Ok, who all has asthma? I have questions

[HeatherLynn]

Not any better but the to do list is still coming along. I bought the kids the 2nd chipmunk movie and am praying the oldest can keep everyone watching long enough for a nap for me. If I am not better by the weekend my hubby has to take over though. I'll sleep the weekend away and finally get better maybe.

Any home remedies?

Edit: Nap was a bust, and I just freaked out on hubby and he has the kids in the morning while I take the morning off sick.

 

[tdgill]

I'm another one on Proair *(rescue inhaler) Advair and Singulair although I had some issues with the singulair. Having a tough time here lately...couple rounds of "cold viruses" circulating and can't seem to get over it. I know a few people with the same problems with congestion and cough. I try to get lots of water intake when I am feeling bad too. Been taking generic tussin and suppressants and benedryl also.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

See a pulmonologist. Allergist will treat for allergies, and may or may not test for asthma. You need a complete lung function test. Yes, you may have allergies, and they may trigger asthma. Or you may NOT have allergies. It is also a good idea to be tested for allergies, as they can be triggers for asthma.

Years ago I was diagnosed with vaso-motor rhinitis. Which means I react as if allergic to changes in temperature and humidity, anything that is in the air. But I am not actually allergic. I've been tested several times, and never come up allergic to anything. Temperature and humidity are big obvious triggers, stuff in the air is less obvious, but definitely an issue. Anyways, all of this triggers my asthma which was diagnosed when I was in my 30s.

Long term control meds help big time. A peak flow meter to monitor your breathing ability. Coughing is the #1 symptom of asthma, yet many doctors ignore it as an asthma symptom, thinking "upper respiratory infection."

I am not overly fond of the tessalon pearls or any cough suppressant. The cause, not the symptom is usually what needs to be addressed. A bronchialdilator (sp?) that will open your airways and allow you to breathe is MUCH better.

I take advair, singulair, daily, with xopenix (levabuterol), claritin and sudafed as needed. Prednisone several times a year. There are other meds, and your doctor will figure out which ones work best for you. I have n inhaler, but only use it when I am out. I also have a breathing machine which is MUCH more effective.

And when you are really ill, and need rest? dh MUST take over and see that everything gets done and that nothing falls apart.

 

[HeatherLynn]

I am mostly better finally. All the cold and sinus infections and such. I still have a cough at times and some wheezing. I cannot handle it getting hot still it seems. I am still using the inhaler regularly but not as often. I have not seen an allergist or a plumonary doc. I called to set an appointment after my regular Dr refused to see me for this anymore. She said I needed a specialist, not her. So the pulmonary specialist had a date 2 months out. I said I was really struggling and would end up in the ER way before that, so the receptionist refused to let me have that appointment either. She said when I go to the ER, I would end up seeing one of their docs anyway since most of the pulmonary dr's covered by my insurance are part of their group. Then I could get a next day appointment. I asked if my dr refered me as needing to see them if I could just get one of the sooner appointments since I was in such bad shape. She said no, the best way to get an appointment was to go to the ER.

I started taking supplements that support lung function, actually remembering to take my allergy meds and wearing face masks around irritants. I am on my own till I can see a specialist. I refuse to go to the ER just to see a DR when its not really an emergency. That shouldn't be the only way I can see a Dr. I am going to start calling docs in surrounding cities and see how that goes. I am doing good though. I am back to keeping up with everything and even getting my excercise in. Eventually I will see a specialist. I cannot afford ER visits. My insurance covers fully office visits but only part of ER. Not happening unless its really an emergency.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Have your doctor start calling around to get you an appointment. They can usually get earlier appointments for you, and they will know which ones have a better reputation. Once you are a patient, getting an appointment isn't quite as difficult. Your regular doctor knows how bad your breathing problems are, and can hopefully get you in sometime soon.

 

[newfoundland]

Asthma is practically endemic here in Britain, due I think to the cool damp climate. There are approx. 25% of school children with this condition. It is important to discover what triggers asthma in you as an individual, as this varies from person to person. Some do well in dry heat, others do better in cool damp conditions. I and my children have asthma and we have always found that fresh air is beneficial. Having said that always cover nose and mouth, with a scarf if it is very cold or misty. We are surrounded by animals and I think sensible precautions are all you need except in very severe cases. Here we have inhaled steroids, for use to dampen down an attack, and inhaled broncho dialators for use before exercise or when wheezy. Severely affected people may need steroids in tablet form.

The important thing to know is how to manage asthma. You need to keep house dust mites at a minimum by dusting and vacuuming very regularly. You should vacuum your bedding and mattress, particularly if you wheeze when you go to bed. If you put bedding in a plastic bag, and then into the freezer for a few hours, it kills of dust mites. Nip any potential attack in the bud by taking your inhaler when you start to feel wheezy. You may be given a peak flow meter which is just a calibrated tube to blow into. You can use this to measure lung function. If it is a bit low, you know to be on your guard. It is important to know that asthma can be present even when the person has not had a full blown attack. For some, it is low grade and never more than a persistent, irritating cough.
Doctors here are very good at diagnosing, probably because it so common. Your doctor may run an asthma clinic, where a trained nurse practitioner can monitor your progress and answer any questions for you. Lastly I would recommend reading the very good books that are available, especially from libraries. Information is power. Good luck.