Hi everyone. I haven't been around for awhile because I have been doing pretty well the past several months. However, I recently started having trouble with my eyes. Red, irritated, itchy. Long story short, an ophthalmologist diagnosed me with blepharitis and prescribed steroid eye drops and an antibiotic eye ointment. The eye drops are nasty. One drop and I can taste it for hours. Well after being on the drops for a week or so, I had a bit of a flare- gas, bloating, diarrhea.... I haven't eaten any gluten that I'm aware of and can't think of what else could have caused me problems all of a sudden. Has anyone else had a similar experience with eye medication?
Also, I seem to be very sensitive to most air fresheners, colognes, dryer sheets, hair spray, etc. I've known since I was 12 that I can't tolerate aerosols, but the seeming increase in sensitivity to so many smells has me very discouraged. Any thoughts, words of wisdom, or advice? Thank you so much in advance.
Scent/Chemical Sensitivity
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Scent/Chemical Sensitivity
Leni
Diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis and IgA deficiency on 1/21/13.
Anything is possible one day at a time!
Diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis and IgA deficiency on 1/21/13.
Anything is possible one day at a time!
Hi Leni,
I'm sorry that you're having those problems. Certain inflammation-associated eye issues are linked with MC unfortunately, and you are not the first here to report such problems.
I was once prescribed corticosteroid-based ear drops, and for some unknown reason, rather than to help the ear canal heal, the drops actually inflamed it.
It's possible that you may be sensitive to something in those drops, and contact with the mucosal lining of your eye is similar to allowing a food sensitivity to contact our digestive tract mucosal tissue — it can trigger a reaction. Have you checked the label or asked your pharmacist what's in those eye drops? Pharmacists often have access to a more complete list of ingredients, because The FDA does not require that pharmaceutical labels list inactive ingredients on the label. Only the total percentage of inactive ingredients has to be listed. Most manufacturers list inactive ingredients voluntarily, but the list may not be complete or even accurate, since listing that part of the label is not enforced.
Many of us are sensitive to numerous chemical odors such as those you named, and also cleaning agents such as those used on floors in stores and warehouses, certain disinfectants, etc.
Tex
I'm sorry that you're having those problems. Certain inflammation-associated eye issues are linked with MC unfortunately, and you are not the first here to report such problems.
I was once prescribed corticosteroid-based ear drops, and for some unknown reason, rather than to help the ear canal heal, the drops actually inflamed it.
It's possible that you may be sensitive to something in those drops, and contact with the mucosal lining of your eye is similar to allowing a food sensitivity to contact our digestive tract mucosal tissue — it can trigger a reaction. Have you checked the label or asked your pharmacist what's in those eye drops? Pharmacists often have access to a more complete list of ingredients, because The FDA does not require that pharmaceutical labels list inactive ingredients on the label. Only the total percentage of inactive ingredients has to be listed. Most manufacturers list inactive ingredients voluntarily, but the list may not be complete or even accurate, since listing that part of the label is not enforced.
Many of us are sensitive to numerous chemical odors such as those you named, and also cleaning agents such as those used on floors in stores and warehouses, certain disinfectants, etc.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3865
- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
Morning Leni,
After 3 years of what you are going through the opthamologist just diagnosed me 2 weeks ago with bletharitis. My PCP never had an inkling. I am personally not having a problem with the drops and have had no adverse effect. Will see him again this Thursday but the drops may have to be an ongoing thing for me since the oil glands that keep the eyes moist have apparently stopped working entirely. Keep us posted on how you do after stopping the steroid drops. I would be very interested.
Love, Maggie
After 3 years of what you are going through the opthamologist just diagnosed me 2 weeks ago with bletharitis. My PCP never had an inkling. I am personally not having a problem with the drops and have had no adverse effect. Will see him again this Thursday but the drops may have to be an ongoing thing for me since the oil glands that keep the eyes moist have apparently stopped working entirely. Keep us posted on how you do after stopping the steroid drops. I would be very interested.
Love, Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
Hi Maggie. It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one, but who would have thought the eyes could be so affected, huh? I'll keep you posted on how it is without the drops. I'm supposed to use warm compresses every evening, so we'll see. :-)
Leni
Diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis and IgA deficiency on 1/21/13.
Anything is possible one day at a time!
Diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis and IgA deficiency on 1/21/13.
Anything is possible one day at a time!
Re: Scent/Chemical Sensitivity
Hi there,Leni wrote:Hi everyone. I haven't been around for awhile because I have been doing pretty well the past several months. However, I recently started having trouble with my eyes. Red, irritated, itchy. Long story short, an ophthalmologist diagnosed me with blepharitis and prescribed steroid eye drops and an antibiotic eye ointment. The eye drops are nasty. One drop and I can taste it for hours. Well after being on the drops for a week or so, I had a bit of a flare- gas, bloating, diarrhea.... I haven't eaten any gluten that I'm aware of and can't think of what else could have caused me problems all of a sudden. Has anyone else had a similar experience with eye medication?
Also, I seem to be very sensitive to most air fresheners, colognes, dryer sheets, hair spray, etc. I've known since I was 12 that I can't tolerate aerosols, but the seeming increase in sensitivity to so many smells has me very discouraged. Any thoughts, words of wisdom, or advice? Thank you so much in advance.
I too was diagnosed with blepharitis and my ophthalmologist wanted to put me on Restasis. She suggested that I clean my eyes daily with Systane wipes, use hot compresses and that in addition to Systane Balance eye drops have made a world of difference for me. I no longer have red, itchy eyes. It's all related to inflammation, IMHO. I can't help with the smell sensitivities.
Leni and Cathy,
Has your doctor recommended flax seed oil? It's recommended by some doctors because it helps to lubricate the ducts.
Tex
Has your doctor recommended flax seed oil? It's recommended by some doctors because it helps to lubricate the ducts.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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I found this article on the subject of flaxseed oil and fish oil for dry eyes:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition ... ed-oil.htm
I eat ground flaxseed although my method may not appeal to most people. I mix fresh ground flaxseeds with the oil left over in the pan after cooking meat on the top of the stove. I think it tastes yummy but ymmv. I used to have really bad dry eyes and used restasis for a time which worked for me. Since changing my diet and avoiding all my food sensitivities dry eyes are no longer a problem, no restasis or any other treatment needed. I also use fish oil so maybe the flax and fish oil are helping too.
Jean
http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition ... ed-oil.htm
I eat ground flaxseed although my method may not appeal to most people. I mix fresh ground flaxseeds with the oil left over in the pan after cooking meat on the top of the stove. I think it tastes yummy but ymmv. I used to have really bad dry eyes and used restasis for a time which worked for me. Since changing my diet and avoiding all my food sensitivities dry eyes are no longer a problem, no restasis or any other treatment needed. I also use fish oil so maybe the flax and fish oil are helping too.
Jean
FWIW, I take a flaxseed oil capsule and a fish oil capsule every morning after breakfast. They're usually in the 1,000–1,400 mg range.
Tex
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Here's a quote from the abstract, and a link to a full report on a research study that you might find interesting. Note that the placebo used in the study was capsules filled with olive oil.
Note however that it's been reported (independent of that study) that total combined dosages of omega-3 oils in the 3,000–5.000 mg range or more can cause D for some people (because of the lubricating qualities of these oils).
Tex
The Role of Omega-3 Dietary Supplementation in Blepharitis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (An AOS Thesis)Purpose
Blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) are common sources of complaints from patients. To evaluate the effect on ocular symptoms, ocular findings, and serum and meibomian gland contents, patients with blepharitis and MGD were prospectively evaluated to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids.
Methods
In a prospective randomized placebo-controlled masked trial, patients with simple obstructive MGD and blepharitis, who had discontinued all topical medications and tetracyclines, received oral omega-3 dietary supplementation consisting of two 1000-mg capsules 3 times a day. Patients were examined every 3 months for 1 year with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) objective clinical measures, including tear production and stability, ocular surface and meibomian gland health, and biochemical plasma, red blood cell (RBC), and meibum evaluation. Primary outcome measures were change in tear breakup time (TBUT), meibum score, and overall OSDI score at 1 year.
Results
At 1 year, the omega-3 group had a 36% and 31% reduction in their omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratios in RBCs and plasma, respectively (P = .3), whereas the placebo group demonstrated no change. At 12 months, the omega-3 group had an improvement in TBUT, OSDI score, and meibum score. Changes in meibum content were observed in the omega-3 group (P = .21); the level of meibum saturated fatty acids decreased.
Conclusions
This trial demonstrated a decrease in the RBC and plasma ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 in patients taking omega-3 dietary supplementation, as compared to controls, and improvements in their overall OSDI score, TBUT, and meibum score. This is the first demonstration of an induced change in the fatty acid saturation content in meibum as a result of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids.
Note however that it's been reported (independent of that study) that total combined dosages of omega-3 oils in the 3,000–5.000 mg range or more can cause D for some people (because of the lubricating qualities of these oils).
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
She did not recommend that Tex but that's very interesting. I'm going to give it a try. At my last check up she did say that I had a lot of "debris" in my eyes. Thanks!tex wrote:Leni and Cathy,
Has your doctor recommended flax seed oil? It's recommended by some doctors because it helps to lubricate the ducts.
Tex