Question:

We’ve had some pretty massive winds lately… maybe that’s the cause? Who knows, I’m just glad to be breathing better. -Ashley C. Gentle hugs sweetie. I have been using a Serevent inhaler which isn’t an emergency inhaler but sort of a way to keep the asthma from getting out of control. I can’t believer how well it has worked for me. You rest and breathe easily. You guys have spring issues in CA? Wonder what triggered the attack for you. Duckie

Ashley C. www.ashleycanterbury.com

Response:

I am glad you are breathing easier too — that is one scary feeling. Must be what people with emphysema feel every day. My ashthma is triggered instantly with second hand cigarette smoke now. I can sometimes keep it quiet by breathing from my mouth and breathing shallowly but one just can’t live that way. Makes me pretty vocal when I pass someone smoking in a no-smoking section like in front of the hospital. After all — they are basically trying to kill me and to not fight for my life goes against one’s instinct. Duckie We’ve had some pretty massive winds lately… maybe that’s the cause? Who knows, I’m just glad to be breathing better. -Ashley C.

–   _(‘  (_<_)           _   _(‘< -quack  (_<_)     _    __(‘< *QUACK!* <_{__)   _(‘< "|,,|_"  (_<_)   _(‘< "AFLAC!"  (_<_)

Response:

((((((((Ashley))))))) — Nann remove the Gator cheer to email me I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells. – Dr Suess

Response:

Been there, done that way more times than I like to think about! Sure hope you get to feeling better real soon!!! Do you have a nebulizer to use at home?  Did you check to make sure your inhalers are not empty or that they are working properly?

Note: To tell if an inhaler is too near empty to work, put it in a container of water.  If it floats, replace it.  (They will continue to spray after most of the med is gone)  And if you don’t have a spacer, get one.  If you do have a spacer, use it. Jo

Response:

alt.support.arthritis: Note: To tell if an inhaler is too near empty to work, put it in a container of water.  If it floats, replace it.  (They will continue to spray after most of the med is gone)  And if you don’t have a spacer, get one.  If you do have a spacer, use it. Jo

To that, Jo, I’ll add, be sure to take the little ‘canister’ out of the plastic case before you do that. It’s a pretty good indication, I used to do it to check when I needed a refill. The more water is displaced, the more drug is in the inhaler. — Joan Beware Tommy the Troll who is now asking for handouts on the internet.

Response:

Gentle hugs sweetie. I have been using a Serevent inhaler which isn’t an emergency inhaler but sort of a way to keep the asthma from getting out of control. I can’t believer how well it has worked for me. You rest and breathe easily. You guys have spring issues in CA? Wonder what triggered the attack for you. Duckie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – *sigh* I just got back from the ER, and once again, I find it scary that the nurses and doctors remember me. However, it is kind of cool that they remember my medical history off hand. <g Anyways, all week I had been experiencing a tightening in my chest and it felt like I had bricks on my chest. Earlier this evening it came to the point that I was gasping for breath. I literally COULDN’T breathe. My mom took me to the ER and after a brief wait (in which it was getting harder and harder to breathe) I was able to see the doctor. He immediately realized that I was having an asthma attack. My mom told him that I had used my inhalor 4 times, but he said I might need a stronger script. So… he ordered a breathing a treatment that cleared me right up… such a relief!! They did a chest xray that came back normal, yay! After that they let me go home, but not before adding some meds. The specific dx was severe bronchial spasms. New meds: prednisone 20mg (for 5 days) ventolin inhalor antibiotics for a possible infection (can’t read what it says) -Ashley C. Ashley C. www.ashleycanterbury.com

–   _(‘  (_<_)           _   _(‘< -quack  (_<_)     _    __(‘< *QUACK!* <_{__)   _(‘< "|,,|_"  (_<_)   _(‘< "AFLAC!"  (_<_)

Response:

Ashley, I have been to ER twice for that very same thing, in my case the minute my husband told them I was asthmatic I was attended to right away. It is so scary when you can’t seem to get your next breath. ((((((((((((((((((((((Ashley))))))))))))))))) Dawn0

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Hope you feel better, Ashley! Carol

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Been there, done that at least 50 times.  Make sure when you first arrive at the ER you specifically say you can’t breathe. Puts you right at the top of the list and cuts down on the wait. Do you have a doc that is an Asthma specialist?  There are quite a few things you can use now to help control attacks.  And to prevent attacks.  Be well! — Jo Firey "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – *sigh* I just got back from the ER, and once again, I find it scary that the nurses and doctors remember me. However, it is kind of cool that they remember my medical history off hand. <g Anyways, all week I had been experiencing a tightening in my chest and it felt like I had bricks on my chest. Earlier this evening it came to the point that I was gasping for breath. I literally COULDN’T breathe. My mom took me to the ER and after a brief wait (in which it was getting harder and harder to breathe) I was able to see the doctor. He immediately realized that I was having an asthma attack. My mom told him that I had used my inhalor 4 times, but he said I might need a stronger script. So… he ordered a breathing a treatment that cleared me right up… such a relief!! They did a chest xray that came back normal, yay! After that they let me go home, but not before adding some meds. The specific dx was severe bronchial spasms. New meds: prednisone 20mg (for 5 days) ventolin inhalor antibiotics for a possible infection (can’t read what it says) -Ashley C. Ashley C. www.ashleycanterbury.com

Response:

  My son has terrible asthma and his doc prescribed a home nebulizer. It really helps when his inhalers don’t work. Would your doc prescribe one for you? Hope today is a better day for you! Hoping your hills are never too steep! Be well, Patty

Response:

Melinda

Response:

Take it easy kiddo.  Let your body heal. Prayers on the way. Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

Response:

*sigh* I just got back from the ER, and once again, I find it scary that the nurses and doctors remember me. However, it is kind of cool that they remember my medical history off hand. <g Anyways, all week I had been experiencing a tightening in my chest and it felt like I had bricks on my chest. Earlier this evening it came to the point that I was gasping for breath. I literally COULDN’T breathe. My mom took me to the ER and after a brief wait (in which it was getting harder and harder to breathe) I was able to see the doctor. He immediately realized that I was having an asthma attack. My mom told him that I had used my inhalor 4 times, but he said I might need a stronger script. So… he ordered a breathing a treatment that cleared me right up… such a relief!! They did a chest xray that came back normal, yay! After that they let me go home, but not before adding some meds. The specific dx was severe bronchial spasms. New meds: prednisone 20mg (for 5 days) ventolin inhalor antibiotics for a possible infection (can’t read what it says) -Ashley C. Ashley C. www.ashleycanterbury.com

Response:

Been there, done that way more times than I like to think about! Sure hope you get to feeling better real soon!!! Do you have a nebulizer to use at home?  Did you check to make sure your inhalers are not empty or that they are working properly? Good luck, hope you can get some rest tonight!!! Donna G

Response:

Gosh Ashley!  You sure seem to be having a rough time of it lately.  In a way, it’s good they recognize you in the ER – saves you from having to repeat all that stuff when you are short of breath, right?  When you see the doctor the next time you might want to ask them about prescribing a nebulizer for home use.  After three trips to the ER for neb treatments, my doctor had one prescribed for me as well as the medicine to use in it.  It’s seldom that I have to actually use it, but it sure has saved complications and trips to the dr or ER since I had it.  Sounds like with your asthma it is time for that. Hope you are feeling better today. — Cyberhugs, DianeW It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. –Antoine de Saint Exup

Question:

Speaking of emergency inhalers, would it work to keep an extra inhaler in the dashboard compartment of the car, or in a suitcase?  How long does albuterol retain its potency, and how susceptible is it to high temperatures?

I keep the spare inhaler under one of the front seats.  Don’t know about how long they last, but I always discard my ‘in use’ inhaler after 6 months so the car inhaler is never there for more than that time. "They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown." Carl Sagan

Response:

<<<Grammatical ignorance sometimes masquerades as poetic license. Check out the superb alliterative "ferret out a pharmacy". This person is definitely not your run-of-the-mill ignoramus. He most certainly is not.

Question:

There is the risk of long term airways damage from asthma that is not treated with some form of anti inflammatory medication.  I would suggest that you get a second opinion regarding your asthma treatment program.

Yep, as one with small airway remodeling I would much rather have had the choice to take meds daily as a preventative than be stuck with small airways at 45%! Patrice

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank you all for replying to my previous question Here is my story and the questions I have. I’ve been an asthmatic since my early years. Then as a teenager I thought I was cured. Now on my thirties is back. every night I can’t without the inhaler (salbutamol spry). 2 or 3 times at night usually does it for me. I use the inhaler only when I’m really without my breath otherwise I try to avoid it, always believed that the with the time I will require stronger and stronger medicaments due to overdose. Are my believes right? Or is it worse as to the damages the asthma can make to my lungs? Appreciate any help, (and thanks for previous answers)

if you are getting regular attacks then you need to concentrate on getting the right long term treatments rather than just looking at the symptoms first thing would be to see a doctor and arrange a preventer inhaler…beclamethasone or Intal or whatever…and a peak flow meter…monitor how your lungsa re doing with the peak flow meter and liase with the doctor until you find the right set of meds for you ideally you need to see a specialist and sort out the treatment with them there are also a bunch of other things to do with avoiding asthma triggers…first thing is to try getting the asthma under control though — eric "in the beginning was the word, and the word was ‘try switching the damn thing on first’"

Response:

Thank you all for replying to my previous question Here is my story and the questions I have. I’ve been an asthmatic since my early years. Then as a teenager I thought I was cured. Now on my thirties is back. every night I can’t without the inhaler (salbutamol spry). 2 or 3 times at night usually does it for me. I use the inhaler only when I’m really without my breath otherwise I try to avoid it, always believed that the with the time I will require stronger and stronger medicaments due to overdose. Are my believes right? Or is it worse as to the damages the asthma can make to my lungs?

There is the risk of long term airways damage from asthma that is not treated with some form of anti inflammatory medication.  I would suggest that you get a second opinion regarding your asthma treatment program. "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." Einstein

Response:

Thank you all for replying to my previous question Here is my story and the questions I have. I’ve been an asthmatic since my early years. Then as a teenager I thought I was cured. Now on my thirties is back. every night I can’t without the inhaler (salbutamol spry). 2 or 3 times at night usually does it for me. I use the inhaler only when I’m really without my breath otherwise I try to avoid it, always believed that the with the time I will require stronger and stronger medicaments due to overdose. Are my believes right? Or is it worse as to the damages the asthma can make to my lungs? Appreciate any help, (and thanks for previous answers) RAF

Response:

Question:

…People choose disease because their situations are …intolerable at the emotional level.

God, this sort of sentiment really makes me puke.  A lovely "blame the victim" statement.   — David Wright :: wright at ibnets.com :: Not a Spokesman for Anyone      These are my opinions only, but they’re almost always correct.              The Millennium actually begins on January 1, 2001                 So Get Ready for a Second Round of Parties

Response:

…Two, people get tired of living the way we live and …they find ways to "bug out," or blow their brains out. …The people who treasure and cherish life take care of themselves. …The people who squander their lives, squander themselves also.

Treasuring life does not preclude cancer or brain tumors or…… Suicide versus getting a "disease" are very distinct entities. " …Yet, each soul has its own competence and will. …People choose disease because their situations are …intolerable at the emotional level.

I think of hypochrondriacs but again I don’t think people can "will" themselves of getting cancer. Why only choosing disease at the emotional level- why not at the subconscious level?? frank Before you buy.

Response:

Actually, Carolyn Myss has written some very interesting books about the connection between our spirit and dis-ease.  She says something like, "psychology is biology" which means our thoughts, whether realized consciously or not, our perceptions, create not only the world around us but also affect our physical functioning in that world.  "Your body believes every word you say." Psychoneuroimmunology is the "scientific" look into this mind/body connection and one of the more fascinating discoveries I read is that things like asthma and arthritis are both psychosomatic conditions.  Now this doesn’t mean anyone sets out to deliberately become ill, nor that what they experiences isn’t painful or can’t be life-threatening, but it does mean that there is much more to the way our bodies react to our reactions than previously supposed. Those who refuse to take responsibility for their lives may find a way to exist seemingly comfortably from all outward appearances, yet come down with a dis-ease like cancer.  Why?  Because subconsciously, their fears literally "eat away" at them.  A heart attack can be seen as a literal experience using this school of thought.  And if you take it a step further and are open enough to try to incorporate a higher (spiritual) purpose to our lives, then there is also the possibility that some people are simply using the experience of a fatal disease to come to terms with something far greater.   It’s a big, still very mysterious field but one which I have always found utterly fascinating. PJ. Astrology & New Age Garnered Images Astrology [ Where beauty moves and wit delights and signs of kindness bind me, there, oh there, wher’ere I go, I leave my heart behind me. (Thomas Ford, 1607) [

  …Two, people get tired of living the way we live and   …they find ways to "bug out," or blow their brains out.   …The people who treasure and cherish life take care of themselves.   …The people who squander their lives, squander themselves also.   Treasuring life does not preclude cancer or brain tumors or……   Suicide versus getting a "disease" are very distinct entities.   "   …Yet, each soul has its own competence and will.   …People choose disease because their situations are   …intolerable at the emotional level.   I think of hypochrondriacs but again I don’t think people can "will"   themselves of getting cancer. Why only choosing disease at the   emotional level- why not at the subconscious level??   frank   Before you buy.

Response:

…Nobody gets out of here alive, anyway, one

Yes, but I want to get out in peace and serenity, not writhing in pain or  assisted by artificial means like colostomy bag, dialysis machine, donnated organs…Arthritis, Dementia, Parkinson … I want none of them …Two, people get tired of living the way we live and …they find ways to "bug out," or blow their brains out.

Bug out in this life does not mean a final solution. Try to make the best out of it. In this domain I find that Buddhism is hard to beat. We DON’T HAVE TO BE SICK (see the thread Success Story elsewhere in this NG). …Patching people up at great cost makes no cosmic sense.

Agree 100%. But what if we can patch ourselves at little or no cost? The importance here is to heed the warning buzz of our body and try to solve the problem before it becomes serious. Diseases never come suddenly without warnings: recurent headache, pain, rash, faint, persistent cough… Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a multi-part message in MIME format. Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Don’t worry, Dr. Frank, you phrase your points nicely and I know you = don’t intentionally try to pick fights just for the sake of fighting. However, I did read about researchers teaching an adult woman with no = history of allergies to manifest an asthmatic reaction every time she = put her lips to a drinking straw.  The image stuck with me, and my guess = is that some individuals do have an asthma attack in reaction to = (whatever…fill in the blank here) but then for probably very subtle = (subconscious) reasons, such as their parents’ panic, the words that = "asthma is forever," perhaps even a need for attention, they learn to = have that same asthmatic reaction all the time. And if you are willing to admit that stress can cause susceptability to = dis-eases such as URIs, then doesn’t it make sense that same stress over = a much longer period could also weaken other bodily functions to the = point of something like cancer being able to manifest? (I’m not trying = to be argumentative, just "thinking out loud.") I know many of these ideas sound extremely "new age" in the worst sense = of the words, but just because science cannot yet quantify and label it = is no reason to not keep an open mind.  (My opinion, of course.)  So = much of what we take for granted in allopathic medicine today was = considered voodoo in earlier times.  Actually, not even all that much = earlier.  100 years or so isn’t that far back. If something like learning to accept the consequences of one’s choices = then induces a "mere" placebo healing effect from dis-ease, isn’t that = really much better for everyone in the long run? =20 In light of all this, may I (very politely) ask how you explain = spontaneous remission?  (Feel free to discuss this with me via email if = your flame-proof jammies are at the cleaners.) PJ. Hi-

A couple of points. Regarding the asthmatic reaction I wonder if this was a true asthmatic attack vs hyperventilation  or something mimicking an attack. Sometimes the symptoms may appear to be similar but the actual diagnosis’s are different. I just don’t think one can catch leukemia by being stressed out or by poor health . My little nephew had leukemia – he was very healthy both mentally and physically prior. What worries me is people thinking that all of the diseases/illnesses are caused by their emotional /spiritual  well being. I view spontaneous remission the same as an acute disease process onset with an idiopathic etiology (unknown cause). Sometimes the disease just goes into remission as suddenly as it came on. Good thoughts BTW.  Smile. frank Before you buy.

Response:

Don’t worry, Dr. Frank, you phrase your points nicely and I know you don’t intentionally try to pick fights just for the sake of fighting. However, I did read about researchers teaching an adult woman with no history of allergies to manifest an asthmatic reaction every time she put her lips to a drinking straw.  The image stuck with me, and my guess is that some individuals do have an asthma attack in reaction to (whatever…fill in the blank here) but then for probably very subtle (subconscious) reasons, such as their parents’ panic, the words that "asthma is forever," perhaps even a need for attention, they learn to have that same asthmatic reaction all the time. And if you are willing to admit that stress can cause susceptability to dis-eases such as URIs, then doesn’t it make sense that same stress over a much longer period could also weaken other bodily functions to the point of something like cancer being able to manifest? (I’m not trying to be argumentative, just "thinking out loud.") I know many of these ideas sound extremely "new age" in the worst sense of the words, but just because science cannot yet quantify and label it is no reason to not keep an open mind.  (My opinion, of course.)  So much of what we take for granted in allopathic medicine today was considered voodoo in earlier times.  Actually, not even all that much earlier.  100 years or so isn’t that far back. If something like learning to accept the consequences of one’s choices then induces a "mere" placebo healing effect from dis-ease, isn’t that really much better for everyone in the long run?   In light of all this, may I (very politely) ask how you explain spontaneous remission?  (Feel free to discuss this with me via email if your flame-proof jammies are at the cleaners.) PJ. Astrology & New Age Garnered Images Astrology [ Where beauty moves and wit delights and signs of kindness bind me, there, oh there, wher’ere I go, I leave my heart behind me. (Thomas Ford, 1607) [

  This is a multi-part message in MIME format.     Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="iso-8859-1"   Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable     Actually, Carolyn Myss has written some very interesting books about   the =   connection between our spirit and dis-ease.  She says something like,   =   "psychology is biology" which means our thoughts, whether realized =   consciously or not, our perceptions, create not only the world around   us =   but also affect our physical functioning in that world.  "Your body =   believes every word you say."     Psychoneuroimmunology is the "scientific" look into this mind/body =   connection and one of the more fascinating discoveries I read is that   =   things like asthma and arthritis are both psychosomatic conditions.   Now =   this doesn’t mean anyone sets out to deliberately become ill, nor   that =   what they experiences isn’t painful or can’t be life-threatening, but   it =   does mean that there is much more to the way our bodies react to our   =   reactions than previously supposed.     Those who refuse to take responsibility for their lives may find a   way =   to exist seemingly comfortably from all outward appearances, yet come   =   down with a dis-ease like cancer.  Why?  Because subconsciously,   their =   fears literally "eat away" at them.  A heart attack can be seen as a   =   literal experience using this school of thought.  And if you take it   a =   step further and are open enough to try to incorporate a higher =   (spiritual) purpose to our lives, then there is also the possibility   =   that some people are simply using the experience of a fatal disease   to =   come to terms with something far greater. =20      PJ.     Look, I accept the notion that stress and well being has a lot to do   with how we deal with illness and even susceptibility to certain   infections (viral-upper respiratory infection). But I refuse to believe   that  asthma or arthritis are psychosomatic conditions (tell that to   the poor kid with JRA) or that "our body believes everything we say".   One "doesn’t come down with cancer" because of refusal to take   responsibility.   Don’t worry, no flaming here and I’m not discounting what you believe.   But the notion of getting sick because one "deserves it" and that   cancer is the result of subconscious fears is too "new age" for my   tastes. Let’s forget about solid science.   frank   Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a multi-part message in MIME format. Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Actually, Carolyn Myss has written some very interesting books about the = connection between our spirit and dis-ease.  She says something like, = "psychology is biology" which means our thoughts, whether realized = consciously or not, our perceptions, create not only the world around us = but also affect our physical functioning in that world.  "Your body = believes every word you say." Psychoneuroimmunology is the "scientific" look into this mind/body = connection and one of the more fascinating discoveries I read is that = things like asthma and arthritis are both psychosomatic conditions. Now = this doesn’t mean anyone sets out to deliberately become ill, nor that = what they experiences isn’t painful or can’t be life-threatening, but it = does mean that there is much more to the way our bodies react to our = reactions than previously supposed. Those who refuse to take responsibility for their lives may find a way = to exist seemingly comfortably from all outward appearances, yet come = down with a dis-ease like cancer.  Why?  Because subconsciously, their = fears literally "eat away" at them.  A heart attack can be seen as a = literal experience using this school of thought.  And if you take it a = step further and are open enough to try to incorporate a higher = (spiritual) purpose to our lives, then there is also the possibility = that some people are simply using the experience of a fatal disease to = come to terms with something far greater. =20  PJ.

Look, I accept the notion that stress and well being has a lot to do with how we deal with illness and even susceptibility to certain infections (viral-upper respiratory infection). But I refuse to believe that  asthma or arthritis are psychosomatic conditions (tell that to the poor kid with JRA) or that "our body believes everything we say". One "doesn’t come down with cancer" because of refusal to take responsibility. Don’t worry, no flaming here and I’m not discounting what you believe. But the notion of getting sick because one "deserves it" and that cancer is the result of subconscious fears is too "new age" for my tastes. Let’s forget about solid science. frank Before you buy.

Response:

…Nobody gets out of here alive, anyway, one …Two, people get tired of living the way we live and …they find ways to "bug out," or blow their brains out. …Patching people up at great cost makes no cosmic sense. …The people who treasure and cherish life take care of themselves. …The people who squander their lives, squander themselves also. …When "healing" becomes a business, then it losts touch …with these realities, and it seeks only to make money …like other businesses. …At that point, medicine becomes "invested" in seeing to it …that people get labelled as "sick," or "crazy" or "needing help." …Yet, each soul has its own competence and will. …People choose disease because their situations are …intolerable at the emotional level. …Happy people thrive–sometimes on the backs of …unhappy and powerless people. …Health is a whole spectrum of choices around breathing, …sleep, eating, drinking and sexual relations. Although …health is a matter of direct choice, most of the time, …the children subject to neglectful parents and people who …experience accidents also get to experience …"emergency medicine" as their experience. …"Emergency medicine" has its OWN karma. …So let’s not get confused and believe that "being good" and …being "healthy" are the same thing, or that …"being good" and longevity are the same thing. …Sometimes the people who outlive everybody else are …the ones who detest what is going on in front of their eyes …and who realize, God is also playing in this arena. compania

Response:

Question:

Hi! I have Intrinsic Bronchial Asthma.  I turned 44 in July (1995).  I

Question:

I would not drink the beer. You may have too much yeast in your system already and treating that would be a good idea. Have you ever taken a lot of antibiotics? Feel worse on rainy days? Allergic to mold? Go on a yeast free diet and find a doctor to treat the candida. If they won’t, there are "yeast fighters" in the health food store.

Response:

You should ask your doctor (and insurance company) about an asthma education class. This can help you learn how to identify your triggers and to make sure that you are using your medications properly. You also might want to ask about monitoring your peak flows. This can help predict the earliest onset of an attack. Penny Gagne Plouff RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve recently been diagnosed with Asthma (about 2 mnths ago).  I have been prescribed Flovent 110, Serevent, and Accolate; all long term medicines for asthma.  This seemed to have all under contol initially and I was feeling very well.  Also I was exercising about 3x a week. Due to an injury I stopped exercising for about 3 weeks.  Also during this period I resumed to my old self and would have a beer (usually only one) after work.  I would drink the beer immeditely after taking my medications including the accolate in which your not supposed to eat 2 hrs before or 1 hr after.   Last week the asthma returned and started acting up again.  I was very short of breath and had been experiening a nasty taste in the back of my throat.  I had no medication for immediate relief so I went to Emergency.  They said oxygen in my blood was okay and lungs sounded okay.  Anyway they administered albuterol by nebulizer then released me with a prescription for albuterol.  I have since (last 3 days) resumed exercising and use the albeterol as little as possible (about once a day).  Also yesterday I purchased a fairly expensive Honeywell HEPA air filter.   I am beginning to feel somewhat better but not quite as up to par as I was before.  My questions are listed below and I would highly value your opinions? 1.  Do you believe the episode will pass? 2.  Since I am begginning in some aspects to feel better should I hold off on seeing my doctor to my next scheduled follow up which is some 2 months away? 3.  Shall I assume not to drink beer again at all or should I time it better? 4.  When is Asthma an Emergency?  How do I know what severe is?  The last time I had acute shortness of breath, how severe can it get? I know this is quite a bit but I am new to this and any insight is apreciated.

Response:

1.  Do you believe the episode will pass?

Yes.  This is the nature of asthma.   2.  Since I am begginning in some aspects to feel better should I hold off on seeing my doctor to my next scheduled follow up which is some 2 months away?

If you needed to visit the ER, you need to contact your doctor for followup consultation. 3.  Shall I assume not to drink beer again at all or should I time it better?

You may be allergic to one of the components in the beer. Also you are reducing the effectivness of the Accolate by 40% – you need to wait an hour after you take the medication. 4.  When is Asthma an Emergency?  How do I know what severe is?  The last time I had acute shortness of breath, how severe can it get?

Asthma is an emergency if you are caught without your rescue medications (Rule #1: Always have your rescue inhaler available – no matter what!) If you are having an asthma attack and the prescribed treatment is not working, it is also an emergency. Your doctor should provide you with specific instructions regarding what to do such as: When to increase your ‘control’ medications, when to use your rescue inhaler, when to call him, when to go to an emergency room and when to call 911. I know this is quite a bit but I am new to this and any insight is apreciated.

This is why we are here.  We _all_ had questions likle yours when we first came to this newsgroup.

Response:

I think it is also important to discuss a peak flow meter with your physican, and to seek the advice of several allergists. –Jennifer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 1.  Do you believe the episode will pass? Yes.  This is the nature of asthma. 2.  Since I am begginning in some aspects to feel better should I hold off on seeing my doctor to my next scheduled follow up which is some 2 months away? If you needed to visit the ER, you need to contact your doctor for followup consultation. 3.  Shall I assume not to drink beer again at all or should I time it better? You may be allergic to one of the components in the beer. Also you are reducing the effectivness of the Accolate by 40% – you need to wait an hour after you take the medication. 4.  When is Asthma an Emergency?  How do I know what severe is?  The last time I had acute shortness of breath, how severe can it get? Asthma is an emergency if you are caught without your rescue medications (Rule #1: Always have your rescue inhaler available – no matter what!) If you are having an asthma attack and the prescribed treatment is not working, it is also an emergency. Your doctor should provide you with specific instructions regarding what to do such as: When to increase your ‘control’ medications, when to use your rescue inhaler, when to call him, when to go to an emergency room and when to call 911. I know this is quite a bit but I am new to this and any insight is apreciated. This is why we are here.  We _all_ had questions likle yours when we first came to this newsgroup.

Response:

I’ve recently been diagnosed with Asthma (about 2 mnths ago).  I have been prescribed Flovent 110, Serevent, and Accolate; all long term medicines for asthma.  This seemed to have all under contol initially and I was feeling very well.  Also I was exercising about 3x a week. Due to an injury I stopped exercising for about 3 weeks.  Also during this period I resumed to my old self and would have a beer (usually only one) after work.  I would drink the beer immeditely after taking my medications including the accolate in which your not supposed to eat 2 hrs before or 1 hr after.   Last week the asthma returned and started acting up again.  I was very short of breath and had been experiening a nasty taste in the back of my throat.  I had no medication for immediate relief so I went to Emergency.  They said oxygen in my blood was okay and lungs sounded okay.  Anyway they administered albuterol by nebulizer then released me with a prescription for albuterol.  I have since (last 3 days) resumed exercising and use the albeterol as little as possible (about once a day).  Also yesterday I purchased a fairly expensive Honeywell HEPA air filter.   I am beginning to feel somewhat better but not quite as up to par as I was before.  My questions are listed below and I would highly value your opinions? 1.  Do you believe the episode will pass? 2.  Since I am begginning in some aspects to feel better should I hold off on seeing my doctor to my next scheduled follow up which is some 2 months away? 3.  Shall I assume not to drink beer again at all or should I time it better? 4.  When is Asthma an Emergency?  How do I know what severe is?  The last time I had acute shortness of breath, how severe can it get? I know this is quite a bit but I am new to this and any insight is apreciated.

Response:

Question:

Hello everyone,      Let me introduce myself, my name is Bryn, I am 18 years old, and have been suffering from acute panic attacks for the last couple of months.  I have been looking over this newsgroup for the past couple of days, and decided to post a couple of questions seeing as how everyone on here seems to be pretty supportive and helpful in answering questions.

<huge snip Hello, Bryn. Welcome.  And what a lovely name!  I went to Bryn Mawr College so I like it all the more.  :) I’m really sorry for all the problems you’ve been having.  The onset of panic attacks is a terrifying experience.  I landed in the ER a couple of times too, before I knew what was going on. I mentioned taking medicine the first time I visited him, but he was reluctant to give me medicine because I had only had the disease for a short period of time and he wanted to try to get rid of it without the medicine.

This doesn’t make sense to me — suffering is suffering, whether it’s been going on for days, weeks, or years.  I think you mentioned that this was a psychologist you were seeing?  I was under the impression that psychologists couldn’t prescribe medication.  Is there any way you could get in to see a psychiatrist or p-doc?  I’m not saying that medication is the answer, but it might not be a bad a idea for you to at least discuss your options that way with someone, since you seem willing to explore that option.  Meds have helped lots of people, myself included. Hope you’re able to get some relief soon. — Kathleen — "Hope is the thing with feathers" — Emily Dickinson Delete * in address to reply by e-mail

Response:

Hello everyone,

Bryn…It might be helpful to consider your diet.  Have you had your thyroid checked?  Test for low blood sugar?   From what we’ve learned in this group, St. John’s Wort takes 4 to 6 weeks to start working. Rosemary   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I feel alright(which usually comes at night, or when I am physically active.  I also feel better after I eat…..is anyone else like that?) I would rather have a more natural alternative to make me feel better.  So I guess what all my rambling boils down to is this, does anyone know of a natural herb or vitamin that I could try before I force my phycologist to put me on drugs?  I have been taking St. John’s Wort for a week to try and lift my depression, and I read something about GABA on this newsgroup, but besides that I am in the dark. Sorry for dragging this post on so long, it is a bad habit of mine to write too much. Thanks for any help you guys can give me, and I am looking forward to a responce. ——-Bryn——-

Response:

Bryan,      Do not give up!  Your letter makes me sad because you are so young, yet I understand completely how you feel.  First of all, I am not a doctor but I can tell you I tried the St. Johns Wort and alls it did was increase my anxiety!!!!!!  My doctor told me not to take it because there just weren’t enough  studies on it.  Have you found yourself more anxious in the last week since you started this? I guess that is What I’m trying to get at.  Mine started after I had a major surgery and my doctor almost killed me by stapling my organs together.  Only by the grace of God did I survive just to battle a new disease…ANXIETY  The first mimportant step to me was support.  Do you have a good supportive family or friend, or girlfriend?  When you feel like this, youfeel like no one understands you and everyone thinks your crazy.  Are you overstressed or tired or taking on too much?  I have been battling this for over a year now and I can say that I am pretty much anxiety free.  I get little attacks but nothing like it was.  It was taking over my life.  The way I helped my self was by completely changing my life(which isn’t hard to do when you almost die!) I do not drink-at all!!!  Alcohol can increase anxiety.  I cut out all caffeine from my diet( I was a coffee lover)  No matter how bad I felt I pulled myself up out of bed and started my day.  I made myself go out and do things.  I started walking off my attacks to the point I would just wait for my heart attack to come-but it never did. I guessed I just started realizing after awhile I wasn’t dying physically but mentally.  I  did not want to live the rest of my life like that.  So instead of the disease beating me, I had to beat the disease.  Think Positive no matter how hard it is to do that. Don’t let it overcome you,you have to overcome it. I also put my faith in a power much stronger than ours.  I found a good church and I have been going ever since.  I recently went to my doctors and he told me that the difference between me now and a year ago was incredible!  I am doing great,but it was a long,HARD road. Change your life Brian,and get rid of everything thats causing this anxiety. Please let me know how you are doing and I will pray for you.  YOU CAN BEAT THIS!!!!!

Response:

| But getting something on my stomach almost always makes me feel better, especially when it’s CHOCOLATE! -Mike (a rational chocolate user, fully understanding of it’s effects and side-effects – I could quit anytime – or so I tell myself anyway

Response:

writes: | But getting something on my stomach almost always makes me feel better, especially when it’s CHOCOLATE! -Mike (a rational chocolate user, fully understanding of it’s effects and side-effects – I could quit anytime – or so I tell myself anyway

Well actually my doc said fruits and veggies, but I guess I could convince myself that Chocolate could be a fruit.

Response:

Well actually my doc said fruits and veggies, but I guess I could convince myself that Chocolate could be a fruit.

If it makes you feel any better, my husband is totally convinced that pecan pie is a vegetable.  Bless you! Heidi

Response:

If it makes you feel any better, my husband is totally convinced that pecan pie is a vegetable.  Bless you!

A VEGETABLE???  Just send him down here and I’ll stick him up in the pecan tree before I shake down all the "nuts"  :) Lee May the road rise up to meet you May the sun always be on your back…

Response:

: :

: : Hello everyone, : :      Let me introduce myself, my name is Bryn, I am 18 years old, and have been : suffering from acute panic attacks for the last couple of months. : : <snipped for space : : Hi Bryn,  Glad to have you in ASAP. Your story is so similar to mine. Big : difference was, for three years I did not have a clue what was wrong with me. I saw : Dr. after Dr. and nothing was found. You are not lucky to have PD…but you are : lucky you received a proper diagnoses this early. That being said, I will tell you : kind of what happened to me and you can take from it whatever you want. My main : point without sounding preachy is…Medications have been the only thing that has : really helped me and I hate to see you continue to suffer while there is treatment, : in the form of meds. that will most surly (IMO) help you. : : I am 34, started having panic attacks when I was 19. As I said, went 3 years : undiagnosed. Many trips to the E.R. Those three years really sucked. I just knew I : was dying of some strange illness etc….  Once I finally learned I had panic : disorder (From an ESPN special with Earl Campbell) I went to see my Dr., who did : not know much about PD and he put me on Xanax. That helped for a while but over the : next 10 years I battled this stuff mostly on my own. I realized I was not dying so : that helped, but I would go through times when I might have a couple of PAs a day, : then I might be PA free for a few months or even a year. : : In ‘94 I really started having a bad time. I lost 30 or so lbs in a few months. : Depression was real bad. I could not even mow my lawn without having a PA. I was : very tired all of the time. : : I finally went to a neurologist who put me on Effexor and Buspar. In 2 weeks almost : to the day, I stared feeling so much better. I had my life back (I thought). In : late ‘97 I started having bad PA’s again and the depression thing. That is when I, : like you did a search on the internet and I found ASAP. With what I learned here I : was able to go to my Dr., tell her what I thought would help. She upped the Effexor : and I am also taking Xanax PRN (as needed) when I feel a PA coming on, or just if I : feel a little "fuzzy". At the present, I feel fair. The depression is minimal and : the panic attacks are few. I am not PD "free", but I think I can cope with how I am : doing. : : So….Sorry to go on about what has happened to me, I am hoping maybe you might be : able to pull something from from this that will help you. I would also like to make : a suggestion, one of the best helps I have ever had as far as PD goes; Read ‘Panic : Disorder, the Medical Point of View’  4th ed.  by – Dr. William Kernodle. I hope : you don’t think I am trying to push medication on you, I personally think for us, : who have chronic PD, it is a must to feel better. : : Keep posting if you have any questions. I don’t know much about the natural herbs. : : Take Care, : Scott Hampton Ummm? I am replying to my own post because…I sent the first one at work and it did something weird. Just want to make sure you see this Bryn. To everyone else, sorry for the long reply to myself. Anyone know what I did? I posted it but when I got home I clicked on it and there was nothing there, but I can see it here when I replied. Strange. Scott H.  

Response:

     Let me introduce myself, my name is Bryn, I am 18 years old, and have been suffering from acute panic attacks for the last couple of months.  I have been looking over this newsgroup for the past couple of days, and decided to post a couple of questions seeing as how everyone on here seems to be pretty supportive and helpful in answering questions.  I had my first full blown panic

<snipped for space Hi, Bryn – welcome to ASAP As Kathleen said, I’m also surprised that a psychologist is talking about giving you medications as you need an MD to do that and, generally speaking, psychologists aren’t MDs. Either way, if it were me I would want to get in there and stop this anxiety as fast as I could. One of the worst things about it – at least, one of the most insidious things about it – is that it feeds on itself. The longer it continues, the more it seems to wind its paralysing grip around our lives so, IME, stopping it in its tracks good and early is the way to go. The question is how. Personally, I wouldn’t waste my time and money on herbs. Any substance that works will contain a psychoactive chemical. If I’m going to take a psychoactive chemical I want to know it is safe and effective. That means I will want to know the dose I am taking, that the source is pure and that it has been researched for safety. Anyone who remembers the days when health food cranks were telling people to take comfrey (later implicated in liver cancer) will be as wary as I of some of their claims. If you saw a trained and qualified medical herbalist that would be one thing, but otherwise I wouldn’t bother with it, personally. As for CBT, IMO, I wouldn’t give up on it – especially as you have had some useful results from it. What I would do is try to get medication as well and use the two together to see if that helps. Statistically speaking, it is the most effective combination. I hope that helps – good aluck and please let us know how you get on, won’t you? — Gary Cooper

Response:

Hello everyone,      Let me introduce myself, my name is Bryn, I am 18 years old, and have been suffering from acute panic attacks for the last couple of months.

<snipped for space Hi Bryn,  Glad to have you in ASAP. Your story is so similar to mine. Big difference was, for three years I did not have a clue what was wrong with me. I saw Dr. after Dr. and nothing was found. You are not lucky to have PD…but you are lucky you received a proper diagnoses this early. That being said, I will tell you kind of what happened to me and you can take from it whatever you want. My main point without sounding preachy is…Medications have been the only thing that has really helped me and I hate to see you continue to suffer while there is treatment, in the form of meds. that will most surly (IMO) help you. I am 34, started having panic attacks when I was 19. As I said, went 3 years undiagnosed. Many trips to the E.R. Those three years really sucked. I just knew I was dying of some strange illness etc….  Once I finally learned I had panic disorder (From an ESPN special with Earl Campbell) I went to see my Dr., who did not know much about PD and he put me on Xanax. That helped for a while but over the next 10 years I battled this stuff mostly on my own. I realized I was not dying so that helped, but I would go through times when I might have a couple of PAs a day, then I might be PA free for a few months or even a year. In ‘94 I really started having a bad time. I lost 30 or so lbs in a few months. Depression was real bad. I could not even mow my lawn without having a PA. I was very tired all of the time. I finally went to a neurologist who put me on Effexor and Buspar. In 2 weeks almost to the day, I stared feeling so much better. I had my life back (I thought). In late ‘97 I started having bad PA’s again and the depression thing. That is when I, like you did a search on the internet and I found ASAP. With what I learned here I was able to go to my Dr., tell her what I thought would help. She upped the Effexor and I am also taking Xanax PRN (as needed) when I feel a PA coming on, or just if I feel a little "fuzzy". At the present, I feel fair. The depression is minimal and the panic attacks are few. I am not PD "free", but I think I can cope with how I am doing. So….Sorry to go on about what has happened to me, I am hoping maybe you might be able to pull something from from this that will help you. I would also like to make a suggestion, one of the best helps I have ever had as far as PD goes; Read ‘Panic Disorder, the Medical Point of View’  4th ed.  by – Dr. William Kernodle. I hope you don’t think I am trying to push medication on you, I personally think for us, who have chronic PD, it is a must to feel better. Keep posting if you have any questions. I don’t know much about the natural herbs. Take Care, Scott Hampton

Response:

Hello everyone,     Let me introduce myself, my name is Bryn, I am 18 years old, and have

been <sniped for brevity Being fairly new at this ng too, I’m not ready to tell my whole story as it probably includes a little of every one else’s and yours too. But I wanted to reply to the thing you said about food. My doc also says that I am fine physically, but when I told him that I felt better after I’d eaten something, he thought that I would let my blood sugar get too low also, but later when I was checked I did not have it. At times my panic was so bad I could not eat to feel better. But getting something on my stomach almost always makes me feel better, so there still must be something to it. Anyway, that’s all I wanted to say. ( Except get help for the anxiety soon, because it is never soon enough) Hope all is well with you soon.

Response:

Bryn, A fool is their own doctor. Yes, what you are having are probably full blown panic attacks. What is the best course of treatment for you? I would suggest you sit down and have a long discussion with your doctor about how you are feeling. As a person who has had all your symptoms and lived in a time when medications were not available. I would tend to seriously consider short term medication till you break the cycle of the panic attacks. Then the CBT your doctor  is using to help you cope will be more affective. When you can stop panic in the beginning of the disorder you do not get all the side effects of all the trauma and it is easier to live with. Ex,  if you burn your self on a stove once, you do not want to burn yourself again. but if you continue to burn yourself over a period of time you will not want to even see a stove let alone touch it. This is the same problems you can have letting panic attacks happen to often without intervention. It is called anticipatory anxiety and it is very hard to control. lori – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone,      Let me introduce myself, my name is Bryn, I am 18 years old, and have been suffering from acute panic attacks for the last couple of months.  I have been looking over this newsgroup for the past couple of days, and decided to post a couple of questions seeing as how everyone on here seems to be pretty supportive and helpful in answering questions.  I had my first full blown panic attack about two or three months ago when I was at work,  and since a lot of my panic, then and now, revolves around my breathing(my chest gets tight and I can’t take full breaths), I thought I was having an asthma attack and used someones inhaler hoping that it would make my chest loosen up.  As you can imagine that was the dumbest thing I could do, that sent my heart rate up even higher and my panic got even  worse.  I left work and went to my local doctor, who basically shook it off and said that my lungs were just tight from my post nasal drip(by the way which I have had for about 10 months now…medications don’t seem to make it go away), and that the other feelings were from the inhaler.  After that I was alright for a while, I had some periods of anxiety but nothing serious.  My second major one was the worst by far, it started when I was getting off of work one day, and the anxiety lasted me all that night and into the next morning.  I was almost positive that I was dying….that night was one of the worst nights I think I will have in my whole life.  The next day I went to the hospital, still feeling anxious and thinking that I was dying. To make a long story short, I was tested for heart problems in the hopital and had blood work done for the following two weeks to see if anything was wrong. Of course nothing was, and meanwhile I was trying to survive the hell that had become my life.  After a lot of research on the web and in the library trying to understand what was wrong with me, I finally decided to see a phycologist, which I have seen twice now in the last two weeks.  He has just been trying CBT on me, and the breathing exercises help reduce the symptoms, but they are still happening, sometimes as many as a couple a day.  I think that with me the anxiety in between the attacks is the worst thing, at least the attacks pass in time.  I mentioned taking medicine the first time I visited him, but he was reluctant to give me medicine because I had only had the disease for a short period of time and he wanted to try to get rid of it without the medicine. Well, lately I have been feeling worse and worse, depression is starting to set in and I don’t enjoy much of life anymore.  I don’t have much agorophobia, but I don’t like going out because I can’t have fun when I am trying to fight off constant panic, and seeing everyone else act normal just makes me more depressed.  I have come to the point now that I know that I need something besides therapy to help me through this.  On my really bad days I would give anything to have some drugs to help me through them, but during the times when I feel alright(which usually comes at night, or when I am physically active.  I also feel better after I eat…..is anyone else like that?) I would rather have a more natural alternative to make me feel better.  So I guess what all my rambling boils down to is this, does anyone know of a natural herb or vitamin that I could try before I force my phycologist to put me on drugs?  I have been taking St. John’s Wort for a week to try and lift my depression, and I read something about GABA on this newsgroup, but besides that I am in the dark. Sorry for dragging this post on so long, it is a bad habit of mine to write too much. Thanks for any help you guys can give me, and I am looking forward to a responce. ——-Bryn——-

Response:

Hello everyone,      Let me introduce myself, my name is Bryn, I am 18 years old, and have been suffering from acute panic attacks for the last couple of months.  I have been looking over this newsgroup for the past couple of days, and decided to post a couple of questions seeing as how everyone on here seems to be pretty supportive and helpful in answering questions.  I had my first full blown panic attack about two or three months ago when I was at work,  and since a lot of my panic, then and now, revolves around my breathing(my chest gets tight and I can’t take full breaths), I thought I was having an asthma attack and used someones inhaler hoping that it would make my chest loosen up.  As you can imagine that was the dumbest thing I could do, that sent my heart rate up even higher and my panic got even  worse.  I left work and went to my local doctor, who basically shook it off and said that my lungs were just tight from my post nasal drip(by the way which I have had for about 10 months now…medications don’t seem to make it go away), and that the other feelings were from the inhaler.  After that I was alright for a while, I had some periods of anxiety but nothing serious.  My second major one was the worst by far, it started when I was getting off of work one day, and the anxiety lasted me all that night and into the next morning.  I was almost positive that I was dying….that night was one of the worst nights I think I will have in my whole life.  The next day I went to the hospital, still feeling anxious and thinking that I was dying. To make a long story short, I was tested for heart problems in the hopital and had blood work done for the following two weeks to see if anything was wrong. Of course nothing was, and meanwhile I was trying to survive the hell that had become my life.  After a lot of research on the web and in the library trying to understand what was wrong with me, I finally decided to see a phycologist, which I have seen twice now in the last two weeks.  He has just been trying CBT on me, and the breathing exercises help reduce the symptoms, but they are still happening, sometimes as many as a couple a day.  I think that with me the anxiety in between the attacks is the worst thing, at least the attacks pass in time.  I mentioned taking medicine the first time I visited him, but he was reluctant to give me medicine because I had only had the disease for a short period of time and he wanted to try to get rid of it without the medicine. Well, lately I have been feeling worse and worse, depression is starting to set in and I don’t enjoy much of life anymore.  I don’t have much agorophobia, but I don’t like going out because I can’t have fun when I am trying to fight off constant panic, and seeing everyone else act normal just makes me more depressed.  I have come to the point now that I know that I need something besides therapy to help me through this.  On my really bad days I would give anything to have some drugs to help me through them, but during the times when I feel alright(which usually comes at night, or when I am physically active.  I also feel better after I eat…..is anyone else like that?) I would rather have a more natural alternative to make me feel better.  So I guess what all my rambling boils down to is this, does anyone know of a natural herb or vitamin that I could try before I force my phycologist to put me on drugs?  I have been taking St. John’s Wort for a week to try and lift my depression, and I read something about GABA on this newsgroup, but besides that I am in the dark. Sorry for dragging this post on so long, it is a bad habit of mine to write too much. Thanks for any help you guys can give me, and I am looking forward to a responce. ——-Bryn——-

Response:

Question:

Hello, I am new to this newsgroup and so if this has been discussed previously, I apologize.  I use an albuterol inhaler every day (2 puffs, 4 times a day).  Since I got diagnosed with asthma in early 1996 after a long bout with a cold/flu/pneumonia/bronchitis and began using this inhaler, I have had terrible mood swings.  I am constantly frustrated with everyone and everything.  After 18 months of this I finally went to see a doctor who now has me taking one benadryl a day right before I go to bed.  For the first time in 18 months, I can control my temper (which had been raging for the last 6 months) and I can function in my job and at home. Has anyone else had these problems?  The M.D. that I saw specializes in mood disorders and recognizes it as a problem with albuterol.  Has anyone else heard of albuterol causing mood swings. Thanks for your input. Mike

Response:

Hello, I am new to this newsgroup and so if this has been discussed previously, I apologize.  I use an albuterol inhaler every day (2 puffs, 4 times a day).  Since I got diagnosed with asthma in early 1996 after a long bout with a cold/flu/pneumonia/bronchitis and began using this inhaler, I have had terrible mood swings.  I am constantly frustrated with everyone and everything.  After 18 months of this I finally went to see a doctor who now has me taking one benadryl a day right before I go to bed.  For the first time in 18 months, I can control my temper (which had been raging for the last 6 months) and I can function in my job and at home. Has anyone else had these problems?  The M.D. that I saw specializes in mood disorders and recognizes it as a problem with albuterol.  Has anyone else heard of albuterol causing mood swings.

You desprately need a referal to an asthma specalist.  You are using _way_ too much albuterol.  Albuterol is not intended as a long-term asthma treatment, instead it is used as a ‘rescue’ medication that is taken only to relieve an acute asthma attack. You should be on some form of medication to control your asthma and prevent your attacks from occuring in the first place. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

Response:

That is not "way too much" albuterol. Docs send patients home on doses higher than that every day. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I am new to this newsgroup and so if this has been discussed previously, I apologize.  I use an albuterol inhaler every day (2 puffs, 4 times a day).  Since I got diagnosed with asthma in early 1996 after a long bout with a cold/flu/pneumonia/bronchitis and began using this inhaler, I have had terrible mood swings.  I am constantly frustrated with everyone and everything.  After 18 months of this I finally went to see a doctor who now has me taking one benadryl a day right before I go to bed.  For the first time in 18 months, I can control my temper (which had been raging for the last 6 months) and I can function in my job and at home. Has anyone else had these problems?  The M.D. that I saw specializes in mood disorders and recognizes it as a problem with albuterol.  Has anyone else heard of albuterol causing mood swings. You desprately need a referal to an asthma specalist.  You are using _way_ too much albuterol.  Albuterol is not intended as a long-term asthma treatment, instead it is used as a ‘rescue’ medication that is taken only to relieve an acute asthma attack. You should be on some form of medication to control your asthma and prevent your attacks from occuring in the first place. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

Response:

That is not "way too much" albuterol. Docs send patients home on doses higher than that every day.

Maybe so, but not as the ONLY medication. Kim

Response:

Dear Mike, Before adding medications to your treatment to control side-effects, you should review with your doctor the best way to use the albuterol you’ve been given.  It is now recommended by ALL consensus guidelines on optimal treatment that albuterol should be inhaled only when it is needed to relieve tightness and is not to be used on a scheduled basis.  If your use decreases to occasional puffs, the mood swings may not trouble you.  If you still find yourself seeking quick relief from albuterol puffs three or four times a day,  your doctor should be giving you an inhaled preventive (ie. inhaled steroid).  One of the other respondents to your original posting suggested that you consider Serverent.  I would not use this before a preventive inhaled steroid had been used.  Not only is an inhaled steroid a better preventive but Serevent is more likely to produce side-effects in someone intolerant of albuterol.  Serevent is like 12 hour albuterol! (If your doctor insists you continue with scheduled four times daily albuterol, find a new doctor who is more up to date). Ken – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I am new to this newsgroup and so if this has been discussed previously, I apologize.  I use an albuterol inhaler every day (2 puffs, 4 times a day).  Since I got diagnosed with asthma in early 1996 after a long bout with a cold/flu/pneumonia/bronchitis and began using this inhaler, I have had terrible mood swings.  I am constantly frustrated with everyone and everything.  After 18 months of this I finally went to see a doctor who now has me taking one benadryl a day right before I go to bed.  For the first time in 18 months, I can control my temper (which had been raging for the last 6 months) and I can function in my job and at home. Has anyone else had these problems?  The M.D. that I saw specializes in mood disorders and recognizes it as a problem with albuterol.  Has anyone else heard of albuterol causing mood swings. Thanks for your input. Mike

– Kenneth Chapman Director Asthma Centre of The Toronto Hospital

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I do go to an asthma specialist.  We have tried every combination of drugs to control my asthma and this is best way that it works, so far. I am not going to some quack.  I have placed a call to his office this morning to find out what the heck is going on with my medication and maybe I am taking it wrong. You should be on some form of medication to control your asthma and prevent your attacks from occuring in the first place. I have only had two attacks in the past year.  I do have some times when I wheeze a little, but I use the albuterol and that goes away.  I am also taking vanceril 2 puffs 2 times a day, also….  I must be seriously mistaken about what I am supposed to be doing with this medication.  I was told that the albuterol was the control and the vanceril was the rescue. I have just called my doctor and there had better be a good explanation for this. Thanks. Sean

You’ve got it backwards..the vanceril is to control your asthma and the  albuterol is a rescue med….Get you doc to WRITE out his asthma plan for  you…he may give you a hard time about this cause it takes time but it will  make it easier for you to follow and you will know what is expected of you.  If you plan seems not to be working then its time for a new one.  Good luck "listen here ye little children and remember the truth how ever so pain, will  set you free." Seek to find the joy in the truth…..

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That is not "way too much" albuterol. Docs send patients home on doses higher than that every day.

I suggest that you review the ‘97 asthma treatment guidelines.  In addition I suggest that you read a book or two on asthma. Just because doctors do prescribe the stuff in this manner for short term usage – dosen’t make it a correct medication for asthma control This is why I suggested that he seek a referral to an asthma specalist.   ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

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CC You desperately need a referral to an asthma specialist.  You are   using _way_ too much albuterol.  Albuterol is not intended as a   long-term asthma treatment, instead it is used as a ‘rescue’   medication that is taken only to relieve an acute asthma attack. SB I do go to an asthma specialist.  We have tried every combination of   drugs to control my asthma and this is best way that it works, so far.  And what works is what counts, no?  I really wonder about the way  people blithely pontificate here.  From elsewhere, and out of context: BF It sounds like your asthma is undertreated   since you end up in ER more than twice a year.  Am I to read that that it’s *okay* to end up in a hospital twice a  year?  It’s expected?  I haven’t been on prednisone in 18 months,  haven’t been hospitalized in 33.  I’m supposed to care that according  to some souls I’m taking too much medication, when I’m taking it at  the levels an asthma specialist has prescribed and it’s working.  I’m  supposed to bemoan taking various combinations of seven different drugs  seven times a day as burdensome, the way some people whine about taking  two or three drugs?  I think not. SB I have only had two attacks in the past year.  I haven’t had anything I’d rate as an attack in over a year.  Some  occasional minor wheeziness, but nothing frightening or even much  noticeable, compared to stuff I endured previously. —

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And I suggest you speak to those who have severe asthma. They will use more than that. Alot more than that in a day. In fact, those with severe asthma wake up every few hours during the night to take the meds too. Perhaps he NEEDS that much med to keep it under control. Just because you don’t agree does not make it wrong. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That is not "way too much" albuterol. Docs send patients home on doses higher than that every day. I suggest that you review the ‘97 asthma treatment guidelines.  In addition I suggest that you read a book or two on asthma. Just because doctors do prescribe the stuff in this manner for short term usage – dosen’t make it a correct medication for asthma control This is why I suggested that he seek a referral to an asthma specalist. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

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And I suggest you speak to those who have severe asthma. They will use more than that. Alot more than that in a day. In fact, those with severe asthma wake up every few hours during the night to take the meds too. Perhaps he NEEDS that much med to keep it under control. Just because you don’t agree does not make it wrong.

Like I said, I recommended that he see an asthma specalist.  You act like I was telling him to reduce his medications or something. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

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My name is Brenda and I have a 10 year old son who has been diagnosed with astma when he was 3 years old and nothing the doctors have prescribed seems to work for him. They’ve had him on liquid albuterol and now they have him useing the inhaler and ive heard that neither are very good for you. Could you send me some suggestions on how to treat his astma. It’s almost like just allergies cause it only acts up about twice a year.

My advice would be to get him tested for allergies.  If he turns up as allergic to seasonal irritants, then you can take measures to avoid those irritants and increase preventative medication shortly before that season. I assume that he is on preventative medications.  Finding the ‘right’ preventative medications is frequently a trial-and-error process, keep on your doctor to keep working on the treatment program until you find something that works. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

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Question:

ASTHMA – TRIAL BY FIRE – OR LACK THEREOF Anyone who has done some serious Buteyko Maximum Pauses knows of two effects which prove that additional heat has been generated in the process. These are 1/ the hot flush to the face, hands and feet, and 2/ the improvement in the regularity of bowel movements (digestion being combustive by nature).         We can find out more about this heat if we consider its colleague carbon di-oxide. By the end of the maximum pause, thanks to the Bohr effect, we have boosted the carbon di-oxide and oxygen levels in our lung gas. Now normally we would say that carbon di-oxide is produced as a result of a process of combustion i.e. oxygen + combustible material + fire = Carbon di-oxide + ash or whatever.         If we take La Voisers law that nothing is lost in a process of transformation and if we work backwards then we can say that the increased carbon di-oxide gas in the lungs as a result of the maximum pause has caused the increase in fiery activity in the body.         Hence to improve the immune system of a man which has been depleted by deep respiration and the attendant low carbon di-oxide levels, instead of only looking at breathing techniques, we can look at all ways of increasing the ‘FIRE’ in a man. This means considering all his levels of being:- Spirit, Soul and Mind, as well as body.         In fact, if we only attempt to change a man’s fiery activity by breath holding then we could cause damage at these other three conjunctures from which it is seeking to manifest itself.         At Man’s level of spirit, fire expresses itself in the form of activity. At Man’s level of soul, fire expresses itself in the form of knowledge. At Man’s level of mind, fire expresses itself in the form of curiosity.         Since the chest is the fire centre of the human body (the head being air, the stomach, water and the legs, earth) then each of the forms above, activity, knowledge and curiosity must begin and end within the cardio-vascular-respiratory system. Thus they will only operate fully by using the heart, by ‘LOVING’ our activities, our learning and our seeking.                                                              John G. Wilson. For more on this subject you may e-mail — ~XXX

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"Anyone who has done some serious Buteyko Maximum Pauses knows of two effects which prove that additional heat has been generated in the process. Th…" This has got to be the best example of pseudo-scientific twaddle ever written – surely sir, you can not be serious!! – Chris

Response:

ASTHMA – TRIAL BY FIRE – OR LACK THEREOF Anyone who has done some serious Buteyko Maximum Pauses knows of two effects which prove that additional heat has been generated in the process. These are 1/ the hot flush to the face, hands and feet, and 2/ the improvement in the regularity of bowel movements (digestion being combustive by nature).    We can find out more about this heat if we consider its colleague carbon di-oxide. By the end of the maximum pause, thanks to the Bohr effect, we have boosted the carbon di-oxide and oxygen levels in our lung gas. Now normally we would say that carbon di-oxide is produced as a result of a process of combustion i.e. oxygen + combustible material + fire = Carbon di-oxide + ash or whatever.

Wouldn’t a better explanation be that the flush is from the expansion of capillaries in the face? I take it that science is not something you are good at. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

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Anyone who has done some serious Buteyko Maximum Pauses knows of two effects which prove that additional heat has been generated in the process. These are 1/ the hot flush to the face, hands and feet, and 2/ the improvement in the regularity of bowel movements (digestion being combustive by nature). This is not Buteyko.  Buteyko is based on physiology and does not involve power of positive thinking, religions, vitamins and minerals or any "fire" in the lungs.   KP Buteyko is not a religious person and did not intend people to interpret the results of using his techniques in this way.  You are creating your own theory and therefore its not Buteyko.  

This is a direct quote from what is claimed to be Mr. Buteykos ‘clinical trial’ (IMO is was not a cliniacl trial because it lacked the basic methodology required for a clinical trial). "Fifteen experienced ’sanogenes’ (self-cleansing’) reactions, manifesting, themselves through nervous excitement, chills, raised temperatures (up to 39C), headaches, muscular pains, intestinal pains, chest pains, weakness and hypersecretion of mucus.  Some experienced appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, thirst, excessive salivation (smelling of their medication) and increased urination and defecation. These reactions lasted from a few hours to two days and happened 2 to 3 times. The time in the condition of the patient was relative to the length of the controlled pause*. " Do you accept this as part of ‘Buteyko Theory’?  Or are there problems with Mr. Buteykos credibility as a researcher. Please note: the above is a cut-and-paste from the article posted at the UK Buteyko site. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone who has done some serious Buteyko Maximum Pauses knows of two effects which prove that additional heat has been generated in the process. These are 1/ the hot flush to the face, hands and feet, and 2/ the improvement in the regularity of bowel movements (digestion being combustive by nature). This is not Buteyko.  Buteyko is based on physiology and does not involve power of positive thinking, religions, vitamins and minerals or any "fire" in the lungs.   KP Buteyko is not a religious person and did not intend people to interpret the results of using his techniques in this way.  You are creating your own theory and therefore its not Buteyko.   This is a direct quote from what is claimed to be Mr. Buteykos ‘clinical trial’ (IMO is was not a cliniacl trial because it lacked the basic methodology required for a clinical trial). "Fifteen experienced ’sanogenes’ (self-cleansing’) reactions, manifesting, themselves through nervous excitement, chills, raised temperatures (up to 39C), headaches, muscular pains, intestinal pains, chest pains, weakness and hypersecretion of mucus.  Some experienced appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, thirst, excessive salivation (smelling of their medication) and increased urination and defecation. These reactions lasted from a few hours to two days and happened 2 to 3 times. The time in the condition of the patient was relative to the length of the controlled pause*. " Do you accept this as part of ‘Buteyko Theory’?  Or are there problems with Mr. Buteykos credibility as a researcher.

The original post lay claim to that the lungs were somehow spiritual organs of fire and lay claim to the belief that Buteyko was somehow part of this. Since when has Buteyko’s theory mentioned anything to do with fire of the lungs – the spirituality of the lungs??  Never.  Buteyko is based on the sound physiology.  I simply cut the message short refering to the fact that Buteyko is not a form of spiritual treatment and the theory he is basing it on is not Buteyko. I accept the results of KP Buteyko’s trial except I would expect to see it more as an observation than a trial.  We have had a number of problems with the intial translations the words aren’t always correct.   In your hasty criticism you also forgot to mention the results and the severity of the asthmatics: Of the 52 children 47 (90%) were regular hospital patients and only 5 (10%) did not require hospitalisation. Forty-three (83%) of the patients showed considerable improvement and nine (17%) showed some improvement. There were no cases showing no improvement. The average period of hospitalisation was 16 days. All the patients with bronchial asthma (52) improved in the first four days. They could breathe freely through the nose and their coughs and wheezing disappeared. Also just to confirm pCO2 of the arterial blood increased from 24.6 to 36.3 mmHg. http://www.cix.co.uk/~reardo/clinical.htm Regards Robert

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I accept the results of KP Buteyko’s trial except I would expect to see it more as an observation than a trial.  We have had a number of problems with the intial translations the words aren’t always correct.   In your hasty criticism you also forgot to mention the results and the severity of the asthmatics:

<deleted Since I do not accept Mr. Buteykos trial as valid science I likewise do not accept his results as reliable. My quote was an example of why the trial should be viewed with scepticism.  Remember the rule: "garbage in = garbage out."  If the test was not conducted in accordance to standard scientefic protocols then the results cannot be relied upon. BTW – if you are uncertain as to the accuracy of the translation – I feel that it is unethical not to advise any readers of the report that there may be translation errors. ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I accept the results of KP Buteyko’s trial except I would expect to see it more as an observation than a trial.  We have had a number of problems with the intial translations the words aren’t always correct. In your hasty criticism you also forgot to mention the results and the severity of the asthmatics: <deleted Since I do not accept Mr. Buteykos trial as valid science I likewise do not accept his results as reliable. My quote was an example of why the trial should be viewed with scepticism.  Remember the rule: "garbage in = garbage out."  If the test was not conducted in accordance to standard scientefic protocols then the results cannot be relied upon.

Something helped all the patients reduce their asthma symptoms. So if thats what you want for yourself perhaps you should look further into the technique. Dave.

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Sure Colin.  Remember your opinion is not important.  You are yet to produce any evidence scientific or otherwise to support this view.  The only evidence that has made you reach this conclusion is the fact that Buteyko works for asthmatics.  

Both myself and others have posted our references to articles on asthma and hyperventilation syndrome.  These articles can be found at both the Asmanet and JAMA web sites. You can link to those sites from my Asthma Quack ‘Cures’ Page: http://home.pacbell.net/colin/index.html On the other hand I have presented evidence to support the view that asthmatics do suffer from hyperventilation and you are still yet to demonstrate that asthmatics breathe at a normal rate and have normal levels of CO2.

I have not bothered.  There is no need for me to do this as there has been no established link between ‘overbreathing’ and asthma.  The only established link between hyperventilation and bronchoconstriction is described as ‘Hyperventilation Syndrome.’ I have repeatably asked you for a current reference where the researchers conclude that hyperventilation causes asthma. Question – do you even accept that the medical condition called Hyperventilation Syndrome even exists?   ‘Reply to’ address changed to foil email spammers.

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Question – do you even accept that the medical condition called Hyperventilation Syndrome even exists?  

Yes, I accept that it exists – I have read that approximately 10% of the population suffer from it.  I think that the role of hyperventilation in many diseases is underestimated – lack of oxygenation and carbon dioxide can effect smooth muscle throughout the body.   However, the difference basically between the two is that asthma  involves inflammation whereas hyperventilation syndrome doesn’t.  I have already stated that Buteyko views that asthma involves inflammation.  Formerly I had no evidence to validate this  however I have found a number of researchers from whom have reached the same conclusions as Buteyko.   "It is known that low levels of carbon dioxide levels in the blood will alter the activity of mast cells causing them to release histamine which can inturn produce various allergic symptoms."  (The Hazards Of Heavy Breathing, New Scientist 3 December 1988 – summarising the work of current researchers into hyperventilation and the diseases it causes) Also: Bradley D, 1994. Hyperventilation Syndrome Revised Edition, Tandem Press, New Zealand. This is very significant as should this statement be true it provides evidence that hyperventilation precedes asthma and therefore reverses current asthma thinking.  This will help to confirm Buteyko’s theory. I also accept that there is an overlap between hyperventilation syndrome and asthma.  Asthmatics often suffer from tiredness, lack of energy, poor sleep – many of the symptoms also suffered by people with hyperventilation.  I can also accept that doctors may misdiagnose the two as evidenced by the commentary on asmanet.   I will not accept that all 2500 asthmatics in New Zealand were misdiagnosed with hyperventilation because Buteyko worked for them.  Besides the application of Buteyko asthma exercises will often trigger panic attacks in those people with hyperventilation syndrome thus disproving your *theory*. Buteyko recognises the difference between hyperventilation syndrome and asthma and treats the two diseases accordingly.  I also will not accept that the asthmatics in the Brisbane trials suffered hyperventilation syndrome and not asthma. The medical’s establishment has also recently change its view towards Buteyko in NZ which can be highlighted with our recent inclusion to lecture at the Annual National Conference of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Of New Zealand.   Robert Stark http://www.buteyko.co.nz/

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I am now very tired of the Beteyko argument that has been occurring on this newsgroup for an incredibly long time.  I am a severe uncontrolled asthmatic who feels that I have the right to make up my own mind about things, I’m sure pother people feel the same way. I also have the general ability to understand physiology and I have the ability to read, if I wanted to undertake anything I would do so.  I think we now have been told the address for Butekyo enough for a visit to the site if it was thought necessary.  I think perhaps now that everyone has been introduce to the technique then perhaps the argument can be left alone as there is very little support in the continuing battle for superiority that is happening. Thank you.

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