Let’s talk about air pollution.
Not climate change, because I have beliefs about that, but I understand that we don’t all agree about it. I’m not here to talk politics with you. I am here to talk about science and the many studies that prove that air pollution of all kinds is bad for our lungs, our health, and, of course, for our burning neuralgia.
If you are in a part of the world that is affected by wildfires, Saharan dust, or other environmental factors that trigger air quality warnings, please heed them. Stay inside if you can. If you have an air purifier, please use it regularly. Take this seriously for your health and your comfort if you suffer from Burning Mouth Disorder.
I was just in Northwest Washington State for a 50th High School Reunion and planned to fly over to Eastern Washington to spend a few days with my best friend from Austin who bought a condo there a few years ago. She called me and said, “Don’t come.”
The wildfires in Idaho had recently intensified, and the winds were carrying smoke and particulates into her area. She told me that the alerts had warnings that even if the air looked clear enough, it wasn’t, and they advised everyone to stay inside if at all possible. I listened, and we are rescheduling our visit. If you are traveling this summer, check out the air quality as well as the temperatures. Your chronic pain will thank you!
So, what can you do if you have to go out?
Mask up, my friends. Stay extra hydrated and limit your exposure!
On another note, I ran into an old school friend at the reunion who thanked me for letting her know about the Burning Mouth Support website. A friend of hers had been suffering without knowing what was wrong, and the research and coping strategies there had helped her immensely. She now has a diagnosis, a treatment that is helping, and a resource to check in with to see if any progress gets made.
It all helps.
A Burning Journey 
Hi Kali. Thanks for this recent post.
In terms of your medication regimen, have there been changes to your clonazepam dosage over the years?
LikeLike
You are very welcome. Yes, over the years, depending on other meds I was trying, I was able to get down to .5 mg of Clonazepam a day. Other times, during flares (usually after dental work), my dosage would go up to .5mg 3 x day. That was the most I ever had to take and the drowsiness was unacceptable to me so as soon as the flare subsided, I went back down in dosage. Keep in mind that all of these were not abrupt changes. Ramping up or down on Clonazepam is critical to keeping it effective and you healthy. 1 mg per day is my current dose and has been for years. My neurologist is comfortable with that, and unless we find another med that does not cause excess side effects, I don’t foresee a change any time soon. I hope this helps! Thanks for commenting!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your experience 😊. Ryan
LikeLike
I had a dentist tell me that one of her patients with BMS found some relief from sucking on slices of ginger! I was skeptical, but decided I would try it. I cut a very thin slice of ginger, then cut that in half, and suck on it. It’s amazing how it calms my mouth, especially my tongue that is always moving and rubbing in my mouth. It creates a mild burn at first, but I can hold it in my mouth for hours with significant relief (though temporary). But it has helped reduce the amount of clonazepam I need.
I have never heard of this as a treatment before, but I’m curious if it would help others.
Linda
LikeLike
Linda,
I am glad you found a coping strategy that helps you. That is the whole point of them, to relieve your pain so that you feel better and more in control, using fewer or lower doses of meds is a great thing, as well. This is in that category of coping strategies that involve distracting your brain from the chronic pain with something that either soothes (ex:cold drinks or gum) or causes a different kind of discomfort (ex: capsaicin) that takes our focus off the burning, even though it is by its nature, a temporary situation. Keep using what works, as long as you are not having serious side effects! Thanks for sharing!
Kali
LikeLike