishwasher wasn't BROKEN and not about to be fixed anytime in the near future, I'd try a humidifier again.

I know it's REALLY good for you, but, did I mention i'm a lousy housekeeper - and I'm extremely allergic to mold!

Hopefully, with spring here, the air won't be so dry.  And, i may break down yet and buy one.  I just know myself too well, though and I probably won't keep up with it.

Missy,

About when you think you're hungry you could really be thirsty?

Interesting.  I'd like to know more about that.

And, how much water (or fluids - seltzer and sparkling water and juice cut with tonic counts, right)does everyone TRULY drink on a daily basis?

[madbrad]

Thank God....And thats the only chronic anything good to come from it..

[MissMiss]

Sometimes hungry equals thirsty.  

Yes, it's true.  For the chronically dehydrated the cells realize they are starving and send the signal.  I learned that in the book "Your Bodies Many Cries for Water".  There is an explanation in the book in layman's terms that makes perfect sense.  A very insightful book if you can get past some of the technical jargon in the beginning.  Written by a doctor who was imprisoned, can't remember the rest of the details and loaned the book one too many times as I no longer have it, lol.  If you can't find it at the library ask them to get it or google it.  I think it is only about $10 or so.

You will notice in a lot of weight loss programs that they suggest you drink water when you feel hungry to curb the appetite.  And it works!  

Just my two cents worth, lol.

miss

[wyntre9]

That's interesting.

Sometimes I get what I thought were sharp hunger pains - I swear it feels like a tapeworm - and I don't understand coz It will kick in every 2 or 3 hours, especially between 11AM and 4 or 5 PM.

I'm gonna try just drinking something instead of eating at those times and see what happens.

It's been so strange - it's been like I fet like I was starving!  And I'm not really even hungry and the food doesn't taste good.

Or maybe it's coz it's after the morning 3-tab riba dose?

[wyntre9]

oink oink.

Really, I would agree with your diagnosis except it NEVER happened before TX and I never had these pangs before.

And it's not that I WANT to eat something, it literally feels like if I don't I'm gonna faint or be ill or throw up or something.

AND it only happens late morning to mid afternoon.  Not in the evening.

I'm gonna try the water cure.

[madbrad]

LOL...Down here in thu south we call that the SLAMMABISCUIT  CUZ I WANA....Disease.....

[madbrad]

Wyn this is just my theory but I think it fits for me because I generally do the same thing......I have basically a Pesticide coursing thru my body at all times devouring everything in its path IE; Viral bugs,Vitamons and Nutirents..I do believe that your body is requiring this to makeup for what the Pesticide is getting.

Happy biscuits.......LOL

[MissMiss]

I don't remember if you are treating right now.  IF you are, by all means, eat.  Appettite can be so lost while txing.  IF your pains are indeed from thirst, hydrating yourself should allow you to eat more and may even let you enjoy what you do ear more, lol.  Good luck and let me know how you do with those pangs during the day.

miss