Sinus and Allergy

Hi, !

Being sick is the pits, I know. It's worth noting that hydroxychloroquine is not considered and immunosuppressant, but it can make an individual more susceptible to infections and viruses, since it can lower one's white blood cell count. So, it *could* be making it harder for you to chake the cough and congestion. Also, it does seem like there is a particularly annoying cold going around that causes a lingering cough. And getting diagnosed with Strep Throat on top of all that can't be helping your situation.

All that said, many individuals do notice an improvement in symptoms once the medication has a time to kick in. And, our members that are on immunosuppressants or treatments like hydroxychloroquine tend to get used to be extra vigilant during the cold and flu season. So, it stinks that you got diagnosed and started on treatment at the start of the cold and flu season, if that makes sense. While not exactly answering your question, I wanted to share an article on the topic of colds and RA that you might find relatable -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/when-a-cold-is-not-just-a-cold. Having RA and taking RA medications can make your recovery time from an illness longer, but you definitely *can* get better and stay better! It is possible!

I hope you start feeling much better, especially as we start the new year!

Best, Erin, Team Member.

Hi . Just to follow up on what Erin said, this article notes that "hydroxychloroquine starts to work gradually" and "for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, it can take 6 to 12 weeks before you notice any benefits:" https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hydroxychloroquine/common-questions-about-hydroxychloroquine/.
I also want to note that my wife, Kelly Mack, wrote the article Erin linked to on colds. I can tell you that Kelly was diagnosed at age two, 45 years ago (before modern meds) and has experienced most of what RA can throw at a person. She leads a full and happy life - hope is real. Please feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing and to ask additional questions. Best, Richard (Team Member)

I hope you are feeling more improvement and that you are kicking the strep!

Yes, I have had trouble recovering from respiratory infections since being diagnosed with RA. I have been on a variety of immunosuppressants and some of them have made recovery from respiratory or dental infections even harder. It seems if I get a cold my cough lasts for weeks. If I feel ill and am coughing bad for over a week, I check in my PCP to discuss if it is time for antibiotics. Any fever means calling right away.

For chronic cough or infection, I would consider a Pulmonology or ENT consult. It is important to check for other issues such allergies, sinusitis, post nasal drip or GERD. RA can put you at risk for other serious respiratory concerns.


I had a cough for months that turned out to be related to sinusitis and post nasal drip. This surprised me because I didn’t have what I considered to be sinusitis symptoms - no stuffy nose, pressure or headache. Just a persistent productive cough. But, after a CT scan confirmed chronic and acute sinusitis we began treatment - antibiotics, OTC nasal rinses and a prescription nose spray. At first, as my sinuses began to drain, the drainage got really gross, then began to turn to clear. I began to feel much better.

When the pulmonologist first suggested post nasal drip - I heard JUST PND. I had no clue how ill it could make me.

Three months on, I do feel better, but still have a productive cough with clear sinus drainage. I don’t feel infected or ill. I will follow up with my pulmonologist through the portal next week to see what we can do next.

A note on OTC measures (always good to check with your doc)
- My pulmonologist said that the Nasal Saline sprays are not effective enough for me and recommended Nasal Rinses 2-3 times a day. I use a NeilMed kit. You can find it at Costco, Walmart or drug stores. It comes with saline packets you mix with distilled water (don’t use tap water, there is infection risk) I was shocked how much this helped me clear the drainage.
- I run a humidifier in my bedroom.
- GERD is a factor for me. I try to avoid eating 2 hours before bedtime and I raise the head of my bed.


I hope you are finding relief and that you make it through this rough season for respiratory illnesses unscathed! Jo