Question:

"Better to be a dreamer that a sad, sad, sad marketer of nightmares." Well said!

Response:

"Simple, the NAZIs were not dreamed up by weird denialists." No. They were the product of mass conformity, greed, fear and all the other charastics of so called ‘AIDS’.      "The people need wholesome fear; they want to fear something. They want someone to frighten them and make them shudderingly submissive."      - Ernst Roehm, gay leader of the Nazi SA Brownshirts      "We have created our myth. The myth is a faith, a passion. It is not necessary for it to be a reality."      - Benito Mussolini, The Naples Speech, 1922      "The power of such a method to force changes in cultural values is based on careful manipulation of fear. Ideally, health promotion messages should heighten an individual’s perceptions of threat and his or her capacity to respond to that threat, thus modulating the level of fear…What is not yet known is how to introduce fear in the right way in a particular message intended for a particular audience. Acquiring that knowledge will require planned variations of AIDS education programs that are carefully executed and then carefully evaluated".      Pages 267-8 and 373.- 1989 National Research Council/CDC Internal Report

Response:

Better to be a dreamer that a sad, sad, sad marketer of nightmares.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would like for an Apologist to explain the difference between the terrible science experiments from the Nazis and the terrible experimentation sanctioned by the government and the pharmakillers forced upon innocent children every day by AID$ Inc. Simple, the NAZIs were not dreamed up by weird denialists.

Response:

I would like for an Apologist to explain the difference between the terrible science experiments from the Nazis and the terrible experimentation sanctioned by the government and the pharmakillers forced upon innocent children every day by AID$ Inc.

Response:

I would like for an Apologist to explain the difference between the terrible science experiments from the Nazis and the terrible experimentation sanctioned by the government and the pharmakillers forced upon innocent children every day by AID$ Inc.

Simple, the NAZIs were not dreamed up by weird denialists.

Response:

You can strike back against GlaxoSmithKline! Use your consumer power: The following are products made by Glaxo Smith Kline that consumers should boycott in direct retaliation for Glaxo’s torture and murder of innocent orphans in NY in the course of ‘AIDS’ drugs testing. Tums, Tagamet, Gaviscon, Citrucel, Aquafresh toothpaste, Contac. MORE POISON FROM THE COMPANY THAT BROUGHT YOU AZT AND TORTURES BABIES AND LITTLLE CHILDREN More Glaxo poison: – GLAXO WELLCOME DECIDES TO WITHDRAW LOTRONEX FROM THE MARKET Glaxo Wellcome, of Research Triangle Park, NC, has informed FDA that it will voluntarily withdraw Lotronex (alosetron hydrochloride) tablets from the market. Lotronex is a prescription medication approved to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) in women. The FDA is advising patients taking Lotronex to contact their healthcare providers to discuss treatment alternatives. The company’s action follows a meeting held earlier today with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) where the agency discussed with Glaxo Wellcome risk management options that included restricting the distribution of the drug or marketing withdrawal. Today’s action follows FDA analyses of the post-marketing reports of serious adverse events, which included 5 REPORTS OF DEATH in patients taking Lotronex. Specifically, FDA has been concerned about reported cases of intestinal damage resulting from reduced blood flow to the intestine (ischemic colitis) and severely obstructed or ruptured bowels (complications of severe constipation). As of November 10, 2000, FDA had received and reviewed a total of 70 cases of serious post-marketing adverse events, including 49 cases of ischemic colitis and 21 cases of severe constipation. Of the 70 cases, 34 resulted in hospitalization without surgery, 10 resulted in surgical procedures, and three resulted in death. FDA has received two additional reports of death that the agency did not classify as being cases of ischemic colitis or severe complications of constipation. FDA has been closely monitoring the drug since approval on February 9, 2000. Prior to approval, four cases of ischemic colitis were observed in clinical studies and were discussed at a November 1999 meeting of FDA’s Gastrointestinal Drugs Advisory Committee. These cases were transient, mild-to-moderate in nature and reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. Between approval and June 1, 2000, FDA received seven post-marketing reports of serious complications of constipation. This resulted in the hospitalization of six patients, three of whom required surgery. During the same time period, FDA received eight post-marketing reports of ischemic colitis. This resulted in four hospitalizations, four endoscopic procedures, and no surgeries. On June 27, 2000, FDA convened a public advisory committee meeting where risk management options in response to the serious adverse event reports were discussed. No deaths were reported up to that date. The consensus of the advisory committee members was that both physicians and patients must be informed of the potentially serious adverse events associated with Lotronex. Following the meeting, FDA updated the healthcare professional labeling for Lotronex and required the drug�s sponsor, Glaxo Wellcome, to distribute a Medication Guide that warned patients directly about the risks associated with the drug. In addition, at the request of FDA, Glaxo Wellcome issued "Dear Healthcare Professional" and "Dear Pharmacist" letters to advise these groups of the important new information. FDA continued to receive severe adverse event reports of ischemic colitis and complications of constipation associated with Lotronex. In addition, FDA received reports of death and more serious complications of ischemic colitis that required blood transfusion or surgery. Upon completing its recent analyses of the 70 cases, FDA’s view of the options included marketing withdrawal or a restricted drug distribution program. The restricted drug distribution program would provide: (1) safe use of Lotronex in appropriately informed patients, (2) continued access to Lotronex by severely debilitated IBS patients under closely monitored conditions, and (3) continued clinical research into the benefits, risks, and safe and appropriate use of Lotronex. FDA recognized that the other available treatments for IBS may offer inadequate relief from a condition that can be severely incapacitating for some patients. At the conclusion of today’s meeting, Glaxo Wellcome informed FDA that it will voluntarily withdraw Lotronex from the market. For more information on this subject, visit the Lotronex Information web page created by FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. The URL is www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/lotronex/lotronex.htm. Serevent, Advair, Seretide According to the FDA, some patients using Serevent, a popular asthma medication, might face life-threatening complications and possible death. FDA officials emphasize that problems from Serevent occurred rarely. The FDA and GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Serevent, contend that the drug’s benefits outweigh its risks. Serevent, Advair, and Seretide asthma medications are under close scrutiny by FDA. The active ingredient it contains seems to be capable of actually causing asthma attacks in some circumstances – puzzling because it also protects against asthma attacks, or at least it should. Questions remain unanswered in a study conducted over seven years by the drug�s sponsor, GlaxoSmithKline, in response to FDA�s request. Clinical trials demonstrated an increased rate of asthma-related deaths, according to FDA, by a factor ranging from three to eight times greater than patients receiving no medication. Patients currently using any of these asthma products are strongly cautioned not to stop using them without consulting their physician. Stopping use of this medication without replacing it with another asthma medication under the supervision of a physician could be fatal. Patients may have experienced a near-fatal asthma attack or died from asthma while using any of the asthma medications Serevent, Advair, or Seretide, or other asthma products containing salmeterol xinafoate. Patients� asthma may have progressed and worsened rather than being controlled effectively. The risks may be greater for non-Caucasian patients. If you feel you qualify for damages or remedies that might be awarded in this possible class action please fill out the form below. If your injustice does not match the complaint described above, please click here to register your complaint. Thank you. http://www.bigclassaction.com/class_action/serevent.html

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – —– Original Message —–  As for shelf life, this is another weird issue in that I have read articles that make it sound that the pharm companies use short expiration dates to sell more drugs, people have taken old scripts with good results and that after ww2 some of the antibiotics used were so old they were decomposing but still worked. But to err on the side of caution seems a better option to me. I would think that generic vrs brand name expirations to be equivalent, but perhaps each pharm company has their own protocal as to when a drug should be scraped-Lots of drugs begin to degrade quickly after being mixed or made, some do not. This is where our pharmacy friends can shed more light. Personally I like my food fresh-might as well use fresh meds as well, I go by the expiration give or take a bit.. LM Lots of interesting stuff in whole post. I check expiration dates regularly, especially on asthma relievers. I don’t think it is worth risking a chance with potentially life-saving medication. However after reading this thread yesterday, I checked my newly dispensed Xanax. It expires in Apr 2005 and will be gone well before then. However, I noticed it was maufactured in Apr 2002 so now I am wondering where has it been all this time? Meryl Waiting for you? P.

But of course. Silly me. LOL. Well it is being put to good use:) M

Response:

—– Original Message —– I check expiration dates regularly, especially on asthma relievers. I don’t think it is worth risking a chance with potentially life-saving medication.

Along with the expiration date you should be keeping track of the number of inhalations you have used if you are not already doing so. The propellant is still available after all the active medicine has been used on some inhalers. MP

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What are you talking about or referring to?  Is this for our (Jeff and Michael’s) reading pleasure? Oh dear, I think you may not have seen my original post due to the X-No-Archive thingamabob. So here’s the post I addressed to you about generics: It said something about how a large number of generics contain only 80% of the active ingredient that the originals have and that the rest are fillers. If that is the case, I think I’m going to drop out of school and become a lawyer (just kidding).  I guess it would depend on what part of the world you are receiving your drugs from.  In the US, if a generic only had 80% of the active ingredient, there could be serious repercussions.  The fillers are about the only thing that differentiates brand from generic.  What paper did you read this in. I would have to see who wrote the paper article and find out who and how they determined this.  I would almost bet that the drugs that they tested were old expired drugs that were acquired from who knows where.

I have a friend whose specialist in the US also mentioned a 20% variation. From http://www.femalepatient.com/html/arc/sel/march02/article06.asp ALLOWABLE VARIATIONS The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that so-called therapeutically equivalent generic drugs be tested for bioequivalence, but not for efficacy or safety, before they are approved.4 This raises three concerns about allowable variations: . Typical studies measuring bioequivalence enroll only 20 to 25 subjects, which does not constitute a representative sample. . A generic drug is considered therapeutically equivalent to a brand-name drug-and therefore acceptable-if its mean extent of absorption, as measured by a bioequivalence study, differs by less than 20% from that of the brand-name drug.5 . The US Pharmacopeia has established an official standard allowing drugs to differ from their stated potency by up to 10%.5 Meryl

Response:

—– Original Message —– I check expiration dates regularly, especially on asthma relievers. I don’t think it is worth risking a chance with potentially life-saving medication. Along with the expiration date you should be keeping track of the number of inhalations you have used if you are not already doing so. The propellant is still available after all the active medicine has been used on some inhalers. MP

I am very well versed on asthma management. I have been inserviced as I live and work in an area where asthma management plans are mandatory for school students. You are assuming that I am talking about my asthma medication. As a mother, I was vigilant in assuring that my 2 children with asthma had ready access to relievers that were at full efficacy. I also monitored their usage and taught them to use peak flow monitors. They had expert medical monitoring as well. One was on a preventative. Now that they are adults, I remind them, buy them additional puffers, but am not part of their asthma management team. As for myself, I developed mild asthma in my 40s. I do not use a puffer. A turbuhaler works better for me. I have ready access to one at all times although it is rarely needed. Meryl http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/publications/amh/amhcont.htm

Response:

It said something about how a large number of generics contain only 80% of the active ingredient that the originals have and that the rest are fillers. If that is the case, I think I’m going to drop out of school and become a lawyer (just kidding).  I guess it would depend on what part of the world you are receiving your drugs from.  In the US, if a generic only had 80% of the active ingredient, there could be serious repercussions.  The fillers are about the only thing that differentiates brand from generic.  What paper did you read this in.

I dont know. I saw the article in a stack of newspapers at work, some were old, some new, and there were lots of different papers. I do think it was an Associated Press article though. Again, you would have to go to the source.  There is so much potential for bias in that article that you read that I could almost bet that if it was an actual study, it had some funding from a major drug company. Case in point- A drug company funded research to see if there is a difference between their cholesterol medication and this new cholesterol medication.  To make a long story short, their’s was proven inferior.  A little fudging of numbers, and they can look equally effective.  It is done all the time.  We spend a whole semester learning how to dissect journal articles.

I imagine fudging of numbers goes on everywhere in the drug industry- on both sides. I am a pharmacy student and have no problem taking generic medications.  I’m not promoting them, just saying I have faith that they are as effective.  As a matter of fact, one of the MANY reasons health premiums are so high in the US is that doc’s prescribe brands all the time when just as effective generic alternatives are available.  But that is a whole discussion in and of itself. Hope at least some of this helped. MP

Yes it did. Thank you very much! It’s nice to have some pharmacy people here. — If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it. Posted Via Uncensored-News.Com – Accounts Starting At $6.95 – http://www.uncensored-news.com                <<<<<<<   The Worlds Uncensored News Source   <<<<<<<<

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What are you talking about or referring to?  Is this for our (Jeff and Michael’s) reading pleasure? Oh dear, I think you may not have seen my original post due to the X-No-Archive thingamabob. So here’s the post I addressed to you about generics: It said something about how a large number of generics contain only 80% of the active ingredient that the originals have and that the rest are fillers. If that is the case, I think I’m going to drop out of school and become a lawyer (just kidding).  I guess it would depend on what part of the world you are receiving your drugs from.  In the US, if a generic only had 80% of the active ingredient, there could be serious repercussions.  The fillers are about the only thing that differentiates brand from generic.  What paper did you read this in. I would have to see who wrote the paper article and find out who and how they determined this.  I would almost bet that the drugs that they tested were old expired drugs that were acquired from who knows where. I have a friend whose specialist in the US also mentioned a 20% variation.

I have often heard this from doctors and pharmacists, it always amazed me. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – From http://www.femalepatient.com/html/arc/sel/march02/article06.asp ALLOWABLE VARIATIONS The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that so-called therapeutically equivalent generic drugs be tested for bioequivalence, but not for efficacy or safety, before they are approved.4 This raises three concerns about allowable variations: . Typical studies measuring bioequivalence enroll only 20 to 25 subjects, which does not constitute a representative sample. . A generic drug is considered therapeutically equivalent to a brand-name drug-and therefore acceptable-if its mean extent of absorption, as measured by a bioequivalence study, differs by less than 20% from that of the brand-name drug.5 . The US Pharmacopeia has established an official standard allowing drugs to differ from their stated potency by up to 10%.5 Meryl

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – —– Original Message —–  As for shelf life, this is another weird issue in that I have read articles that make it sound that the pharm companies use short expiration dates to sell more drugs, people have taken old scripts with good results and that after ww2 some of the antibiotics used were so old they were decomposing but still worked. But to err on the side of caution seems a better option to me. I would think that generic vrs brand name expirations to be equivalent, but perhaps each pharm company has their own protocal as to when a drug should be scraped-Lots of drugs begin to degrade quickly after being mixed or made, some do not. This is where our pharmacy friends can shed more light. Personally I like my food fresh-might as well use fresh meds as well, I go by the expiration give or take a bit.. LM Lots of interesting stuff in whole post. I check expiration dates regularly, especially on asthma relievers. I don’t think it is worth risking a chance with potentially life-saving medication. However after reading this thread yesterday, I checked my newly dispensed Xanax. It expires in Apr 2005 and will be gone well before then. However, I noticed it was maufactured in Apr 2002 so now I am wondering where has it been all this time? Meryl

Waiting for you? P. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

What are you talking about or referring to?  Is this for our (Jeff and Michael’s) reading pleasure? Oh dear, I think you may not have seen my original post due to the X-No-Archive thingamabob. So here’s the post I addressed to you about generics: It said something about how a large number of generics contain only 80% of the active ingredient that the originals have and that the rest are fillers.

If that is the case, I think I’m going to drop out of school and become a lawyer (just kidding).  I guess it would depend on what part of the world you are receiving your drugs from.  In the US, if a generic only had 80% of the active ingredient, there could be serious repercussions.  The fillers are about the only thing that differentiates brand from generic.  What paper did you read this in. I would have to see who wrote the paper article and find out who and how they determined this.  I would almost bet that the drugs that they tested were old expired drugs that were acquired from who knows where. It also went on to say that another difference, in fact the biggest difference, in generic versus originals is in the shelf life

In my experience in the pharmacy setting (5+ years), I have not noticed generic expirations being shorter than brand.  Of course this is only my observation.  I also have never heard anybody mention this from work, or from any of my professors.  Of course, some of them worked in drug development in the past.  But I would believe somebody would have to mention something, especially if what the paper said is true. Again, you would have to go to the source.  There is so much potential for bias in that article that you read that I could almost bet that if it was an actual study, it had some funding from a major drug company.  Case in point- A drug company funded research to see if there is a difference between their cholesterol medication and this new cholesterol medication.  To make a long story short, their’s was proven inferior.  A little fudging of numbers, and they can look equally effective.  It is done all the time.  We spend a whole semester learning how to dissect journal articles. I am a pharmacy student and have no problem taking generic medications.  I’m not promoting them, just saying I have faith that they are as effective.  As a matter of fact, one of the MANY reasons health premiums are so high in the US is that doc’s prescribe brands all the time when just as effective generic alternatives are available.  But that is a whole discussion in and of itself. Hope at least some of this helped. MP

Response:

—– Original Message —– I am very well versed on asthma management. I have been inserviced as I live and work in an area where asthma management plans are mandatory for school students.

I think it is excellent that you received proper education in asthma management.  I see so many asthma sufferers who are wrote a prescription for albuterol for the first time and receive no training in the use of albuterol, action plans, or put on preventative therapy if need be.  I see patients all the time who refill their inhalers so often that you know their asthma is not under control.  They only have a rescue inhaler, but no long acting or preventative medication.  Then you try to explain that to their doc and they don’t even care. I wish everyone could say I am very well versed on asthma management MP

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – from an unbiased source. Marge this remains a somewhat controversial issue that has some merit on both sides of the fence. The fda has issued statements that indicate that generics are exact bioequivalents to brand named drugs and in some instances are manufactured by the same pharmacuetical company, just not cosmetically the same or packaged the same. When a heavy hitter neuroleptic or antipsychotic drug became available generically many patients and prescribers found a difference in the results of using it, however when blood serum tests indicated the levels were identical the results obtained seemed to be psychological or a placebo type effect. There were several studies done a few years ago that did show a lower percentage of active compound in generics, but I believe the study was done in Europe and the meds tested were not made in the USA. Now the conundrum remains that some generics may use different binders fillers coloring agents or other inactive ingredients that for most people have no importance in the activity, metabolism or distribution of the drug-BUT some people may have some idiosyncratic response to these components that have undesirable effects. I have seen people react with gastric disturbances to some generic pain meds, possibly from a reaction to some different silica or talc used, or flavorings or whatever. I have also seen some people who respond with different serum levels at different times to generic tricyclic antidepressants, even though the total serum level was equivocal-if they are sensitive to these small differences they may "feel" differently on a generic drug. I have found this more with imipramine then any other therefore if the patient can afford the brand name the script is noted dispense as written. The real bottom line is sometimes "what you subjectively notice" even if there seems to be no objective reason. If your comfort level is better with brand name, and you can afford them, then ask for them from your doctor-he will write daw on the script or the pharmacist may be obligated to give you a generic if its available. As for shelf life, this is another weird issue in that I have read articles that make it sound that the pharm companies use short expiration dates to sell more drugs, people have taken old scripts with good results and that after ww2 some of the antibiotics used were so old they were decomposing but still worked. But to err on the side of caution seems a better option to me. I would think that generic vrs brand name expirations to be equivalent, but perhaps each pharm company has their own protocal as to when a drug should be scraped-Lots of drugs begin to degrade quickly after being mixed or made, some do not. This is where our pharmacy friends can shed more light. Personally I like my food fresh-might as well use fresh meds as well, I go by the expiration give or take a bit.. LM What are you talking about or referring to?  Is this for our (Jeff and Michael’s) reading pleasure?

Oh dear, I think you may not have seen my original post due to the X-No-Archive thingamabob. So here’s the post I addressed to you about generics: I have a question about generics versus brand name prescriptions. I recently read an article in a newspaper (I wish I could point you to it but I can’t find it now) that said generics oftentimes are inferior to the original name brand drugs. It said something about how a large number of generics contain only 80% of the active ingredient that the originals have and that the rest are fillers. It also went on to say that another difference, in fact the biggest difference, in generic versus originals is in the shelf life. According to this article the shelf life is quite a lot shorter for generics than for the non-generics. In other words they don’t stay as potent as long. Is there anything to this? I know the FDA’s party line says this isn’t true but I’m looking for answers from an unbiased source. Thank you. — If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it. Posted Via Uncensored-News.Com – Accounts Starting At $6.95 – http://www.uncensored-news.com                <<<<<<<   The Worlds Uncensored News Source   <<<<<<<<

Response:

Lots of drugs begin to degrade quickly after being mixed or made,

some do not If it is mixed or made at the pharmacy, it will definitely have a shorter shelf life.  Very few instances I can think of when that is not the case.  Could be days, could be a few months, depends on the formulation. Regarding pills, if my memory serves me correct, the expiration date is when the drug should have at least 80% of the active compound still in it.  I can check that number for sure, but I have a mound of papers I would have to look through before I can verify it.  When an expiration date is determined, the drug is tested under harsh/accelerated conditions for ~6-12 months and then that data is extrapolated to give them a calculated expiration date.  They don’t make the drug and then test it every few years for potency.  Again, I can’t remember the actual procedures used, but I can get that information if needed (maybe Jeff knows).  Each individual company has to do this so there may be some variation in time frame.  Should you choose to take a medication after the expiration date, there is a chance it will not have a therapeutic effect, although it may still, but possibly not as efficacious (as was pointed out about the antibiotics after WWII-they still worked). I would agree with Margrove about brand versus generic.  What it all boils down to, is it is basically up to the patient.  The only instance that I (and most other pharmacists) would consider not interchanging the two is with drugs that have narrow therapeutic ranges.  Such as warfarin, lithium, levothyroxine and phenytoin.  If a patient has been taking brand Coumadin and switches to warfarin, there is a chance serum concentrations may change, albeit slightly.  But why take any chances regarding something as serious as seizures or bleeding? MP

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – from an unbiased source. Marge this remains a somewhat controversial issue that has some merit on both sides of the fence. The fda has issued statements that indicate that generics are exact bioequivalents to brand named drugs and in some instances are manufactured by the same pharmacuetical company, just not cosmetically the same or packaged the same. When a heavy hitter neuroleptic or antipsychotic drug became available generically many patients and prescribers found a difference in the results of using it, however when blood serum tests indicated the levels were identical the results obtained seemed to be psychological or a placebo type effect. There were several studies done a few years ago that did show a lower percentage of active compound in generics, but I believe the study was done in Europe and the meds tested were not made in the USA. Now the conundrum remains that some generics may use different binders fillers coloring agents or other inactive ingredients that for most people have no importance in the activity, metabolism or distribution of the drug-BUT some people may have some idiosyncratic response to these components that have undesirable effects. I have seen people react with gastric disturbances to some generic pain meds, possibly from a reaction to some different silica or talc used, or flavorings or whatever. I have also seen some people who respond with different serum levels at different times to generic tricyclic antidepressants, even though the total serum level was equivocal-if they are sensitive to these small differences they may "feel" differently on a generic drug. I have found this more with imipramine then any other therefore if the patient can afford the brand name the script is noted dispense as written. The real bottom line is sometimes "what you subjectively notice" even if there seems to be no objective reason. If your comfort level is better with brand name, and you can afford them, then ask for them from your doctor-he will write daw on the script or the pharmacist may be obligated to give you a generic if its available. As for shelf life, this is another weird issue in that I have read articles that make it sound that the pharm companies use short expiration dates to sell more drugs, people have taken old scripts with good results and that after ww2 some of the antibiotics used were so old they were decomposing but still worked. But to err on the side of caution seems a better option to me. I would think that generic vrs brand name expirations to be equivalent, but perhaps each pharm company has their own protocal as to when a drug should be scraped-Lots of drugs begin to degrade quickly after being mixed or made, some do not. This is where our pharmacy friends can shed more light. Personally I like my food fresh-might as well use fresh meds as well, I go by the expiration give or take a bit.. LM What are you talking about or referring to?  Is this for our (Jeff and Michael’s) reading pleasure? Michael, this is Margrove’s reply to Marge’s question about generics. At the end he refers her to you two for more information about shelf life. I hope this answers your question. Philip

Can’t we all live in peace and appreciate the (((love))) of the each other……No?  Then fuck you!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text —— Original Message —–  As for shelf life, this is another weird issue in that I have read articles that make it sound that the pharm companies use short expiration dates to sell more drugs, people have taken old scripts with good results and that after ww2 some of the antibiotics used were so old they were decomposing but still worked. But to err on the side of caution seems a better option to me. I would think that generic vrs brand name expirations to be equivalent, but perhaps each pharm company has their own protocal as to when a drug should be scraped-Lots of drugs begin to degrade quickly after being mixed or made, some do not. This is where our pharmacy friends can shed more light. Personally I like my food fresh-might as well use fresh meds as well, I go by the expiration give or take a bit.. LM Lots of interesting stuff in whole post. I check expiration dates regularly, especially on asthma relievers. I don’t think it is worth risking a chance with potentially life-saving medication. However after reading this thread yesterday, I checked my newly dispensed Xanax. It expires in Apr 2005 and will be gone well before then. However, I noticed it was maufactured in Apr 2002 so now I am wondering where has it been all this time? Meryl

Response:

from an unbiased source.

[...] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What are you talking about or referring to?  Is this for our (Jeff and Michael’s) reading pleasure? Michael, this is Margrove’s reply to Marge’s question about generics. At the end he refers her to you two for more information about shelf life. I hope this answers your question. Philip Can’t we all live in peace and appreciate the (((love))) of the each other……No?  Then fuck you!

This nearly had me snorting the coffee over the keyboard John!! ;o)

Response:

from an unbiased source.

Marge this remains a somewhat controversial issue that has some merit on both sides of the fence. The fda has issued statements that indicate that generics are exact bioequivalents to brand named drugs and in some instances are manufactured by the same pharmacuetical company, just not cosmetically the same or packaged the same. When a heavy hitter neuroleptic or antipsychotic drug became available generically many patients and prescribers found a difference in the results of using it, however when blood serum tests indicated the levels were identical the results obtained seemed to be psychological or a placebo type effect. There were several studies done a few years ago that did show a lower percentage of active compound in generics, but I believe the study was done in Europe and the meds tested were not made in the USA. Now the conundrum remains that some generics may use different binders fillers coloring agents or other inactive ingredients that for most people have no importance in the activity, metabolism or distribution of the drug-BUT some people may have some idiosyncratic response to these components that have undesirable effects. I have seen people react with gastric disturbances to some generic pain meds, possibly from a reaction to some different silica or talc used, or flavorings or whatever. I have also seen some people who respond with different serum levels at different times to generic tricyclic antidepressants, even though the total serum level was equivocal-if they are sensitive to these small differences they may "feel" differently on a generic drug. I have found this more with imipramine then any other therefore if the patient can afford the brand name the script is noted dispense as written. The real bottom line is sometimes "what you subjectively notice" even if there seems to be no objective reason. If your comfort level is better with brand name, and you can afford them, then ask for them from your doctor-he will write daw on the script or the pharmacist may be obligated to give you a generic if its available. As for shelf life, this is another weird issue in that I have read articles that make it sound that the pharm companies use short expiration dates to sell more drugs, people have taken old scripts with good results and that after ww2 some of the antibiotics used were so old they were decomposing but still worked. But to err on the side of caution seems a better option to me. I would think that generic vrs brand name expirations to be equivalent, but perhaps each pharm company has their own protocal as to when a drug should be scraped-Lots of drugs begin to degrade quickly after being mixed or made, some do not. This is where our pharmacy friends can shed more light. Personally I like my food fresh-might as well use fresh meds as well, I go by the expiration give or take a bit.. LM

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – from an unbiased source. Marge this remains a somewhat controversial issue that has some merit on both sides of the fence. The fda has issued statements that indicate that generics are exact bioequivalents to brand named drugs and in some instances are manufactured by the same pharmacuetical company, just not cosmetically the same or packaged the same. When a heavy hitter neuroleptic or antipsychotic drug became available generically many patients and prescribers found a difference in the results of using it, however when blood serum tests indicated the levels were identical the results obtained seemed to be psychological or a placebo type effect. There were several studies done a few years ago that did show a lower percentage of active compound in generics, but I believe the study was done in Europe and the meds tested were not made in the USA. Now the conundrum remains that some generics may use different binders fillers coloring agents or other inactive ingredients that for most people have no importance in the activity, metabolism or distribution of the drug-BUT some people may have some idiosyncratic response to these components that have undesirable effects. I have seen people react with gastric disturbances to some generic pain meds, possibly from a reaction to some different silica or talc used, or flavorings or whatever. I have also seen some people who respond with different serum levels at different times to generic tricyclic antidepressants, even though the total serum level was equivocal-if they are sensitive to these small differences they may "feel" differently on a generic drug. I have found this more with imipramine then any other therefore if the patient can afford the brand name the script is noted dispense as written. The real bottom line is sometimes "what you subjectively notice" even if there seems to be no objective reason. If your comfort level is better with brand name, and you can afford them, then ask for them from your doctor-he will write daw on the script or the pharmacist may be obligated to give you a generic if its available. As for shelf life, this is another weird issue in that I have read articles that make it sound that the pharm companies use short expiration dates to sell more drugs, people have taken old scripts with good results and that after ww2 some of the antibiotics used were so old they were decomposing but still worked. But to err on the side of caution seems a better option to me. I would think that generic vrs brand name expirations to be equivalent, but perhaps each pharm company has their own protocal as to when a drug should be scraped-Lots of drugs begin to degrade quickly after being mixed or made, some do not. This is where our pharmacy friends can shed more light. Personally I like my food fresh-might as well use fresh meds as well, I go by the expiration give or take a bit.. LM

What are you talking about or referring to?  Is this for our (Jeff and Michael’s) reading pleasure?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -from an unbiased source. Marge this remains a somewhat controversial issue that has some merit on both sides of the fence. The fda has issued statements that indicate that generics are exact bioequivalents to brand named drugs and in some instances are manufactured by the same pharmacuetical company, just not cosmetically the same or packaged the same. When a heavy hitter neuroleptic or antipsychotic drug became available generically many patients and prescribers found a difference in the results of using it, however when blood serum tests indicated the levels were identical the results obtained seemed to be psychological or a placebo type effect. There were several studies done a few years ago that did show a lower percentage of active compound in generics, but I believe the study was done in Europe and the meds tested were not made in the USA. Now the conundrum remains that some generics may use different binders fillers coloring agents or other inactive ingredients that for most people have no importance in the activity, metabolism or distribution of the drug-BUT some people may have some idiosyncratic response to these components that have undesirable effects. I have seen people react with gastric disturbances to some generic pain meds, possibly from a reaction to some different silica or talc used, or flavorings or whatever. I have also seen some people who respond with different serum levels at different times to generic tricyclic antidepressants, even though the total serum level was equivocal-if they are sensitive to these small differences they may "feel" differently on a generic drug. I have found this more with imipramine then any other therefore if the patient can afford the brand name the script is noted dispense as written. The real bottom line is sometimes "what you subjectively notice" even if there seems to be no objective reason. If your comfort level is better with brand name, and you can afford them, then ask for them from your doctor-he will write daw on the script or the pharmacist may be obligated to give you a generic if its available. As for shelf life, this is another weird issue in that I have read articles that make it sound that the pharm companies use short expiration dates to sell more drugs, people have taken old scripts with good results and that after ww2 some of the antibiotics used were so old they were decomposing but still worked. But to err on the side of caution seems a better option to me. I would think that generic vrs brand name expirations to be equivalent, but perhaps each pharm company has their own protocal as to when a drug should be scraped-Lots of drugs begin to degrade quickly after being mixed or made, some do not. This is where our pharmacy friends can shed more light. Personally I like my food fresh-might as well use fresh meds as well, I go by the expiration give or take a bit.. LM

Lots of good information here. Thank you. Maybe we can both learn something about the issue of expiration dates. — If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it. Posted Via Uncensored-News.Com – Accounts Starting At $6.95 – http://www.uncensored-news.com                <<<<<<<   The Worlds Uncensored News Source   <<<<<<<<

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – from an unbiased source. Marge this remains a somewhat controversial issue that has some merit on both sides of the fence. The fda has issued statements that indicate that generics are exact bioequivalents to brand named drugs and in some instances are manufactured by the same pharmacuetical company, just not cosmetically the same or packaged the same. When a heavy hitter neuroleptic or antipsychotic drug became available generically many patients and prescribers found a difference in the results of using it, however when blood serum tests indicated the levels were identical the results obtained seemed to be psychological or a placebo type effect. There were several studies done a few years ago that did show a lower percentage of active compound in generics, but I believe the study was done in Europe and the meds tested were not made in the USA. Now the conundrum remains that some generics may use different binders fillers coloring agents or other inactive ingredients that for most people have no importance in the activity, metabolism or distribution of the drug-BUT some people may have some idiosyncratic response to these components that have undesirable effects. I have seen people react with gastric disturbances to some generic pain meds, possibly from a reaction to some different silica or talc used, or flavorings or whatever. I have also seen some people who respond with different serum levels at different times to generic tricyclic antidepressants, even though the total serum level was equivocal-if they are sensitive to these small differences they may "feel" differently on a generic drug. I have found this more with imipramine then any other therefore if the patient can afford the brand name the script is noted dispense as written. The real bottom line is sometimes "what you subjectively notice" even if there seems to be no objective reason. If your comfort level is better with brand name, and you can afford them, then ask for them from your doctor-he will write daw on the script or the pharmacist may be obligated to give you a generic if its available. As for shelf life, this is another weird issue in that I have read articles that make it sound that the pharm companies use short expiration dates to sell more drugs, people have taken old scripts with good results and that after ww2 some of the antibiotics used were so old they were decomposing but still worked. But to err on the side of caution seems a better option to me. I would think that generic vrs brand name expirations to be equivalent, but perhaps each pharm company has their own protocal as to when a drug should be scraped-Lots of drugs begin to degrade quickly after being mixed or made, some do not. This is where our pharmacy friends can shed more light. Personally I like my food fresh-might as well use fresh meds as well, I go by the expiration give or take a bit.. LM What are you talking about or referring to?  Is this for our (Jeff and Michael’s) reading pleasure?

Michael, this is Margrove’s reply to Marge’s question about generics. At the end he refers her to you two for more information about shelf life. I hope this answers your question. Philip

Response:

Question:

I don’t have any answers for you, but I wanted you to know I read this, and wish you luck. Dragon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve posted about my ordeal regarding my son being admitted to Children’s hospital, a power struggle and finally, he’s been released to come back home…. I have a couple of questions…. 1) after 5 years, that damned exhusband of mine and his mommy are trying to force their way back into my son’s life… this kid is 6, hasn’t seen his biological father for such a long time, wouldn’t know the guy if he was sitting right next to the kid and as for my ex’s mommy… I DEFINATELY want her to have no contact with my son! because of the recent events revolving around my son’s mental, emotional and behavioral health, would introducing my ex into his life be dangerous? I mean, obviously it’s not a good idea but what can I do?? 2) because of the nature of the problems my son has psychologically, emotionally and behaviorally (possible bipolar or "schizo-affective" disorder, ADHD, PTSD, amongst other things) I’m having a rough time adapting to his needs and learning how to discipline him in a way that’s effective… time outs and restrictions just aren’t doing the trick! what kinds of resources are available? are there "parenting" classes I can take that are structured around kids with special needs and disabilities? Thanks!

Response:

thanks… =) I’m still digging for information!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t have any answers for you, but I wanted you to know I read this, and wish you luck. Dragon I’ve posted about my ordeal regarding my son being admitted to Children’s hospital, a power struggle and finally, he’s been released to come back home…. I have a couple of questions…. 1) after 5 years, that damned exhusband of mine and his mommy are trying to force their way back into my son’s life… this kid is 6, hasn’t seen his biological father for such a long time, wouldn’t know the guy if he was sitting right next to the kid and as for my ex’s mommy… I DEFINATELY want her to have no contact with my son! because of the recent events revolving around my son’s mental, emotional and behavioral health, would introducing my ex into his life be dangerous? I mean, obviously it’s not a good idea but what can I do?? 2) because of the nature of the problems my son has psychologically, emotionally and behaviorally (possible bipolar or "schizo-affective" disorder, ADHD, PTSD, amongst other things) I’m having a rough time adapting to his needs and learning how to discipline him in a way that’s effective… time outs and restrictions just aren’t doing the trick! what kinds of resources are available? are there "parenting" classes I can take that are structured around kids with special needs and disabilities? Thanks!

Response:

I’ve posted about my ordeal regarding my son being admitted to Children’s hospital, a power struggle and finally, he’s been released to come back home…. I have a couple of questions…. 1) after 5 years, that damned exhusband of mine and his mommy are trying to force their way back into my son’s life… this kid is 6, hasn’t seen his biological father for such a long time, wouldn’t know the guy if he was sitting right next to the kid and as for my ex’s mommy… I DEFINATELY want her to have no contact with my son! because of the recent events revolving around my son’s mental, emotional and behavioral health, would introducing my ex into his life be dangerous? I mean, obviously it’s not a good idea but what can I do?? 2) because of the nature of the problems my son has psychologically, emotionally and behaviorally (possible bipolar or "schizo-affective" disorder, ADHD, PTSD, amongst other things) I’m having a rough time adapting to his needs and learning how to discipline him in a way that’s effective… time outs and restrictions just aren’t doing the trick! what kinds of resources are available? are there "parenting" classes I can take that are structured around kids with special needs and disabilities? Thanks!

Response:

Noooo, it would not be dangerous … in fact it might be just the thing for your son to start getting better dispite the ordeal going on … sheesh. Really … I know you don’t like your sperm donor who you got preggers on nor the mothernlaw … but they are family and kin … no differently then a mommie is family and kin and has a right in deed a duty to be with their child(ren). I would no more keep you away from your child = let alone the daddy … have the doctors, the clincial social workers in on this slykiten … helping you out … And yes there are parenting class for special needs children – I am surprise your wonderfull doctor is not on this being he is a special needs children doctor …. Even with special needs kids – for the most part – they understand attractions instead of promotions … if you want watch the Hellen Keller story  … see how a blind person who is ‘all there’ come alive once they discover ‘words’ and how did that teaching happen. Unless your son is a vegitative frog and we are dealing with stimulus response pin prick stuff … attractions not promotions work best. The itch is turning your mind into that loving framework … again the Hellen Keller story is a good example of special needs therapy at work if you want to see one example of what that might look like. sumbuddie who cares :*) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve posted about my ordeal regarding my son being admitted to Children’s hospital, a power struggle and finally, he’s been released to come back home…. I have a couple of questions…. 1) after 5 years, that damned exhusband of mine and his mommy are trying to force their way back into my son’s life… this kid is 6, hasn’t seen his biological father for such a long time, wouldn’t know the guy if he was sitting right next to the kid and as for my ex’s mommy… I DEFINATELY want her to have no contact with my son! because of the recent events revolving around my son’s mental, emotional and behavioral health, would introducing my ex into his life be dangerous? I mean, obviously it’s not a good idea but what can I do?? 2) because of the nature of the problems my son has psychologically, emotionally and behaviorally (possible bipolar or "schizo-affective" disorder, ADHD, PTSD, amongst other things) I’m having a rough time adapting to his needs and learning how to discipline him in a way that’s effective… time outs and restrictions just aren’t doing the trick! what kinds of resources are available? are there "parenting" classes I can take that are structured around kids with special needs and disabilities? Thanks!

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Response:

no need to apologize… considering that there really are no "appropriate" words to describe his problems/issues… "disability" seems to come to mind… it’s not so much that he’s at a "different" level or anything like that…. he’s such a bright kid but he has some very serious emotional and mental problems that are more times than not disabling him from his own "feeling of normalcy" where he says strange things such as how his legs are melting or his brain’s on fire. I used to watch him bash his head against the wall or claw at his face or punch himself until he bruised… it scared me so I hospitalized him for evaluation and treatment. thank goodness he’s now on a better medication but he still has so much to work through! he’s been through too much at his tender age and I fear that he may never recover, though from what, I’m not sure! is what he’s displaying events from the past? is he acting out in regards to what he may have endured while in utero while my ex raped me and witheld my asthma medication? is he reacting to hearing me scream and fight for my life when my ex raped me and tried to kill me? I honestly don’t know… I wish I did. what if he’s trying to tell me something about what my ex did to him as a baby? he’s my buddy and I’d give my life to ensure he’s properly protected… but it’s been said by some doctors that he has "hallucinations" and no one knows where they’re coming from. one doctor thinks he’s got something called "Schizo-Affective" where he’s either going through psychosis or bipolar issues with no break into the perceived "normal" of what a child like him should be like. it scares me to death…. what if I don’t have the strength to continue? what if I find that I can’t help him? what if I fail him in some detrimental way? the only thing though for sure is that parenting classes are a definate must as a general rule. *sigh* this parenting stuff sure can be scary!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Slykitten discipline?  I think parenting classes are a great idea, and I don’t think they need to be specifically structured for children-with-disabilities. (by the way, I would encourage you to re-frame a bit and think of it as differently abled.  I am what’s been called ‘physically challenged’ which I have decided isn’t working.  I don’t want to be challenged, thank you.  I want to be normal and healthy and strong.  I haven’t figured out how to say it yet, but I’m working on it. He maybe can’t do things that many kids can, and some things he just has to do in his own way.  To me that doesn’t say disabled. I so apologize – I don’t know what’s got me ranting tonight.) Even child development classes or books would be good.  I have such a hard time imagining how much ‘discipline’ a five year old could need. If they’re dealt with at the level of their capabilities, it’s kind of taken care of.  (again, apologies for english failing me with emotion) 5 year olds, even ‘normal’ ones are not capable of a tremendous amount of self-direction or self-control.  They need to have their activities monitored and guided. I wish you all the strength, and creativity, and energy you need to meet your tasks. tigerbunny

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve posted about my ordeal regarding my son being admitted to Children’s hospital, a power struggle and finally, he’s been released to come back home…. I have a couple of questions…. 1) after 5 years, that damned exhusband of mine and his mommy are trying to force their way back into my son’s life… this kid is 6, hasn’t seen his biological father for such a long time, wouldn’t know the guy if he was sitting right next to the kid and as for my ex’s mommy… I DEFINATELY want her to have no contact with my son! because of the recent events revolving around my son’s mental, emotional and behavioral health, would introducing my ex into his life be dangerous? I mean, obviously it’s not a good idea but what can I do?? 2) because of the nature of the problems my son has psychologically, emotionally and behaviorally (possible bipolar or "schizo-affective" disorder, ADHD, PTSD, amongst other things) I’m having a rough time adapting to his needs and learning how to discipline him in a way that’s effective… time outs and restrictions just aren’t doing the trick! what kinds of resources are available? are there "parenting" classes I can take that are structured around kids with special needs and disabilities? Thanks!

Response:

Hi Slykitten discipline?  I think parenting classes are a great idea, and I don’t think they need to be specifically structured for children-with-disabilities. (by the way, I would encourage you to re-frame a bit and think of it as differently abled.  I am what’s been called ‘physically challenged’ which I have decided isn’t working.  I don’t want to be challenged, thank you.  I want to be normal and healthy and strong.  I haven’t figured out how to say it yet, but I’m working on it. He maybe can’t do things that many kids can, and some things he just has to do in his own way.  To me that doesn’t say disabled. I so apologize – I don’t know what’s got me ranting tonight.) Even child development classes or books would be good.  I have such a hard time imagining how much ‘discipline’ a five year old could need. If they’re dealt with at the level of their capabilities, it’s kind of taken care of.  (again, apologies for english failing me with emotion) 5 year olds, even ‘normal’ ones are not capable of a tremendous amount of self-direction or self-control.  They need to have their activities monitored and guided. I wish you all the strength, and creativity, and energy you need to meet your tasks. tigerbunny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve posted about my ordeal regarding my son being admitted to Children’s hospital, a power struggle and finally, he’s been released to come back home…. I have a couple of questions…. 1) after 5 years, that damned exhusband of mine and his mommy are trying to force their way back into my son’s life… this kid is 6, hasn’t seen his biological father for such a long time, wouldn’t know the guy if he was sitting right next to the kid and as for my ex’s mommy… I DEFINATELY want her to have no contact with my son! because of the recent events revolving around my son’s mental, emotional and behavioral health, would introducing my ex into his life be dangerous? I mean, obviously it’s not a good idea but what can I do?? 2) because of the nature of the problems my son has psychologically, emotionally and behaviorally (possible bipolar or "schizo-affective" disorder, ADHD, PTSD, amongst other things) I’m having a rough time adapting to his needs and learning how to discipline him in a way that’s effective… time outs and restrictions just aren’t doing the trick! what kinds of resources are available? are there "parenting" classes I can take that are structured around kids with special needs and disabilities? Thanks!

Response:

Question:

Hello all, I found your group while researching asthma and It’s been very imformative. I basically knew nothing about asthma before this past week. My 4 year old daughter’s pediatrician informed me last week that my daughter has asthma. She diagnosed her after doing a brief physical exam, and I was just curious if this is typically the way asthma is diagnosed? Are there any difinitive test that are done in addition to an exam (which included listning to breathing and basic ear & throat inspection)? I was aware that my daughter suffers from allergies, and I wonder how allergies are connected to asthma? She has had a chronic nasal drip and cough for the past few weeks and she seems to be responding well to the nebulizer use. We administer Albuterol and Pulmicort twice a day. I would also like to learn more about these medications if anyone has any knowledge of long term side effects etc.. *Thanks in advance*

Response:

There are many people on this news group who can probably offer you more technical advice, but I’d like to reply from my experience.  I apologize in advance for any errors. First, there are MANY tests that can be done, including allergy and breathing tests.  Allergies are connected to asthma, and others can probably better address the technical aspects of this connection.  Here’s what I know:  post-nasal drip gets into the lungs and causes infections, which can lead to inflammation of the bronchial tissues, dilation, and an attack. Further, the post-nasal drip can feed bronchitis or even pneumonia. Allergies and asthma are both immune system over-reactions to things that they ought not normally react to.  This is obviously an over-simplification. Or so my doctor says. I hope this provides you with some help.  : )  Ceresse PS:  to all the experts out there:  please correct my errors kindly as I am overly-sensitive and not argumentative.  Thank you.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, I found your group while researching asthma and It’s been very imformative. I basically knew nothing about asthma before this past week. My 4 year old daughter’s pediatrician informed me last week that my daughter has asthma. She diagnosed her after doing a brief physical exam, and I was just curious if this is typically the way asthma is diagnosed? Are there any difinitive test that are done in addition to an exam (which included listning to breathing and basic ear & throat inspection)? I was aware that my daughter suffers from allergies, and I wonder how allergies are connected to asthma? She has had a chronic nasal drip and cough for the past few weeks and she seems to be responding well to the nebulizer use. We administer Albuterol and Pulmicort twice a day. I would also like to learn more about these medications if anyone has any knowledge of long term side effects etc.. *Thanks in advance*

Response:

I started my Asthma when I was 4. I’m now 62. Allergies are a major part of my problem. I’ve suffered all my life with nasal and post nasal drip which seems to exacerbate the Asthma and resulted in infections which required anti-biotics to cure. I became free of the post nasal drip problem only when I started taking Claritin. It has improved my life tremendously. My Asthma is due to allergies. I’ve taken Albuterol since it’s been available. I don’t remember how long that is. I’ve not noticed any side affects, but I believe it can increase blood pressure. However, I do strenuous exercising every day to both mitigate the affects of Asthma on my life and reduce the side affects of the many drugs I take. I use an internist as my GP doctor because they are expert on drugs and their side affects. Al

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, I found your group while researching asthma and It’s been very imformative. I basically knew nothing about asthma before this past week. My 4 year old daughter’s pediatrician informed me last week that my daughter has asthma. She diagnosed her after doing a brief physical exam, and I was just curious if this is typically the way asthma is diagnosed? Are there any difinitive test that are done in addition to an exam (which included listning to breathing and basic ear & throat inspection)? I was aware that my daughter suffers from allergies, and I wonder how allergies are connected to asthma? She has had a chronic nasal drip and cough for the past few weeks and she seems to be responding well to the nebulizer use. We administer Albuterol and Pulmicort twice a day. I would also like to learn more about these medications if anyone has any knowledge of long term side effects etc.. *Thanks in advance*

Response:

Hello all, I found your group while researching asthma and It’s been very imformative. I basically knew nothing about asthma before this past week. My 4 year old daughter’s pediatrician informed me last week that my daughter has asthma. She diagnosed her after doing a brief physical exam, and I was just curious if this is typically the way asthma is diagnosed? Are there any difinitive test that are done in addition to an exam (which included listning to breathing and basic ear & throat inspection)?

GPs tend to take the ‘if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck’ approach to diagnosis.  It is very common for asthma to be diagnosed in this manner (and fairly accurate). Once the doctor suspects asthma he will prescribe asthma medications. If the symptoms respond to the medications than the diagnosis is typically considered as confirmed. There are definitive tests to confirm asthma, but these are more commonly used in cases where there is some doubt as to the cause of the problem. If you desire, you can request a referral to an asthma specialist to confirm the diagnosis.  In fact, if the symptoms do not become well controlled within a month, seeing a specialist is a very good idea. I was aware that my daughter suffers from allergies, and I wonder how allergies are connected to asthma? She has had a chronic nasal drip and cough for the past few weeks and she seems to be responding well to the nebulizer use. We administer Albuterol and Pulmicort twice a day.

In most people asthma is a manifestation of allergic disease.  This is especially true in children.   I would also like to learn more about these medications if anyone has any knowledge of long term side effects etc..

I use albuterol and pulmicort myself.  I prefer to use a spacer for the albuterol to avoid the ’shaking fingers’ (makes it hard to write) but this is a very minor side effect that I can ignore.  As for the Pulmicort – I am very impressed.  No side effects and very good asthma control. Albuterol is a bronchodilator.  This medication reverses the spasms of the bronchial tubes that produce ‘asthma attacks.’ Pulmicort is an inhaled anti-inflammitory.  This medication is intended to treat the underlying airways inflammation that causes asthma attacks.   I suggest that you go to a local bookstore and get this book: "The Asthma Sourcebook’ by Francis V. Adams MD This is the book I read when I was first diagnosed, and the one I still recommend to people first learning about the disease. — We make war so we may live in peace. Aristotle

Response:

Hello! My 5 year old son was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 3. For children this young they mostly diagnose asthma with the symptoms that you descrbe to them, and  if the asthma medication she prescibed works, then they have asthma. Asthma and Allergies go hand in hand, as my son also a both. It’s scary at times, and you have to weed out all the allergins that may be causing your childs astma. The blood test they preform is not accurate, the accurate allergy test for children is a scratch test. ouch! I would rather find out his allergies on my own, than to subject him to such a painful procedure. My son is on an Albuterol inhaler, and the most common side effects for him are very dry mouth, and very hyperness! Not like he needed any more of that though. If she has allergin induced asthma Singulair would work good for her also. But it’s very expensive. Around here it is $75 for 30 pills. We have been battling asthma for almost 3 years now and have come across alot of useful asthma tips. If you want to email me directly, I can answer you better. I think my son may have post nasal drip also, he has a doctors appointment this month, so we will see. Like he doesn’t have enough problems allready! Hope this helps! Brandy P.S. Does your child use an Aerochamber for her Inhaler? It helps with the "yucky mouth".

Response:

the accurate allergy test for children is a scratch test. ouch! I would rather find out his allergies on my own, than to subject him to such a painful procedure.

I had a scratch test when I was nine and then again last year–it was *not* painful.  Are we talking about the test where they scratch a little of the allergen into the skin of the back, or the one where they put a needle under the skin?   zg

Response:

It didn’t hurt? I think a child may feel differently though. I am quoting from the DOC, "A scratch test for children this young is unusually painul, and we usually wait until they are older, so as not as tramatic". How old when you had yours done?

Response:

It didn’t hurt? I think a child may feel differently though. I am quoting from the DOC, "A scratch test for children this young is unusually painul, and we usually wait until they are older, so as not as tramatic". How old when you had yours done?

I didn’t get in on the beginning of this, but I wonder if this doctor is an allergist, or a family practitioner or pediatrician. I have done scratch tests on thousands of children and have found only few who objected strongly to the procedure. I have also heard it said by doctors who have no acquaintance with the procedure that it is much too painful for their young patients. A bit painful, yes, but if great long-term discomfort and disability can be warded off by proper allergy management, it may be appropriate that some degree of discomfort be accepted. I have rarely skin tested a child under one year of age; beyond that they are part of the general pediatric population.     Larry

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It didn’t hurt? I think a child may feel differently though. I am quoting from the DOC, "A scratch test for children this young is unusually painul, and we usually wait until they are older, so as not as tramatic". How old when you had yours done?

The last one I had didn’t start out too badly but by the time they were doing the 20th or so scratch I was feeling the pain. — CBI, MD

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It didn’t hurt? I think a child may feel differently though. I am quoting from the DOC, "A scratch test for children this young is unusually painul, and we usually wait until they are older, so as not as tramatic". How old when you had yours done?

I had one when I was nine, which is older than your son.  I think the hardest part for someone that age might be the necessity to lie still afterward. It might also depend on how heavy-handed the practitioner is.   zg

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Brandy, Thanks for your response, and please email me anytime, It would be nice to talk to another mom who’s been in our shoes. My daughter seems to be doing well, her coughing has subsided greatly since we’ve been using the nebulizer. It’s so great to see her feeling better. So far we haven’t used an inhaler, so I’m not exactly sure what an aerochamber is. But again…thanks and keep in touch Carley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello! My 5 year old son was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 3. For children this young they mostly diagnose asthma with the symptoms that you descrbe to them, and  if the asthma medication she prescibed works, then they have asthma. Asthma and Allergies go hand in hand, as my son also a both. It’s scary at times, and you have to weed out all the allergins that may be causing your childs astma. The blood test they preform is not accurate, the accurate allergy test for children is a scratch test. ouch! I would rather find out his allergies on my own, than to subject him to such a painful procedure. My son is on an Albuterol inhaler, and the most common side effects for him are very dry mouth, and very hyperness! Not like he needed any more of that though. If she has allergin induced asthma Singulair would work good for her also. But it’s very expensive. Around here it is $75 for 30 pills. We have been battling asthma for almost 3 years now and have come across alot of useful asthma tips. If you want to email me directly, I can answer you better. I think my son may have post nasal drip also, he has a doctors appointment this month, so we will see. Like he doesn’t have enough problems allready! Hope this helps! Brandy P.S. Does your child use an Aerochamber for her Inhaler? It helps with the "yucky mouth".

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Ceresse, Thanks so much for your quick response and explanation. I’ve read alot about asthma in the past few days but your explanation was very helpful! It explained things in a way I could more fully understand….and I greatly appreciate that! Thanks a bundle!! Carley   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There are many people on this news group who can probably offer you more technical advice, but I’d like to reply from my experience.  I apologize in advance for any errors. First, there are MANY tests that can be done, including allergy and breathing tests.  Allergies are connected to asthma, and others can probably better address the technical aspects of this connection.  Here’s what I know:  post-nasal drip gets into the lungs and causes infections, which can lead to inflammation of the bronchial tissues, dilation, and an attack. Further, the post-nasal drip can feed bronchitis or even pneumonia. Allergies and asthma are both immune system over-reactions to things that they ought not normally react to.  This is obviously an over-simplification. Or so my doctor says. I hope this provides you with some help.  : )  Ceresse PS:  to all the experts out there:  please correct my errors kindly as I am overly-sensitive and not argumentative.  Thank you. Hello all, I found your group while researching asthma and It’s been very imformative. I basically knew nothing about asthma before this past week. My 4 year old daughter’s pediatrician informed me last week that my daughter has asthma. She diagnosed her after doing a brief physical exam, and I was just curious if this is typically the way asthma is diagnosed? Are there any difinitive test that are done in addition to an exam (which included listning to breathing and basic ear & throat inspection)? I was aware that my daughter suffers from allergies, and I wonder how allergies are connected to asthma? She has had a chronic nasal drip and cough for the past few weeks and she seems to be responding well to the nebulizer use. We administer Albuterol and Pulmicort twice a day. I would also like to learn more about these medications if anyone has any knowledge of long term side effects etc.. *Thanks in advance*

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Al, It sounds like you’ve had quiet a struggle, I’m glad to hear you’re doing better and no doubt that your pro-active aproach is the key to living with asthma. Both of my daughters have been taking claritin daily for about 3 weeks and I’m already noticing a definite improvement in their allergy symptoms. My oldest daughter used to wake up with puffy watery eyes every morning and I think the claritin has helped her. And thanks for the testimonial about albuterol, It’s comforting to know that you haven’t had any side effects. I had quiet a bit of anxiety when I found out that my daughter would be taking these medications daily indefinitely….but it puts my mind at ease to hear these success stories. Thanks! Carley   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started my Asthma when I was 4. I’m now 62. Allergies are a major part of my problem. I’ve suffered all my life with nasal and post nasal drip which seems to exacerbate the Asthma and resulted in infections which required anti-biotics to cure. I became free of the post nasal drip problem only when I started taking Claritin. It has improved my life tremendously. My Asthma is due to allergies. I’ve taken Albuterol since it’s been available. I don’t remember how long that is. I’ve not noticed any side affects, but I believe it can increase blood pressure. However, I do strenuous exercising every day to both mitigate the affects of Asthma on my life and reduce the side affects of the many drugs I take. I use an internist as my GP doctor because they are expert on drugs and their side affects. Al Hello all, I found your group while researching asthma and It’s been very imformative. I basically knew nothing about asthma before this past week. My 4 year old daughter’s pediatrician informed me last week that my daughter has asthma. She diagnosed her after doing a brief physical exam, and I was just curious if this is typically the way asthma is diagnosed? Are there any difinitive test that are done in addition to an exam (which included listning to breathing and basic ear & throat inspection)? I was aware that my daughter suffers from allergies, and I wonder how allergies are connected to asthma? She has had a chronic nasal drip and cough for the past few weeks and she seems to be responding well to the nebulizer use. We administer Albuterol and Pulmicort twice a day. I would also like to learn more about these medications if anyone has any knowledge of long term side effects etc.. *Thanks in advance*

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Question:

BENITA M WINSLOW wrote: > Gloryoski! This is *such* good news! Now you can try to find out what was > happening to him, after you give him lots of hugs and attention… Do you > have any confidence in any of the diagnoses you have been given, yet? > I am *so* glad to hear he is pain-free, at last!

Thanks Benita! No, I don’t trust that we have gotten to the bottom of the actual diagnosis, and it’s possible that we never will. Maybe he had Lyme, and the antibiotics finally did their job at about the same time we added the depakote. Maybe he had babesia and the depakote kicked in just as we added the mepron. Maybe he just needed the plaquenil to help his body help the antibiotics fight the spirochetes, so I don’t know if it was the mepron, plaquenil, zithromax plus augmentin, or depakote that finally did the job. Maybe he still has Lyme and will relapse after we remove the antibiotics. Maybe he never had Lyme or any tick-borne diseases at all, and everything was explained by a very sudden onset of puberty (*really sudden*) which unmasked a neurological tendency to migraines, and then all the Lyme medications aggravated an underlying tendency to sleep disturbance, and all of that combined to make him very sick (sleep deprivation can lead to myalgia and joint pains). Maybe he had Lyme AND migraines, and the Lyme made the headaches worse. Maybe he just had horrible headaches because of his shoulder blade tics and the knots in his back, and it was the acupuncturist that cured him. Maybe he had all of the above or none of the above !! But, I’ll bet I’ll never know.  We will start removing the mepron, plaquenil, and zithromax one by one, and keep the depakote in place until we’ve got him off all antibiotics and are sure he remains stable, then will try to remove the depakote last.   Who knows ????  What I do know is that there are an awful lot of folks out there who are utterly convinced that everything is Lyme, and that is a shame, because many of them seem to be missing a lot of neuropsychiatric disorders or other illnesses in the meantime.  But, maybe it all is Lyme … <shrug> … I just can’t really say for sure *what* we’ve cured him of, but he seems well.  Now, I’m not sure I want to allow him to be vaccinated just as we’re over the hump … — Tourette Syndrome – Now What? http://members.home.net/tourettenowwhat "Dr Laura" Schlessinger on Tourette’s http://members.home.net/tourettenowwhat/DrLauraTS.htm

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‘Twas Sun, 05 Aug 2001 13:12:57 GMT  when the wise and venerated TSNowWhat? <tourettenoww…@home.com> enlightened alt.support.tourette with these thought provoking words: > I’m not sure I can exercise the option not to >vaccinate in a private school that receives no federal funding — if >they don’t want us there, they don’t have to take us

Don’t vaccinate your son just because you’re so fond of this school.  If the school wants you to vaccinate your son despite valid medical reasons not to, that’s a _bad_ school. — RB |  

Question:

This had crossed my mind too.  Planning on asking tomorrow.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I forgot one thing. Ask about a sweat test for Cystic Fibrosis. Most cases occur in families with no history and constipation does not always need to be present. — CBI, MD

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1) i was breastfeeding him too often, a 3 month old shouldn’t nurse on demand, formula at night would make him sleep more. It is OK to breast feed a newborn on demand. It is important, as the child gets older, to try to figure out when they are hungry and when they are just looking for comfort. If you don’t mind the breast feeding frequency there is no great need to cut down. Supplementing with formula probably will not help much with the over-night sleeping but is a great way to start making insufficient breast milk. Don’t feed formula unless you are trying to wean off the breast.

i know (and am still breastfeeding my 22 month daughter as well).  this was an example of one of my reasons for mistrust of the hospital people. 3) it was reflux and zantac would fix everything With symptoms like this reflux is a good guess. It is present Zantac may be helpful.

He tried it and it did nothing.  cutting dairy from my diet fixed it. cutting soy nearly eliminated the eczema, though it persists on his legs and forhead, but much lessened.  if i eat it the eczema is far more widespread. when i eat dairy the reflux returns.  those are big indicators to me. 4) i was wrong that symptoms were worse and different at home! I wonder how they would know.

Me too!!! funny, when on my other dr’s advice i cut dairy, the reflux stopped, and the other triggers are as obvious.  get dust near him and he has an attack! Given the fact that the asthma symptoms persist I wonder how you can be so sure.

huh?  sure of what? True, hoemopathy is nothing more than giving high priced water. You would be better off with Perrier. I suspect that you are not really referring to homeopathy but herbal remedies which many will call homeopathic for some reason

NO!  I know the difference!  In fact, I have never heard them confused.  The difference is very clear.  I was talking about homeopathics in this statement.

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And, wether you or colin wish to axcept it can have there place. I would rather give a child (or my self) peperment tea over a menthal cough aid. Most are rather strong.

It depends on what else is in the tea.  I personally have a problem with taking things where I do not know what drugs it contains. Gerbers infant chest rub is techniquly homeopathic as is its bath cold remidy.

???? Is it not better to use catnip and/or chamameal tea as a sleep aid over presciption and over the counter remidies if that realy is all the help you need??

The question is: ‘Is it really safe?’  Is it really ‘better?’   "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

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I forgot one thing. Ask about a sweat test for Cystic Fibrosis. Most cases occur in families with no history and constipation does not always need to be present. — CBI, MD

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Colin has a tendancy to forget 90% of medicines come from plants  and the very large number of things that fall into the homeopathic catagory. A lot of it is BS, some is not.

Can you name the medicines that come from plants?  Are you aware that pharmaceuticals are all synthetic because of the difficulties in ensuing pure product when extracting from natural sources? BTW, please give some examp[les of non-homeopathic medications that fall into the homeopathic category. "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

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- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - I would question the competency of any doctor who prescribes homeopathics.  I suggest that you ask for a referral to a pediatric asthma specialist. i'm not totally sold on homeo, but i am sold on this dr.  he has seen me through 2 pregnancies (his sister's complicated), has come to my house to give jupiter oxygen when he was first born and had transient trychipnea (sp?), he is also the one who figured out his triggers and that it is asthma and allergies.  he has gotton my dd through plenty of illnesses, sometimes with antibiotics, sometimes with natural remedies.  the first time we had to go to the hospital (i called 911 cause he was blue) and stay the night for monitoring, the dr's there told me: 1) i was breastfeeding him too often, a 3 month old shouldn't nurse on demand, formula at night would make him sleep more.

It is OK to breast feed a newborn on demand. It is important, as the child gets older, to try to figure out when they are hungry and when they are just looking for comfort. If you don't mind the breast feeding frequency there is no great need to cut down. Supplementing with formula probably will not help much with the over-night sleeping but is a great way to start making insufficient breast milk. Don't feed formula unless you are trying to wean off the breast. 2) babies can't have allergies to anything or asthma

It is unusual for a baby less than a year old to have true allergies but it is certainly possible. Exzema in infancy is common. 3) it was reflux and zantac would fix everything

With symptoms like this reflux is a good guess. It is present Zantac may be helpful. 4) i was wrong that symptoms were worse and different at home!

I wonder how they would know. funny, when on my other dr's advice i cut dairy, the reflux stopped, and the other triggers are as obvious.  get dust near him and he has an attack!

Given the fact that the asthma symptoms persist I wonder how you can be so sure. i have seen homeopathics work to reduce fever, also to intensify labour. i know that's anectodal, not scientific.  my understanding was they are pretty innocuous, not dangerous.  not like taking herbs as far as possible side effects or contamination goes.  don't want to take chances, though.

True, hoemopathy is nothing more than giving high priced water. You would be better off with Perrier. I suspect that you are not really referring to homeopathy but herbal remedies which many will call homeopathic for some reason (that I suspect has more to do with marketting than anything else). Herbal remedies have been studied in asthma and their record is pretty dismal. The purities and dosages are generally problematic even when using the more effective ones. There is no information on children and I think anyone using them on them is suffering from the delusion that adult info can be easily extrapolated to kids. Using them on an infant just seems plain wrong to me. i'll ask about the Intal.

I think that would be a good idea. Also think about looking into the reflux some more. Lack of throwing up is a poor indicator. -- CBI, MD - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -

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OK, we're all off topic here, I didn't mean to start a debate about homeopathy et cetera, sounds like you've all been over it before anyway. Maybe this aspect of discussion would do better elsewhere.  All points taken.

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- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - Colin has a tendancy to forget 90% of medicines come from plants  and the very large number of things that fall into the homeopathic catagory. A lot of it is BS, some is not. Colin hasn't forgotten--he has mentioned it often--along with the fact that in pharmaceutical preparations, the dosages and purity are tightly controlled and regulated.  This provides predictable, repeatable outcomes. The homeopathic preparations have no regulation and can contain constituents (sometimes lethal to asthmatics) beyond the intended chemical.

And, wether you or colin wish to axcept it can have there place. I would rather give a child (or my self) peperment tea over a menthal cough aid. Most are rather strong. Also, euchaliptus oil in the bath not only delivers a resonable dose to the lung (euchaliptus is one of the plaint meds that is diluted for medicanal uses such as cough remidies and the oil should *NEVER* be injested) but helps relax the indevidual a lot more. Gerbers infant chest rub is techniquly homeopathic as is its bath cold remidy. I conider homeopathics for cercumstances were over the counter and presciption meds are too strong or I need releafe from an attack with out being debilitated with the treamers and insomnia that albuterol causes me (yes I have complained to the docters). My childhood docter had no dificulty with the use of homeopathics and some alternitive remidies. Hes still highly repected amoung his pears here in Iowa. Is it not better to use catnip and/or chamameal tea as a sleep aid over presciption and over the counter remidies if that realy is all the help you need??

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Colin has a tendancy to forget 90% of medicines come from plants

I thought it was 60%.

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Colin has a tendancy to forget 90% of medicines come from plants I thought it was 60%.

And there will be less all the time as the Human Genome Project yields more fundamental understanding of our physiology.  Many drugs are now totally synthetic.

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Colin has a tendancy to forget 90% of medicines come from plants  and the very large number of things that fall into the homeopathic catagory. A lot of it is BS, some is not.

Colin hasn't forgotten--he has mentioned it often--along with the fact that in pharmaceutical preparations, the dosages and purity are tightly controlled and regulated.  This provides predictable, repeatable outcomes. The homeopathic preparations have no regulation and can contain constituents (sometimes lethal to asthmatics) beyond the intended chemical.

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According to a report done by Mothers of Asthmatics, there may be a small drop in growth rate in some children who take orally inhaled steroids for asthma, but the long term effects on adult height aren't known.  You can read the report at www.aanma.org/corticoreport.html

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thanks for the article

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Colin has a tendancy to forget 90% of medicines come from plants  and the very large number of things that fall into the homeopathic catagory. A lot of it is BS, some is not.

Just a thought - you might try artificial fibers to see if there is a wool or cotton allergy. hmmm.  could an allergy to cotton or wool show up without giving him a rash where there is contact (but be the root cause of other symptoms)?  the eczema is mainly on his legs and face/head.  i've had him in cotton diapers all along, and use wool covers at night, he does not have the rash in the diaper area so i would presume he's not allergic?

Probly not to the cotton but the wool could pose a problem. Processed wool has reidual chemicals in it left over from the cleaning proceses as well as small amounts of lanolin left behind. The chemicals are used to remove most of the lanolin, but dont get all of it. One can react to processed wool but not to what is called vergin (unprocesed) wool or to both. Angora and Cashmer are not the same as wool and dont come from sheep. I would question the competency of any doctor who prescribes homeopathics.  I suggest that you ask for a referral to a pediatric asthma specialist. i'm not totally sold on homeo, but i am sold on this dr.  he has seen me

You should still see a spechalist, They do know more about the specific condition. - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - through 2 pregnancies (his sister's complicated), has come to my house to give jupiter oxygen when he was first born and had transient trychipnea (sp?), he is also the one who figured out his triggers and that it is asthma and allergies.  he has gotton my dd through plenty of illnesses, sometimes with antibiotics, sometimes with natural remedies.  the first time we had to go to the hospital (i called 911 cause he was blue) and stay the night for monitoring, the dr's there told me: 1) i was breastfeeding him too often, a 3 month old shouldn't nurse on demand, formula at night would make him sleep more. 2) babies can't have allergies to anything or asthma 3) it was reflux and zantac would fix everything 4) i was wrong that symptoms were worse and different at home! 5) they never saw him in an attack or immidiately after while still wheezy because they made us wait 7 hours before actually seeing a dr!  (and i was there with my 20 month daughter, too) funny, when on my other dr's advice i cut dairy, the reflux stopped, and the other triggers are as obvious.  get dust near him and he has an attack! we have new insurance and will be getting another opinion soon.  however, the way this clinic works i have been waiting weeks for an appointment. it's on the 1st.  so we've been going and paying out of pocket for our old dr. i have seen homeopathics work to reduce fever, also to intensify labour. i know that's anectodal, not scientific.  my understanding was they are pretty innocuous, not dangerous.  not like taking herbs as far as possible side effects or contamination goes.  don't want to take chances, though. i'll ask about the Intal.

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I can't remember exactly where, but I have read at least twice that steroids _may_ have adverse side effects on children in terms of growth.  The gist was that all the facts weren't in, but observing specialists seemed to feel that there was cause for concern. This, however, does not mean that they should not be used.  By all means try the Cromolyn first, and whatever else your MD (hopefully an asthma specialist) wants you to try.  However, the benefits of inhaled steroids, if they are necessary, are so great that any minor side effects of the drug will be worth it.  It is very possible that virtually all symptoms of the asthma will be gone--this is pretty much my case--whereas without the steroids every day is a struggle for you and your child.  It was for me until I finally broke down and tried them.  The adverse effects of inhaled steroid use are far  less dangerous and miserable than the adverse effects of uncontrolled asthma.  Steroids have been demonized by the antics of professional wrestlers and bodybuilders; and the effects have been blown completely out of proportion to reality by alamists in the media and in the criminal justice system who need to generate more general fear in the populace in order to keep their programs funded.  The steroids used by asthmatics are *not* those kinds of steroids.  Remember, cholesterol is also technically a steroid, so are some waxes. Your family and your MD will need to decide.  Good luck.

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Just a thought - you might try artificial fibers to see if there is a wool or cotton allergy.

hmmm.  could an allergy to cotton or wool show up without giving him a rash where there is contact (but be the root cause of other symptoms)?  the eczema is mainly on his legs and face/head.  i've had him in cotton diapers all along, and use wool covers at night, he does not have the rash in the diaper area so i would presume he's not allergic? I would question the competency of any doctor who prescribes homeopathics.  I suggest that you ask for a referral to a pediatric asthma specialist.

i'm not totally sold on homeo, but i am sold on this dr.  he has seen me through 2 pregnancies (his sister's complicated), has come to my house to give jupiter oxygen when he was first born and had transient trychipnea (sp?), he is also the one who figured out his triggers and that it is asthma and allergies.  he has gotton my dd through plenty of illnesses, sometimes with antibiotics, sometimes with natural remedies.  the first time we had to go to the hospital (i called 911 cause he was blue) and stay the night for monitoring, the dr's there told me: 1) i was breastfeeding him too often, a 3 month old shouldn't nurse on demand, formula at night would make him sleep more. 2) babies can't have allergies to anything or asthma 3) it was reflux and zantac would fix everything 4) i was wrong that symptoms were worse and different at home! 5) they never saw him in an attack or immidiately after while still wheezy because they made us wait 7 hours before actually seeing a dr!  (and i was there with my 20 month daughter, too) funny, when on my other dr's advice i cut dairy, the reflux stopped, and the other triggers are as obvious.  get dust near him and he has an attack! we have new insurance and will be getting another opinion soon.  however, the way this clinic works i have been waiting weeks for an appointment. it's on the 1st.  so we've been going and paying out of pocket for our old dr. i have seen homeopathics work to reduce fever, also to intensify labour.  i know that's anectodal, not scientific.  my understanding was they are pretty innocuous, not dangerous.  not like taking herbs as far as possible side effects or contamination goes.  don't want to take chances, though. i'll ask about the Intal.

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My 4 month old son, Jupiter, has asthma and eczema.  He has had breathing difficulties ever since he was born, but not serious enough to hospitalize him, thank goodness.  The asthma really picked up after he got sick with bronchitis (now recovered). It turns out we have discovered several of his triggers: dust, mold, dairy, soy, grass, tree, flower pollen.  Also, he did not test positive to cats, but I temporarily was able to move her, and he got better.   He is on Albuterol (formerly syrup, now inhaler with mask) and some homeopathics (details if you want them, i can't remember the names), and he is still having attacks at least every day, sometimes more.  I have called 911 once when he turned blue and have also taken him in to the ER twice.

Since he is having attacks every day, his asthma is undertreated and additional drugs should be prescribed. After albuterol, an anti-inflammatory drug should be given. [to treat inflammed bronchial tubes] The first one to try is Intal [cromolyn, actually comes from an Egyptian herb]; very safe and minimal side effects in most cases. To be effective, it needs to be administered by nebulizer 4x/day. Your doctor can prescribe the Intal and nebulizer. If cromolyn isn’t sufficient, the next step is steroids, preferably by inhalation rather than oral. The inhaled steroids result in a much lower dose than oral. When you go to ER, they probably give your baby oral steroids, like Prelone. Better to avoid this by properly controlling his asthma at home. Of course if his symptoms indicate, there is no choice but ER. Following is a link to the Asthma Treatment Guidelines for doctors in the US, by the Expert Panel [panel of asthma experts]. http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/guide/guidelin/comp3/… Excerpts: "Figure 3-6 illustrates the Expert Panel’s recommendations for  a stepwise approach to managing acute and chronic asthma symptoms,  regardless of the prognosis for the wheezing infant or young child. It is the opinion of the Expert Panel that, in general, infants  and young children be given daily anti-inflammatory medication. Recommendations for treating infants and young children at  different steps of care include: The patient’s response to therapy should be monitored carefully. When benefits are sustained, a step down in therapy should be attempted. If there are no clear benefits, treatment should be stopped and alternative therapies or diagnoses should be considered. Daily long-term-control therapy often begins with cromolyn or  nedocromil. When inhaled corticosteroids are introduced in step 2 care, doses may rangefrom 100 to 400 mcg/day; this  generally translates to a dose of 15 mcg/kg up to 400 mcg/day beclomethasone (Allen and Lemanske 1993).  See figure 3-5b and figure 3-5c for discussion of equivalency  among preparations. When step 3 care is required, it is the  opinion of the Expert Panel that control should be established  promptly with higher doses of inhaled corticosteroid and then therapy should be stepped downafter 2 to 3 months to  maintain control Consultation with an asthma specialist should be considered for  infants and young children requiring step 2 care; consultation  is recommended for those requiring step 3 or step 4 care." Ellis

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thanks guys, and keep it coming!  I normally use Arm & Hammer Free detergent powder.  It sounds like I should switch to a liquid?  What brand?  I already do the natural fibres thing… most stuff is cotton, and some wool, which he seems to like just fine.  I never use softener, but will try it.  What brand?

Just a thought – you might try artificial fibers to see if there is a wool or cotton allergy. The homeopathics are prescribed, but yes, we do have an appointment on the 1st to review the medical treatments, since he still needs the albuterol so much and still has some attacks.  I have seen some references to steroids being fine for babies and not having long term effects, but would like to see the actual research on that.  Anyone have links?

I would question the competency of any doctor who prescribes homeopathics.  I suggest that you ask for a referral to a pediatric asthma specialist. "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

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thanks guys, and keep it coming!  I normally use Arm & Hammer Free detergent powder.  It sounds like I should switch to a liquid?  What brand?  I

already Well, I dont think anyone can recomend a specific brand. Some people react to some brands but not others. Its very indevidual. A liquid form over a powder because powders can be dusty… do the natural fibres thing… most stuff is cotton, and some wool, which he seems to like just fine.  I never use softener, but will try it.  What brand?

if you aren’t using fabric softner then dont worry. Its one more thing that one can react to. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I heard about a special paint, forgot the name, that is available from this environmental remodeling place, but am still planning on leaving for the painting process; also, I should have been more clear.  The construction is a block away, not in the house!  I own but don’t have the money to relocate until the project is done.  I wonder if there is anything the construction workers may be able to do to lessen their impact on us?  If you have any ideas I will contact the company doing the work with them. The homeopathics are prescribed, but yes, we do have an appointment on the 1st to review the medical treatments, since he still needs the albuterol so much and still has some attacks.  I have seen some references to steroids being fine for babies and not having long term effects, but would like to see the actual research on that.  Anyone have links? Thank you, thank you!

Response:

I am doing my best to get rid of his triggers.  I replaced the carpet with wood, am removing textured wall paper, change the bed every day, change my clothes frequently, got a honewell air filter, got a hepa filter in the furnace, cleaned the furnace and ducts, changed my diet (he is breastfed), have ordered a special mattress cover, and have been cleaning more vigilantly.  He is on Albuterol (formerly syrup, now inhaler with mask) and some homeopathics (details if you want them, i can’t remember the names), and he is still having attacks at least every day, sometimes more.  I have called 911 once when he turned blue and have also taken him in to the ER twice.

1) Ask for a referral to a pediatric asthma specialist. 2) Ask your doctor about trying Intal (the asthma medication of choice for infants and small children). 3) Dump the homeopathics.  They do not do anything (this has been determined in clinical trials) and they are frequently contaminated due to poor manufacturing practices. Also, how do I make the judgement call about when it is serious?  Sometimes he’ll just get really snotty and cough (not wheeze or stop breathing all together)… should I treat that the same as a full-blown attack?  I’ve never dealt with respritory problems before, so it is hard for me to imagine what he is going through.  Any insight is appreciated.

If you think that he needs emergency medical attention, then go.  It is far better to have a ‘false alarm’ than to risk missing a real emergency. "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

thanks guys, and keep it coming!  I normally use Arm & Hammer Free detergent powder.  It sounds like I should switch to a liquid?  What brand?  I already do the natural fibres thing… most stuff is cotton, and some wool, which he seems to like just fine.  I never use softener, but will try it.  What brand? I heard about a special paint, forgot the name, that is available from this environmental remodeling place, but am still planning on leaving for the painting process; also, I should have been more clear.  The construction is a block away, not in the house!  I own but don’t have the money to relocate until the project is done.  I wonder if there is anything the construction workers may be able to do to lessen their impact on us?  If you have any ideas I will contact the company doing the work with them. The homeopathics are prescribed, but yes, we do have an appointment on the 1st to review the medical treatments, since he still needs the albuterol so much and still has some attacks.  I have seen some references to steroids being fine for babies and not having long term effects, but would like to see the actual research on that.  Anyone have links? Thank you, thank you!

Response:

Hi, I’m new here, so I apologize if all my questions have already been discussed. My 4 month old son, Jupiter, has asthma and eczema.  He has had breathing difficulties ever since he was born, but not serious enough to hospitalize him, thank goodness.  The asthma really picked up after he got sick with bronchitis (now recovered). It turns out we have discovered several of his triggers: dust, mold, dairy, soy, grass, tree, flower pollen.  Also, he

did What componant(s) of the dust specificly??? beside mold spores and flower pollen?? Which flower pollens?? Which grass pollens???All/some not test positive to cats, but I temporarily was able to move her, and he got better.  I’m now looking for a new home for her.

Wish I could help, but we have a coyote lerking about and cant keep cats in the house (the barn and outher out buildings okay) I am doing my best to get rid of his triggers.  I replaced the carpet with wood, am removing textured wall paper, change the bed every day, change my

When you strip the wall paper do it when you can have him outside of the home the entire time and for a few hours afterwards. The removal process puts dust and glue particals into the air. Additionaly, the paint (if you are painting) or the glue from the new wallpaper give of chemical fumes. You need to make certain that the room is blocked from the rest of the house and very well vented during the drying process. Dont take him near the room untill it is compleatly cured. clothes frequently, got a honewell air filter, got a hepa filter in the furnace, cleaned the furnace and ducts, changed my diet (he is breastfed), have ordered a special mattress cover, and have been cleaning more vigilantly.  He is on Albuterol (formerly syrup, now inhaler with mask) and some homeopathics (details if you want them, i can’t remember the names),

I would remove the homeopathics unless/untill cleared by your doctor. Check to see if hes been tested agenst the ingrediants. A mild, non-carbonated caffeenated beverage is going to be your best bet for mild attacks at this point. and he is still having attacks at least every day, sometimes more.  I have called 911 once when he turned blue and have also taken him in to the ER twice. What can I do to make him better?  Any tips for cleaning and laundry that will make keeping dust down easier?  There is construction going on around

A filtering vacume, wash serfaces instead of dusting. Try difrint deturgant and fabric softner (try useing a liquid over a powder) our house and I am having a real problem with it.  Any tips for keeping dust out of the car?  He almost always has an attack when we go driving.

See about a small dust mask for him to wear going out.. Also, how do I make the judgement call about when it is serious? Sometimes he’ll just get really snotty and cough (not wheeze or stop breathing all together)… should I treat that the same as a full-blown attack?  I’ve

I dont myself. Mild attacks are a good place for caffeen over the stronger meds. Over using a medication can reduce efficancy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – never dealt with respritory problems before, so it is hard for me to imagine what he is going through.  Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!!!

Response:

Hi, I’m new here, so I apologize if all my questions have already been discussed.

is OK…there will always be new people who haven’t seen the discussion before – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My 4 month old son, Jupiter, has asthma and eczema.  He has had breathing difficulties ever since he was born, but not serious enough to hospitalize him, thank goodness.  The asthma really picked up after he got sick with bronchitis (now recovered). It turns out we have discovered several of his triggers: dust, mold, dairy, soy, grass, tree, flower pollen.  Also, he did not test positive to cats, but I temporarily was able to move her, and he got better.  I’m now looking for a new home for her. I am doing my best to get rid of his triggers.  I replaced the carpet with wood, am removing textured wall paper, change the bed every day, change my clothes frequently, got a honewell air filter, got a hepa filter in the furnace, cleaned the furnace and ducts, changed my diet (he is breastfed), have ordered a special mattress cover, and have been cleaning more vigilantly.  He is on Albuterol (formerly syrup, now inhaler with mask) and some homeopathics (details if you want them, i can’t remember the names), and he is still having attacks at least every day, sometimes more.  I have called 911 once when he turned blue and have also taken him in to the ER twice.

I’m impressed…with that level of effort going in to it he’s going to be OK What can I do to make him better?  Any tips for cleaning and laundry that will make keeping dust down easier?  There is construction going on around our house and I am having a real problem with it.  Any tips for keeping dust out of the car?  He almost always has an attack when we go driving.

that’s always been something that hits me…car journeys are simply a pain in the neck…things that help are the car being "aired" by leaving the windows open for a  while before I get in (not often possible)…and keeping the window open whilst driving I’ll leave some of the others on the group to do the asthma tips, they are better at it that I am…but for eczema don’t EVER use biological washing powders…never use artificial fibres next to his skin and try to avoid using them at all, they don’t absorb sweat properly and in general feel "itchier"…yeah, I know, that means having to wash cotton sheets the hard way…but it really is worth the extra effort moisturise…lots don’t use soap…get your doctor to give you the specs for an emulsifying ointment and an aqueous cream…both are pretty cheap…use the emulsifying ointment on him instead of soap, use the aqueous cream to moisturise and before and after bathing if he’s itchy Also, how do I make the judgement call about when it is serious?  Sometimes he’ll just get really snotty and cough (not wheeze or stop breathing all together)… should I treat that the same as a full-blown attack?  I’ve never dealt with respritory problems before, so it is hard for me to imagine what he is going through.  Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!!!

I would guess at his age any breathing difficulty is serious one other tip…my mother got into the way of rubbing my back in time with her breathing when I had an attack as a child…it helped then…when I had a serious attack whilst vi sting relative in my early twenties it quite probably saved my life…it kept me breathing long after I would otherwise have given up HTH it’s serious…but as serious health problems go it’s not too bad…asthma and eczema are survivable…and don’t stop one having a full and active life if well controlled sounds like you are doing amazingly well in the circumstances, keep up the good work — eric "the alternative to seeing things in black and white is to see them in full colour"

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My 4 month old son, Jupiter, has asthma and eczema.  He has had breathing difficulties ever since he was born, but not serious enough to hospitalize him, thank goodness.  The asthma really picked up after he got sick with bronchitis (now recovered). It turns out we have discovered several of his triggers: dust, mold, dairy, soy, grass, tree, flower pollen.  Also, he did not test positive to cats, but I temporarily was able to move her, and he got better.  I’m now looking for a new home for her. I am doing my best to get rid of his triggers.  I replaced the carpet with wood, am removing textured wall paper, change the bed every day, change my clothes frequently, got a honewell air filter, got a hepa filter in the furnace, cleaned the furnace and ducts, changed my diet (he is breastfed), have ordered a special mattress cover, and have been cleaning more vigilantly.  He is on Albuterol (formerly syrup, now inhaler with mask) and some homeopathics (details if you want them, i can’t remember the names), and he is still having attacks at least every day, sometimes more.  I have called 911 once when he turned blue and have also taken him in to the ER twice. What can I do to make him better?  Any tips for cleaning and laundry that will make keeping dust down easier?  There is construction going on around our house and I am having a real problem with it.  Any tips for keeping dust out of the car?  He almost always has an attack when we go driving. Also, how do I make the judgement call about when it is serious?  Sometimes he’ll just get really snotty and cough (not wheeze or stop breathing all together)… should I treat that the same as a full-blown attack?  I’ve never dealt with respritory problems before, so it is hard for me to imagine what he is going through.  Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!!!

Allergic asthma and ezcema often go together. You need to minimize his exposure to potential allergens, and irritants like dust or air pollution, also cold dry air. He should not be in a construction area, where all kinds of dust andwallboard dust and solvents, etc are polluting the air. In the car be careful not to have the blower on hi, it blows around the dust, and drys out the air, which is hard on lungs. Of course vacuum the car. Homeopathics should not be used for asthma, especially on a baby. They are ineffective and can be dangerous. You should be referred to a pediatric allergist; it sounds like he is undertreated and needs to have long acting preventor drugs prescribed; typically a steroid inhaler. Budesonide is now available for the nebulizer. Flovent could be adminstered thru a AeroChamber spacer and mask. For symptoms of severe attack, see: http://www.ama-assn.org/aps/asthma/infant.htm  What If Your Infant Has Asthma? JAMA Excerpt: "Watch your infant closely for signs to seek emergency care. These signs include: Breathing rate increases (to over 40 breaths per minute while the infant is sleeping). Count the number of breaths in 15 seconds and multiply by 4. Suckling or feeding stops, or becomes difficult. Skin between your infant’s ribs is pulled tight. Chest gets bigger. Coloring changes (pale or red face; fingernails turn blue). Cry changes in qualitybecomes softer and shorter. Nostrils open wider (nasal flaring). Grunting. Be prepared. Do not wait until the last minute to learn how to handle an emergency. Have an asthma action plan that includes how you’ll get to your physician or hospital and who will watch your other children. " Ellis

Response:

Hi, I’m new here, so I apologize if all my questions have already been discussed. My 4 month old son, Jupiter, has asthma and eczema.  He has had breathing difficulties ever since he was born, but not serious enough to hospitalize him, thank goodness.  The asthma really picked up after he got sick with bronchitis (now recovered). It turns out we have discovered several of his triggers: dust, mold, dairy, soy, grass, tree, flower pollen.  Also, he did not test positive to cats, but I temporarily was able to move her, and he got better.  I’m now looking for a new home for her. I am doing my best to get rid of his triggers.  I replaced the carpet with wood, am removing textured wall paper, change the bed every day, change my clothes frequently, got a honewell air filter, got a hepa filter in the furnace, cleaned the furnace and ducts, changed my diet (he is breastfed), have ordered a special mattress cover, and have been cleaning more vigilantly.  He is on Albuterol (formerly syrup, now inhaler with mask) and some homeopathics (details if you want them, i can’t remember the names), and he is still having attacks at least every day, sometimes more.  I have called 911 once when he turned blue and have also taken him in to the ER twice. What can I do to make him better?  Any tips for cleaning and laundry that will make keeping dust down easier?  There is construction going on around our house and I am having a real problem with it.  Any tips for keeping dust out of the car?  He almost always has an attack when we go driving. Also, how do I make the judgement call about when it is serious?  Sometimes he’ll just get really snotty and cough (not wheeze or stop breathing all together)… should I treat that the same as a full-blown attack?  I’ve never dealt with respritory problems before, so it is hard for me to imagine what he is going through.  Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!!!

Response:

Question:

These questionnaires are part of a research project being carried out by the Psychology Department at The University of Sheffield, UK.  The study is investigating asthma, health and patients quality of life. Please contact Josephine Bird (details below) for further information. The completed questionnaire can be emailed to

I would ask you to post your privacy policy before anybody responds. In order to get valid results you are going to have to keep track of our email addresses (if for no other reasons to ensure that you only count each response once).  Since you will have to do this, it would be appropriate for you to provide some guarantee that this information will be kept confidential. "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

These questionnaires are part of a research project being carried out by the Psychology Department at The University of Sheffield, UK.  The study is investigating asthma, health and patients quality of life. Please contact Josephine Bird (details below) for further information. The completed questionnaire can be emailed to or printed out and posted to JOSEPHINE BIRD The Department of Psychology The University of Sheffield Sheffield South Yorkshire S3 7RH UK THANK YOU for the time given in completing these questionnaires! Please Complete The Appropriate Questionnaire IF: GENERAL QUESTIONNAIRE concerning the quality of Asthma Web Sites.  This can be completed by both Adult Asthma Sufferers and Caregivers. QUESTIONNAIRE A) You are an adult suffering from asthma QUESTIONNAIRE B) You are the parent/caregiver of a child suffering from asthma GENERAL QUESTIONNAIRE: Please indicate the most appropriate answer: 1).  AGE (years) 2).  SEX male (1)  /female (2) 3).  SEVERITY OF ASTHMA mild (1) / moderate (2) / severe (3) MILD (frequency: up to twice a week, controlled by inhaled short acting beta-agonist during acute attack) MODERATE (frequency: more than twice a week, controlled by inhaled beta-agonist and inhaled steroid, cromolyn sodium or nedocromil.  If symptoms persist, inhaled steroid may be increased or an oral beta-agonist or steroid may be used) SEVERE (frequency: continuous, occasional hospitalisation, controlled by inhaled or oral beta-agonist steroid.  Cromolyn sodium given for nighttime symptoms) 4).  DO YOU SMOKE? yes (1) / no (2) *** Views of internet web sites concerning asthma: 5).  ROUGHLY HOW MANY WEB SITES CONCERNED WITH ASTHMA HAVE YOU LOOKED AT? 6).  DO YOU USE ONE PARTICULAR WEB SITE?  (IF YES, PLEASE GIVE WEB ADDRESS IF KNOWN) 7).  HOW MANY HOURS PER WEEK DO YOU TYPICALLY SPEND ON WEB SITES CONCERNING ASTHMA? 8).  DO YOU DISCUSS YOUR ASTHMA WITH OTHERS VIA ON-LINE SUPPORT GROUPS? (PLEASE GIVE WEB ADDRESS). 9).  IF YES TO Q7, HOW MANY HOURS PER WEEK DO YOU TYPICALLY SPEND TALKING TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA VIA SUPPORT GROUPS?   *** Please rate the web sites that you have looked at according to their: 10).  ACCESSIBILITY Very useful (1) / quite useful (2) / somewhat useful (3) / not very useful (4) / not at all useful (5) 11).  THE USE OF ACCURATE INFORMATION AND ADVICE Very useful (1) / quite useful (2) / somewhat useful (3) / not very useful (4) / not at all useful (5) 12). THE USEFULNESS OF THE INFORMATION GIVEN: Very useful (1) / quite useful (2) / somewhat useful (3) / not very useful (4) / not at all useful (5) 13). IF YOU DISCUSS YOUR ASTHMA WITH OTHERS VIA ON-LINE SUPPORT GROUPS DO YOU FIND THIS USEFUL: Very useful (1) / quite useful (2) / somewhat useful (3) / not very useful (4) / not at all useful (5) 14). IN GENERAL, DO YOU FIND SELF HELP LEAFLETS AS USEFUL AS INTERNET WEB SITES? Much more useful (1) / more useful (2) / roughly the same (3) / less useful (4) / much less useful (5) THANK YOU FOR COMPLETING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE! QUESTIONNAIRE A):  Complete if you are an adult suffering from asthma *** Please indicate the most appropriate answer: *** Activities (please answer all questions) We should like you to think of the ways in which asthma limits you life.  We are particularly interested in activities that you still do, but which are limited by your asthma.  You may be limited because you do these activities less often, or less well, or because they are less enjoyable.  These should be activities which you do frequently and which are important in your day-to-day life.   Please think of all the activities which you have done during the last 2 weeks, in which you were limited as a result of your asthma. Here is a list of activities in which some people with asthma are limited.  We hope that this will help you identify the 5 most important activities in which you have been limited by your asthma during the last two weeks. 1. Bicycling 2. Cleaning snow off your car 3. Dancing 4. Doing home maintenance 5. Doing your housework 6. Gardening 7. Hurrying 8. Jogging or exercising or running 9. Laughing 10. Mopping or scrubbing the floor 11. Mowing the lawn 12. Playing with pets 13. Playing with the children or grandchildren 14. Playing sports 15. Shovelling snow 16. Singing 17. Doing regular social activities 18. Sexual activities 19. Sleeping 20. Talking 21. Running upstairs or uphill 22. Vacuuming 23. Visiting friends or relatives   24. Going for a walk 25. Walking upstairs or uphill 26. Woodwork or carpentry 27. Carrying out your activities at work 1.)  PLEASE WRITE YOUR 5 MOST IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES ON THE LINES BELOW AND THEN TELL US HOW MUCH YOU HAVE BEEN LIMITED BY YOUR ASTHMA IN EACH ACTIVITY DURING WITH THE APPROPRIATE RATING. totally limited (1) / extremely limited (2) / very limited (3) / moderately limited (4) / some limitation (5) / a little limitation (6) / not limited at all (7) a. b. c. d. e. 2.)  HOW MUCH DISCOMFORT OR DISTRESS HAVE YOU FELT OVER THE LAST 2 WEEKS AS A RESULT OF ‘CHEST TIGHTNESS’? A very great deal (1) / a great deal (2) / a good deal (3) / a moderate amount (4) / some (5) / very little (6) / none (7) *** In general, how much of the time during the last 2 weeks did you: 3.)  FEEL CONCERNED ABOUT HAVING ASTHMA? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 4.)  FEEL SHORT OF BREATH AS A RESULT OF YOUR ASTHMA? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 5).  EXPERIENCE ASTHMA SYMPTOMS AS A RESULT OF BEING EXPOSED TO CIGARETTE SMOKE? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 6).  EXPERIENCE A WHEEZE IN YOUR CHEST? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 7).  FEEL YOU HAD TO AVOID A SITUATION OR ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE OF CIGARETTE SMOKE? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 8).  HOW MUCH DISCOMFORT OR DISTRESS HAVE YOU FELT OVER THE LAST 2 WEEKS AS A RESULT OF ‘COUGHING’? A very great deal (1) / a great deal (2) / a good deal (3) / a moderate amount (4) / some (5) / very little (6) / none (7) *** In general, how much of the time during the last 2 weeks did you: 9).  FEEL FRUSTRATED AS A RESULT OF YOUR ASTHMA? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 10).  EXPERIENCE A FEELING OF CHEST HEAVINESS? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 11).  FEEL CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEED TO USE MEDICATION FOR YOUR ASTHMA? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 12).  FEEL THE NEED TO CLEAR YOUR THROAT? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 13).  EXPERIENCE ASTHMA SYMPTOMS AS A RESULT OF BEING EXPOSED TO DUST? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 14).  EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY BREATHING OUT AS A RESULT OF YOUR ASTHMA? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 15).  FEEL THAT YOU HAD TO AVOID A SITUATION OR ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE OF DUST? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 16).  WAKE UP IN THE MORNING WITH ASTHMA SYMPTOMS? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 17).  FEEL AFRAID OF NOT HAVING YOUR ASTHMA MEDICATION AVAILABLE? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 18).  FEEL BOTHERED BY HEAVY BREATHING? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 19).  EXPERIENCE ASTHMA SYMPTOMS AS A RESULT OF THE WEATHER OR AIR POLLUTION OUTSIDE? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 20).  WERE YOU WOKEN AT NIGHT BY YOUR ASTHMA? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the time (5) / hardly any of the time (6) / none of the time (7) 21).  AVOID OR LIMIT GOING OUTSIDE BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER OR AIR POLLUTION? All of the time (1) / most of the time (2) / a good bit of the time (3) / some of the time (4) / a little of the … read more »

Response:

Question:

Yes, Flovent is an inhaled steroid but Intal is not.  It’s interesting that you brought up the cataract issue.  I just saw my doctor for a follow-up on my asthma and mentioned that there is a small chance of the Flovent causing cataracts.  Just to be on the safe side he is going to give me a referral every year to be seen by an opthalmologist.

Response:

other people on this ng probably have other sources of info that they would be willing to share)

I recently had a cataract removed and my eye doctor informed me that it was probably due to the inhaled steroids that I was using.

Response:

Intal is not considered to be a steroid. it is a mast cell stablizer. (helps prevent the cells in the lungs from reacting to an allergen) Flovent is a synthetic glucocorticoid (steroid hormone)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I saw an article in the NY Times linking steroid inhalers with cataracts.  Does anyone know if Intal or Flovent is considered a steroid inhaler? I assume that you are using these two inhalers.  So… Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you really should know what you’re inhaling (if your doc didn’t explain things to you, then make sure you make it clear that you want to know more about your drugs in the future).  I went through a similar discussion with my aunt, who thought that flovent was not a form of steroid.  So, pardon me while I relive some memories.  Flovent is an inhaled form of a type of steroid.  I don’t know about Intal, since I’ve never used it, and therefore have never had an inclination to find out anything about it. If you want to read the manufacturer’s information on flovent, at least, you can check out their web page.  For Canada and I assume the U.S. (since this is an American-based company), the Glaxo Wellcome home page has some info, and yes they do mention something about cataracts. (other people on this ng probably have other sources of info that they would be willing to share) Vicky P.S. Did this article mention any studies that were done?  Just curious.

Response:

Cool!  Thanks for the article.  I liked the part at the end, where they suggest that not smoking could be a way to reduce the risk of getting cataracts.  That part made me laugh.  ;-)  I would think that cataracts would be the least of a smoking asthmatic’s worries… Vicky (I just recently watched The Insider, and I LOVED the fact that they never once smoked a cigarrette in that entire movie.  I absolutely love anti-smoking movies.)

Response:

Does anyone know if Intal or Flovent is considered a steroid inhaler?

Flovent is a steroid inhaler. Intal is not. Joan

Response:

I saw an article in the NY Times linking steroid inhalers with cataracts.  Does anyone know if Intal or Flovent is considered a steroid inhaler?

I assume that you are using these two inhalers.  So… Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you really should know what you’re inhaling (if your doc didn’t explain things to you, then make sure you make it clear that you want to know more about your drugs in the future).  I went through a similar discussion with my aunt, who thought that flovent was not a form of steroid.  So, pardon me while I relive some memories.  Flovent is an inhaled form of a type of steroid.  I don’t know about Intal, since I’ve never used it, and therefore have never had an inclination to find out anything about it. If you want to read the manufacturer’s information on flovent, at least, you can check out their web page.  For Canada and I assume the U.S. (since this is an American-based company), the Glaxo Wellcome home page has some info, and yes they do mention something about cataracts. (other people on this ng probably have other sources of info that they would be willing to share) Vicky P.S. Did this article mention any studies that were done?  Just curious.

Response:

Vicky P.S. Did this article mention any studies that were done?  Just curious.

Vicky, Actually, the article I have is from ‘97.  I’d be interested if there have been follow-up studies, but have not come across anything. My doctor told me that if I wanted to use just one (when my allergies are not that bad) he said to use Intal as it doesn’t have any known side effects and is the safest thing he’s seen so far… Here is the article from the NY Times: Inhaled Steroids for Asthma May Cause Cataracts, Study Hints By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG Over the last decade, inhaled steroids have become a mainstay of medical treatment for asthma. Each day, thousands of asthmatics, many of them children, breathe in these synthetic hormones; doctors favor them over oral steroids, which are known to cause cataracts. Now, a study by a group of Australian researchers, appearing in Thursday’s New England Journal of Medicine, casts doubt on the safety of inhaled steroids, suggesting for the first time that they, too, might cause cataracts. ”This is surprising and concerning,” said Dr. Stanley Szefler, an asthma expert at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver. ”Our previous literature did not suggest this sort of problem.” The study, which examined the prevalence of cataracts only in adults who used inhaled steroids, contradicted a previous smaller study. Experts were quick to warn, however, that asthma patients should not stop using the inhalers, which are extremely effective in reducing the airway inflammation that can lead to fatal asthma attacks. Rather, they said, doctors should monitor their patients more closely, checking their eyes as frequently as they listen to their chests, and refer patients to eye specialists if necessary. ”For the vast majority of patients, the risks of stopping steroids would greatly outweigh any lessening in the long-term risk of developing cataracts,” said Dr. Daniel Rotrosen, chief of the asthma, allergy and immunology branch at the National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Diseases. ”Based on this study, physicians should now monitor patients taking inhaled steroids to look carefully for the earliest signs that they might be developing cataracts.” The findings stem from a large-scale study of vision and common eye diseases in an urban area of the Blue Mountains, near Sydney. Dr. Robert G. Cumming and his colleagues at the University of Sydney recruited 3,654 adults, 49 to 97 years old; about 10 percent, or 370, of the participants reported using steroid inhalers. The researchers found that those who had used the inhalers had a 50 percent higher-than-average risk of developing a cataract in which a central part of the lens is clouded, called a nuclear cataract, and a 90 percent greater risk of developing a more serious but less frequent cataract that affects the back of the lens, called a posterior subcapsular cataract. But the study had certain limitations; because it was an epidemiological analysis, it established only an association between steroids and cataracts, rather than demonstrating cause and effect. Experts say more research is needed to determine, among other things, at what doses inhaled steroids might pose a risk. The study comes on the heels of another finding about steroid inhalers. In March, The Journal of the American Medical Association published a report that said high doses of the drugs might increase the risk of glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness. For many of the 14 million Americans, including 4.8 million children, who suffer from asthma, inhalers have become a daily fact of life, a fact that is not likely to change. Deaths from asthma have nearly doubled since 1979, jumping from 2,598 to 5,167 in 1993, according to the American Lung Association. Given that trend, doctors have moved aggressively in recent years to treat the illness. Before inhaled steroids were available, asthma was commonly treated with oral steroids, given in tablets. Inhalers were viewed as an improvement because they ushered the medication directly to the lungs, rather than into the blood stream. Studies have found that the inhalers have greatly improved the outlook for asthma patients, cutting down on both emergency-room visits and hospitalizations. In 1991, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute put its imprimatur on their use; the number of prescriptions has increased tremendously since then, from 2.8 million prescriptions in 1990 to 5.25 million in 1995, according to industry trade data. Previous studies have found no link between inhaled steroids and cataracts in children. But experts have been concerned that the drugs might stunt a child’s growth. As a result, the heart and lung institute this year revisited the question of the use of the inhalers. In February, an expert panel concluded that, because asthma itself can slow a child’s growth, inhaled steroids could be considered safe for children older than 5. For those children the experts issued the same recommendations as for adults: inhaled steroids should be the first course of treatment for patients with moderate to severe asthma. Inhaled steroids are not recommended for patients with the mildest form of asthma, who account for about half of all asthma patients. For children younger than 5 with severe asthma, the panel recommended doctors begin treatment with drugs other than steroids. But many doctors have been prescribing the inhalers more frequently than those guidelines would suggest, based on the belief that by treating the disease aggressively early could prevent it from growing worse. This has been especially true children, said Dr. Fernando Martinez, professor of pediatrics at the University of Arizona and a member of the expert panel. Dr. Martinez said he hoped the cataract study would prompt doctors to act more cautiously. ”Based on the data in adults, doctors have increasingly believed that we should start using these inhaled steroids earlier and earlier because perhaps we could change the natural course of the disease,” he said. ”My fear is that we don’t yet know what the safety profile is for these medicines.” Advice on Ending Use of an Inhaler Patients who are taking any kind of asthma medication, including inhaled steroids, should not stop without first consulting a doctor. Suddenly stopping the use of an inhaler can be very dangerous. Inhaled steroids make up just one of several classes of inhaled asthma medication; some others are beta-adrenergic bronchodilators like albuterol, sold as Ventolin and Proventil, and several others; other airway dilators like theophylline, sold as Slo-Bid, Theo-Dur and Theo- Lair, and anti-inflammatories like cromolyn sodium, sold as Intal. Common inhaled steroids are triamcinolone acetonide, sold as Azmacort; budesonide, sold as Pulmicort; flunisolide, sold as Aerobid; beclomethasone dipropionate, sold as Beclovent and Vanceril; dexamethasonesodium phosphate, sold as Dexacort, and fluticasone propionate, sold as Flovent. People who use inhaled steroids can also try to reduce risks of eye damage by not smoking; protecting eyes from sunlight; taking a daily multivitamin supplement, and eating at least three servings of fruits and green leafy vegetables daily. Sincerely, Brendan Kinney | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * Breathe The Journal on Asthma A biweekly e-mail newsletter about asthma, including the latest on research and medical news, personal stories, reviews, and resources on treating and managing asthma. To subscribe visit http://breathenewsletter.listbot.com/ To submit articles, news, or your personal story e-mail Visit the Breathe web site at http://memebers.tripod.com/brendankinney/asthma.htm | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * Before you buy.

Response:

Hello: I have asthma that is typically induced by allergies. In meeting with my doctor he said that I should try Intal in conjunction with Flovent. So far things seem to be going well…rarely felt a wheeze in the past two months. I saw an article in the NY Times linking steroid inhalers with cataracts.  Does anyone know if Intal or Flovent is considered a steroid inhaler? Sincerely, Brendan Kinney | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | Breathe The Journal on Asthma A biweekly e-mail newsletter about asthma, including the latest on research and medical news, personal stories, reviews, and resources on treating and managing asthma. To subscribe visit http://breathenewsletter.listbot.com/ To submit articles, news, or your personal story e-mail Visit the Breathe web site at http://memebers.tripod.com/brendankinney/asthma.htm | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | * | Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Medicines to be taken on scheduled doses would be different. In that situation the doctor and parent are deciding when to take them and the school is just holding them, not participating in the decision to use them. Also, while the situation may seem urgent while an ADD kid is in the process of bouncing off the walls, it really cannot be seen as an unexpected emergency. — CBI, M.D. Please note: It is impossible to accurately diagnose medical problems without seeing the patient and reviewing the entire history. These posts are intended to be helpful and informative. Always check with your doctor before following any advice given.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I would never do anything to impede a students access to the inhaler or any other medicine because medication is never brought into my classroom. if remove it from his pocket, or caomand that this be done, and store the medicine in a remote location then you have impeded his access to it. If you create a situation where the child must get your attention, and the attention of the class, and ask to leave the class instead of just taking a few puffs in his seat then you havealso  impeded his access to it. I would just simply call the parent and request the parent have the child’s doctor send a note to school.  I do occasionally use some common sense when dealing with my students.  If a child brings Ritalin to my room, then I will always take the medication from the student.  If it’s a cough drop, I just tell them next time they need to give it to the front office.  I would simply remind them of the rules.  It’s easier to just remind the student of the rules and continue teaching. If a physican wants a child to carry his inhaler with them at all times, then the physican would only need to write the parent a note stating this.  I would hope thatthat would be sufficient. So would I. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. I think that is a shame.  I don’t personally know of that ever happening, but I am sure it has. The school would be liable if something happened to the asthmatic student.  My child carried his inhaler on his person.  If the school tried to tell me other wise, then the school would have had to talk with my attorney. and having untrained teachers and secretaries administer the drugs (Shouldn’t you have an RN do that? Is there a difference between merely handing the child a drug and administering it in the nursing sense? If yes, what is it?) It would be great to have an RN dispense medications at school, but very unrealistic.  After all, who would help you in your practice if schools employed all the RNs.  Maybe the schools could use CNA’s instead.  I guess I could write that all asthmatics need to have their meds given to them by an RN in the student’s 504 plan. Surely the school cannot expect you to search them every day. Teachers are not allowed to search students. Pam

Response:

ng.net… if remove it from his pocket, or caomand that this be done, English translation: If you remove it from his pocket, or command that this be done, Sometimes I speak in tongues. I still haven’t decided if this is a reflection of my saintliness or the alternative. This is not a call for an open discussion of the topic. Besides, if you are right is it really a good idea to tick me off? CBI

Coward…I think it would be a very fun and interesting topic…I’m sure this is one argument I would win. Pam

Response:

You might win the battle but would you be winning the war? — CBI, M.D. Please note: It is impossible to accurately diagnose medical problems without seeing the patient and reviewing the entire history. These posts are intended to be helpful and informative. Always check with your doctor before following any advice given.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sometimes I speak in tongues. I still haven’t decided if this is a reflection of my saintliness or the alternative. This is not a call for an open discussion of the topic. Besides, if you are right is it really a good idea to tick me off? CBI Coward…This could prove to be a very interesting topic and I KNOW I would win this argument. Pam

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English translation: If you remove it from his pocket, or command that this be done, Sometimes I speak in tongues. I still haven’t decided if this is a reflection of my saintliness or the alternative. This is not a call for an open discussion of the topic. Besides, if you are right is it really a good idea to tick me off? CBI

LMAO Pam

Response:

Sometimes I speak in tongues. I still haven’t decided if this is a reflection of my saintliness or the alternative. This is not a call for an open discussion of the topic. Besides, if you are right is it really a good idea to tick me off? CBI

Coward…This could prove to be a very interesting topic and I KNOW I would win this argument. Pam

Response:

 I would never do anything to impede a students access to the inhaler or any other medicine because medication is never brought into my classroom. if remove it from his pocket, or caomand that this be done, and store the medicine in a remote location then you have impeded his access to it. If you create a situation where the child must get your attention, and the attention of the class, and ask to leave the class instead of just taking a few puffs in his seat then you havealso  impeded his access to it.

I would just simply call the parent and request the parent have the child’s doctor send a note to school.  I do occasionally use some common sense when dealing with my students.  If a child brings Ritalin to my room, then I will always take the medication from the student.  If it’s a cough drop, I just tell them next time they need to give it to the front office.  I would simply remind them of the rules.  It’s easier to just remind the student of the rules and continue teaching. If a physican wants a child to carry his inhaler with them at all times, then

the physican would only need to write the parent a note stating this.  I would hope thatthat would be sufficient. So would I. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

I think that is a shame.  I don’t personally know of that ever happening, but I am sure it has. The school would be liable if something happened to the asthmatic student.  My child carried his inhaler on his person.  If the school tried to tell me other wise, then the school would have had to talk with my attorney. and having untrained teachers and secretaries administer the drugs (Shouldn’t you have an RN do that? Is there a difference between merely handing the child a drug and administering it in the nursing sense? If yes, what is it?)

It would be great to have an RN dispense medications at school, but very unrealistic.  After all, who would help you in your practice if schools employed all the RNs.  Maybe the schools could use CNA’s instead.  I guess I could write that all asthmatics need to have their meds given to them by an RN in the student’s 504 plan. Surely the school cannot expect you to search them every day.

Teachers are not allowed to search students.   Pam

Response:

Very good and thorough response.

Response:

ou dont need any kind of "action plan" that could possibly label a child disabled (which I never considered myself until now, and even now I hate that word).  All you need are a couple of good friends who can bring home your books and a teacher who will make sure to give them the homework for that day. Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Every student in school is different.  I am not willing to say that no student should ever be put on a 504 plan.  I hear many people say " That wasn’t how we did it in when I was in school twenty years ago"  Schools do change over time. This is what we are trying to avoid in the first place.  You said the teachers for the "most" part were very good.  That’s not good enough.  All teachers should be very cooperative when helping the asthmatic make up homework.   The teachers for the most part were very good about giving me help if I didnt understand the homework.  Basically, I battled my way through school, until albuterol came and saved the day (so to speak).

Any child with any health issue is eligible for the 504 plan. It is used to insure that students are successful in school. If the parent chooses not to put their child on the plan then that is completely up to them.   The school is only using the 504 plan to make sure all students have the opportunity to be successful. I had my child on one due to frequent absences.  He is not considered disabled at school.  In fact, he is in gifted and talented classes and very involved in sports. I am glad I had the plan in place when he was in second grade and I couldn’t even get his 2nd grade teacher to send home his text books.  It was a protection for my son. Pam

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -When a team meets to discuss a 504 plan, the first thing we address is how  has the child’s health impacted the educational performance. If the child is in danger of falling behind, then a 504 plan is written to ensure that the child is successful in school.  I guess the only other option is to ignore the childs health issues and let the child continue without valuable modifications such as extra time to complete assignments, peer tutoring, copies of teachers notes when the child misses school, etc…of course without these modification the child may fall behind accdemically. After all, frequent school absences can cause learning disabilities. The 504 plan is only used as a means for the protection of a child.  It forces teachers to make modifications for children with health problems. Believe me, there are teachers who would rather not make modifications. I had my son on a 504 plan due to his asthma and I am very glad I did.  When he was in second grade, he had the teacher from hell. We wanted a simple modification of having a set of classroom books for home use due to frequent absences. The teacher refused and said she did not make those kind of modifications. She also said she did not want him working ahead

Hiya – I have posted to this issue before.  As I have said, albuterol inhalers weren’t available until I was in the 6th grade (around 1980-81).  Before that, there were really no "rescue" medications that I knew of, other than some primative inhalers that I used (and hated – remember that crush the pill one???) and that had little effect. The point of my little story is that before the rescue inhalers, there were no "plans" to help me in school.  I wheezed.  A LOT. I made sure that I had friends who brought home whatever books I needed for that days homework, and when I was absent for more than a couple of days, I ended up having most of my books home to do my homework.  The teachers for the most part were very good about giving me help if I didnt understand the homework.  Basically, I battled my way through school, until albuterol came and saved the day (so to speak). You dont need any kind of "action plan" that could possibly label a child disabled (which I never considered myself until now, and even now I hate that word).  All you need are a couple of good friends who can bring home your books and a teacher who will make sure to give them the homework for that day. Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

Response:

if remove it from his pocket, or caomand that this be done,

English translation: If you remove it from his pocket, or command that this be done, Sometimes I speak in tongues. I still haven’t decided if this is a reflection of my saintliness or the alternative. This is not a call for an open discussion of the topic. Besides, if you are right is it really a good idea to tick me off? CBI

Response:

A mild to moerate asthmatic who’s symptoms are well controlled with an as needed puff is not disabled, unless something in the school or work environment is exacerbating the asthma.

If the asthma has a significant impact on the educational performance of the student, then that student does have a disability as far as the educational system is concerned. If the plan says that the child should have his inhaler as needed, and you do anything to impede his access to it like lock it away on the other side of the school, you have changed the plan.

I would never do anything to impede a students access to the inhaler or any other medicine because medication is never brought into my classroom.  Some school districts even require parents to bring prescription medications to school rather than the student. If a physican wants a child to carry his inhaler with them at all times, then the physican would only need to write the parent a note stating this.  I would hope thatthat would be sufficient. Unfortunately, I have no say in the matter. You do have some say, just not the final say.

Well I guess I could have some say in the matter, but I would look pretty damn stupid telling the school board attorney what to do.  Not only that…I don’t think I would keep my job very long. Schools, and most large organizations, have many silly rules. That doesn’t mean we should just ignore them and not say anything.

I have other battles I am fighting with adminstration….asthma medication just dosen’t fall under that category. But what if the child is not disabled? But what if the child is not disabled?

If the child is not disabled, then it will not come to my attention anyway.  I am thinking in terms of educational performance not physical impairments or disabilities.  When a team meets to discuss a 504 plan, the first thing we address is how  has the child’s health impacted the educational performance. If the child is in danger of falling behind, then a 504 plan is written to ensure that the child is successful in school.  I guess the only other option is to ignore the childs health issues and let the child continue without valuable modifications such as extra time to complete assignments, peer tutoring, copies of teachers notes when the child misses school, etc…of course without these modification the child may fall behind accdemically. After all, frequent school absences can cause learning disabilities. The 504 plan is only used as a means for the protection of a child.  It forces teachers to make modifications for children with health problems. Believe me, there are teachers who would rather not make modifications.  I had my son on a 504 plan due to his asthma and I am very glad I did.  When he was in second grade, he had the teacher from hell. We wanted a simple modification of having a set of classroom books for home use due to frequent absences. The teacher refused and said she did not make those kind of modifications. She also said she did not want him working ahead.  She said it wouldn’t be fair to other students.  She also tried saying my child was ADHD when in fact it was the side effects of Albuterol. I ended up paying six hundred dollars  for a psychologist to rule out ADHD and make recomendations for an extra set of school books to be kept at home.  I could have had the school test him, but I didn’t trust the school.  After all they were refusing to make  modifications for my child.  I also worked for the school district. The principal was even refusing to send home an extra set of books.  We did get the extra set of books, but only because I called a meeting and had the school write it into the 504 plan.  It worked for us and it will work for other parents as well.   Surely, there are also liabilities associated with confiscating medication (who is responsible for storage, ensuring access, and renewing it when depleted?) and having unqualified people administer it (since there are not RN’s in most schools). CBI, MD Every school district is different.  I have worked in some schools districts

in which 22 schools shared one RN.  Last year I worked in a school which employed a full time RN.  This all falls back to the school board.  In every single employment issue, the school board has the final say.  This is FYI…in some school districts, the school board member does not have to hold a high school diploma.  I know of situations in which Ph.D’s are hired by poorly educated school board members. Pam

Response:

A mild to moerate asthmatic who’s symptoms are well controlled with an as needed puff is not disabled, unless something in the school or work environment is exacerbating the asthma. If the asthma has a significant impact on the educational performance of the student, then that student does have a disability as far as the educational system is concerned.

If it is so severe that it impacts their education adversely it does not meet the definition I gave above. I would not dispute that if it impedes education it is correctly termed a disability. I would, however, say that if the reason it impedes the education is the fact that the student loses excessive time traveling to and from the distant location of the medicine then it is the rule that is disabling and not the asthma. If the plan says that the child should have his inhaler as needed, and you do anything to impede his access to it like lock it away on the other side of the school, you have changed the plan. I would never do anything to impede a students access to the inhaler or any other medicine because medication is never brought into my classroom.

if remove it from his pocket, or caomand that this be done, and store the medicine in a remote location then you have impeded his access to it. If you create a situation where the child must get your attention, and the attention of the class, and ask to leave the class instead of just taking a few puffs in his seat then you havealso  impeded his access to it.   Some school districts even require parents to bring prescription medications to school rather than the student.

The topic of discussion here is the validity of the rules, not the existence of them. Iam aware that many schools have many questionable rules. My father was the president of our local board of education for about a decade. I am aware of the politics involved with the making of many of these rules. If a physican wants a child to carry his inhaler with them at all times, then the physican would only need to write the parent a note stating this.  I would hope thatthat would be sufficient.

So would I. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Unfortunately, I have no say in the matter. You do have some say, just not the final say. Well I guess I could have some say in the matter, but I would look pretty damn stupid telling the school board attorney what to do.  Not only that…I don’t think I would keep my job very long.

You would likely lose your job for openly defying the rules. I doubt you would lose it for expressing concern over the wisdom of them. I also have some doubts about what would happen if you conveniently were not aware that the child had the inhaler on his person. Surely the school cannot expect you to search them every day. Of course, once the inhaler did come to be obviously in your attention you would have no choice but to confiscate it. As for the lawyer: I don’t buy the excuse. The lawyers job is to assess risk of legal liability and advise the school on how to lower that risk. I would not expect you to engage in a discussion of this topic. It might be fun to ask a few pointed questions about the liability issues and legality of taking the meds from the child (What if the child is rushed to the ER and the parents claim that if the medicine was more readily available the child would have been fine?) and having untrained teachers and secretaries administer the drugs (Shouldn’t you have an RN do that? Is there a difference between merely handing the child a drug and administering it in the nursing sense? If yes, what is it?) It is the job of the school to decide what is best for the children it serves. Obviously, in order to continue its function the school must survive, so exposure to legal risk is an issue. However, it could be successfully argued that the best interst of the child is served by allowing the parent to choose the location of the medicine (some may want the school to hold it) and reviewing individual problems as they arise. The school would then have the task of weighing the competing intersts. Schools, and most large organizations, have many silly rules. That doesn’t mean we should just ignore them and not say anything. I have other battles I am fighting with adminstration….asthma medication just dosen’t fall under that category.

Everyone has their priorities. — CBI, MD

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(administrators, teachers and the like) is MUCH less allowing an asthmatic student to immediate access to his/her rescue inhaler as opposed to restricting access, possibly resulting in loss of life.

Teachers DO NOT have a say in who can carry medications on their person.  That is an adminstrative decision.  Every school district is different in what is allowed regarding medication.   I do not like having the responsibiliy of monitoring a students medication intake. I have even had a parent send a diabetic child on a field trip without insulin.  The parent  came in and gave me written detailed instructions on what I should do. He then handed me the lunchbox and told me the medication was inside.  I was left to deal with a very sick child. This child was not even one of my students.  I am a teacher, not a nurse.  Most parents have more common sense then this parent.  But, it is situations like this that have caused educators (adminstration) to become so reluctant to allow any kind of medication in the classroom. Schools and teachers are being sued for any little minor thing now days. Students who take medication at school are monitored very closely.  The attendance secretary is required to write down the time, date, and the medication a child takes every time. Usually, a doctor can send a note and the child is allowed to carry their inhaler with them during the school day.  I have never heard of a situation in which an adminstrator refused to comply with medical recommendations.  I am sure this would cause some very serious liability issues. Pam

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The doctor should not write the educational plan and the teachers should not modify the asthma plan. The rights of children to extra educational services is a different issue. I hardly think that having to pause for one minute at the start of gym class to take two puffs of an inhaler calls for special education. — CBI, M.D. First of all, a 504 plan is not special education.  It is the American’s with Disabilities Act.  The 504 plan is used in school settings to monitor and protect the rights of children with disabilities.

I was using the terminology of one of the other posters who referred to asthmatics being put in special ed. A mild to moerate asthmatic who’s symptoms are well controlled with an as needed puff is not disabled, unless something in the school or work environment is exacerbating the asthma. There is no stigma attached to being on a 504 plan.

I’m not so sure about this. There certainly is a stigma associated with being labeled "disabled." I would never change a doctors treatment plan for a student.

If the plan says that the child should have his inhaler as needed, and you do anything to impede his access to it like lock it away on the other side of the school, you have changed the plan. Unfortunately, I have no say in the matter.

You do have some say, just not the final say. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If I were to allow a student to keep his/her medications in my classroom, that would be grounds for dismissal from my teaching duties.  Teachers make classroom rules only…we have no control over such important issues as the dispensing of medication.  In fact, the school district I work for will not even allow my students to carry a cough drop or asprin.  Parents must also hand deliver the medication.  The school will not accept prescription medication from the student.  I didn’t make the rule, but I have to enforce it. These rules come from school board members, school board attorneys and God only knows where else.

Schools, and most large organizations, have many silly rules. That doesn’t mean we should just ignore them and not say anything. As a parent and educator, I recommend that parents put their child on a 504 plan so that the child’s rights are protected. Pam

But what if the child is not disabled? In this post and the other two you have listed who makes the rules and provided some inkling as to why, but said nothing to justify the rules themselves. It seems that the issue is primarily liability, although in some instances it would seem to be motivated more by control issues. I can’t help but think there is not a better way to handle the liability issue. Surely, there are also liabilities associated with confiscating medication (who is responsible for storage, ensuring access, and renewing it when depleted?) and having unqualified people administer it (since there are not RN’s in most schools). CBI, MD

Response:

I would never change a doctors treatment plan for a student. Unfortunately, I have no say in the matter.  If I were to allow a student to keep his/her medications in my classroom, that would be grounds for dismissal from my teaching duties.  Teachers make classroom rules only…we have no control over such important issues as the dispensing of medication.

In my son’s school, no meds (Rx or OTC) can be kept on a students person, they cannot have aspirin or cough drops, etc. in their pockets or back packs.  However,  my son’s allergist/asthma doc wrote a letter to the school (and sent me a copy) stating that Patrick has asthma and absolutely must have his rescue inhaler on his person at all times. That’s all the administration needed to have, I imagine due to the liability issue.  But, on the other hand I would think the liability for the school (administrators, teachers and the like) is MUCH less allowing an asthmatic student to immediate access to his/her rescue inhaler as opposed to restricting access, possibly resulting in loss of life. Patrice

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The doctor should not write the educational plan and the teachers should not modify the asthma plan. The rights of children to extra educational services is a different issue. I hardly think that having to pause for one minute at the start of gym class to take two puffs of an inhaler calls for special education. — CBI, M.D.

First of all, a 504 plan is not special education.  It is the American’s with Disabilities Act.  The 504 plan is used in school settings to monitor and protect the rights of children with disabilities.  A team meets once a year to discuss the progress of a student with a disability and to discuss the modifications necessary for success in the general education setting.  A child on a 504 plan is not on an IEP.  There is no stigma attached to being on a 504 plan.  I have written many 504 plans for gifted children as well.  The only children who would never be put on a 504 plan is a child who is in special education. The only way a child with asthma is eligible for special education under the catagory of other health impairment is with a doctors letter.  The doctor must state in the letter that the asthma is severe enough to have a significant adverse impact on the students educational performance.  Other wise, the child is not eligible for special education services unless a learning disability is present or some other form of disability. I would never change a doctors treatment plan for a student.  Unfortunately, I have no say in the matter.  If I were to allow a student to keep his/her medications in my classroom, that would be grounds for dismissal from my teaching duties.  Teachers make classroom rules only…we have no control over such important issues as the dispensing of medication.  In fact, the school district I work for will not even allow my students to carry a cough drop or asprin.  Parents must also hand deliver the medication.  The school will not accept prescription medication from the student.  I didn’t make the rule, but I have to enforce it. These rules come from school board members, school board attorneys and God only knows where else. The 504 plan protected my son when a teacher who refused to make modifications for him in the classroom.  He had missed a number of school days the previous year and his second grade teacher wanted to put him back into 1sth grade because he was behind academically.  She said she didn’t have time to make modifications because of his asthma.  To make a long story short, not only did she have to make the modifications for my son, she also sent me proof of those modifications each week.  Ironically,  the following year he was recommended for gifted classes.  As a parent and educator, I recommend that parents put their child on a 504 plan so that the child’s rights are protected. Pam

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Hey everyone – I have heard here and elsewhere from time to time about the problems with children having their inhalers in school.  I think the whole thing is ridiculous.   Albuterol inhalers came out when I was in the 6th grade, and no one was worried about me having it with me.  I took it when I needed it, and never got a teacher or other official involved.  Not many need help taking an inhaler. Just about any kid that has to have one in school takes it often enough to know how to take it. I cant for the life of me fathom why the schools have problems with the kids carrying them.  Asthma is hard enough on a kid without having to worry about where they have to go to get their medication.  Knowing that it is either in their desk, bag or whatever is a relief in itself. Just off on another rant, forgive me Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

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This is in response as to why students are not allowed to carry their inhalers with them at school.  Schools are required to keep all prescription medications in a safe and locked area.  This not only protects other students, but it also protects educators as well.  Some school districts require parents to bring any medication including asprin and  cough drops to the office to be checked in. The students are not allowed to carry any kind of medicine on them at all. Schools, like everyone else, have to deal with our law suit happy society. Many school districts have been forced to adopt policies in order to protect themselves as well.  Many times a district wide rule is recommended by a school board attorney and adopted by the school board.   It would make my job much easier if I didn’t have to send a student to the front office everytime one of my students needs to take a puff of an inhaler, but our hands are tied by what school board members will allow. A school board member is a representative of the community.  This is FYI…in some school distircts, a school board member does not even have to have a high school education to sit on the board…something to think about. Pam

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mary, I am a mother of a child with asthma and I have asthma as well.  I can understand your concerns about your son missing gym class.  I can also understand the schools concerns in regards to children carrying their asthma meds. I am also a special education teacher and soon to be school psychologist. It is my job to write plans for children with other health impairments such as asthma.  I would never write in a plan that a six year old child should carry their medications with them to gym or any other class.  I don’t know of any six year old child that is responsible and mature enough.   Have you considered how much instruction time would be lost if the gym teacher has to stop instruction and give every single asthma child their medication?  The teacher would have to stop her instruction when a child comes in from recess to get their inhaler.  The teachers instruction would be interrupted many, many times during the day.  Either way, your child would lose instruction time. If your childs asthma is severe, then that child should be put on a 504 plan. This plan is used to help monitor the educational progress and make modifications when necessary.  As a member of that team, you can request that your son be given extra time for gym class. Schools are very aware that asthmatics miss instruction time.  That is why asthmatics are eligibile for special education services. I had my son on a 504 when he first started school.  A 504 plan is not special education.   As a parent and teacher, I demanded the school afford my child the same educational opportunities as all of the other children.  Basically, you need to know your parental rights. Pam

The only problem with your theory is that the management of the asthmatic child is a joint effort between the parents, doctor(s), and child. The teacher/school system does not enter into it. While I agree that the plan proposed to help the child should not place the teacher in the role of nurse, administering the medications, if the child is able to self medicate, in the doctor’s and parent’s opinions, then that child should not be prevented from doing so.  In essence what is happening is that the school systems are modifying the treatment plans of children with a complex and life threatening disease. I don’t see where they have the authority to do so. There is no potential for harm to any other student if some carry inhalers. There is no lost time to teachers if the child is expected to self medicate. If the child proves to be too immature, say by giving his medciation to others, then that particular offense should be addressed by the school, but the remedy should not include depriving the child of the prescribed medical treatment. The doctor should not write the educational plan and the teachers should not modify the asthma plan. The rights of children to extra educational services is a different issue. I hardly think that having to pause for one minute at the start of gym class to take two puffs of an inhaler calls for special education. — CBI, M.D. Please note: It is impossible to accurately diagnose medical problems without seeing the patient and reviewing the entire history. These posts are intended to be helpful and informative. Always check with your doctor before following any advice given.

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I think a child that is in 6th grade is old enough and mature enough to take his inhaler before gym.  If you were to teach 150-300 children in gym per day, would you remember to tell a 6th grader to take his meds before class.   I hope you realize a teacher has many responsibilities and giving asthma treatments to 20-30 students is not one of them.  Teachers are trained to teach, not administer medications.  That area falls under the school nurses job description.  If you have a problem with the school, put your son on a 504 or better yet…he is eligible for special education. If your children were put on a 504 or an IEP, then the school would legally be required to make modifications for your children. I wonder what would happen if more parents wanted dangerous medications kept in an unsecure area like, lets say a gym.  Schools keep medicine in a secure area for a REASON!!

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Mary, I am a mother of a child with asthma and I have asthma as well.  I can understand your concerns about your son missing gym class.  I can also understand the schools concerns in regards to children carrying their asthma meds. I am also a special education teacher and soon to be school psychologist.  It is my job to write plans for children with other health impairments such as asthma.  I would never write in a plan that a six year old child should carry their medications with them to gym or any other class.  I don’t know of any six year old child that is responsible and mature enough.   Have you considered how much instruction time would be lost if the gym teacher has to stop instruction and give every single asthma child their medication?  The teacher would have to stop her instruction when a child comes in from recess to get their inhaler.  The teachers instruction would be interrupted many, many times during the day.  Either way, your child would lose instruction time. If your childs asthma is severe, then that child should be put on a 504 plan. This plan is used to help monitor the educational progress and make modifications when necessary.  As a member of that team, you can request that your son be given extra time for gym class.   Schools are very aware that asthmatics miss instruction time.  That is why asthmatics are eligibile for special education services. I had my son on a 504 when he first started school.  A 504 plan is not special education.   As a parent and teacher, I demanded the school afford my child the same educational opportunities as all of the other children.  Basically, you need to know your parental rights. Pam

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As a child, except for the actual time I was having an asthma exacerbation, I could, and did, do everything.  I have always been active and a bit athletic.   I would say pay attention to the kids and believe them if they say they can’t breath.  I would imagine, with today’s medications, most children could fully participate in a PE class.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a teacher developing physical education programs for asthmatic children up to year six (ages 5 to 12). I would appreciate direction from the support group. In particular I would be interested in both anecdotal and formally researched information. Thank You Alex

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Question:

Donna Whenever you have a whole bunch of seeminly unrelated symptoms that is confusing the doctors,  the chances are it’s chronic hyperventilation syndrome.

http://www.gn.apc.org/duncan/nix-ns.htm If you have anxiety as well, I would put money on it.

"I am always amazed at how doctors get away with making money out of the health misfortunes of others" You did’nt give us all your symptoms, but a symptom list associated with CHVS can be found on the summary for Doctors on our web site.

"It is these same doctors, who are being brain washed by the pharmaceutical companies, who are telling you that you should be buying those products." "Our doctors in Austrlia kill an estimated 10,000 patients a year in our hospitals due to what is euphemistically called  "adverse events", and that’s just for the preventable ones.  (There are another 8,000 deaths deemded not preventable.)" "The reason I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Buteyko therapy, is that it co-exists with conventional therapy."    "Let me also assure you that Buteyko has nothing but contempt for western medicine and is not    interested in appeasing anyone." Please take a look and see how that fits.

"On another issue, those of you who write to a.s.a may like to advertise our WEB site in your signature." The good news is that you can do something about it without costing you money.

"this is why professor Buteyko recommends that the cost of treatment should be around a week’s average wages."    Peter Kolb and A.R. Friedel Buteyko Mailing List    Buteyko User professional assistance highly skilled practitioners    They are charging $500, and it is a total of 5    hours over three days I, for one, am pretty    skeptical that this is anything but an attempt to    cash in on the US market on a pretty big scale,    taking advantage of the almost total lack of    competition here and people’s desperation.    "Private" instruction" is also being offered at    $2,000 per pop and I suspect one of the reasons    the group sessions are so short is to allow the    trainers lots of time for these very lucrative    clients. Sorry if this sounds disrespectful or    cynical but this really got my dander up. Best wishes

"The least you could do is go out there and read it and become better informed before unleashing your ignorance on this group." Peter Kolb Biomedical Engineer

miss me peter darlin? FAQ Peter Kolb Royal Perth Hospital v0.80 http://x66.deja.com/getdoc.xp?AN=630546788 Please provide me with a quote where I say that people should just throw away their bronchodilators.    "As far as Buteyko is concerned, make sure you get rid of the bronchodilators first.    They’re really bad for your asthma because they encourage you to breathe too much.    "A friend of mine took her child in to the GP for a stubborn cough and was told he had asthma    and was given a script for asthma medication. Fortunately she discarded the scripts,    and he’s fine."    "He might be responsible for turning innocent children over to the drug companies with his    uninformed babble, and that’s what really concerns me."    "My interest is particulary with little kids that are in the care of their parents. They can be    helped before they suffer more serious damage."

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If you are not seeing a pulmonologist, consider doing so. Are you sure it is asthma?  There are other lung problems out there, and they too need to be taken care of. I had a friend with Bird Breeder’s syndrome and had similar problems treating it. Asthma itself sometimes displayes itself in different ways. If you can, the above suggestion of National Jewsish for a second opinion is a good one. They have a free hotline to asked trained personel  questions as well: 1-800-222-LUNG – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello I have had asthma for about a year and it started with a very severe upper respirtory infection. It did however clear up and i was somewhat feeling better. then just about a month ago I was hit with another infection Sinusitis and bronchitis and I also i have Rhinits.  I ‘m on Flovent singulair, asthmacort,  Prednisone 80mgs and it is not helping. I am scared. My doctor is baffled and I am not getting better. I have been to quite a few doctors and they don’t know what to say… I am really scared . Ironically my breathing tests are somewhat "OK" if you can believe that… I don’t understand. I have reflux and and a host of many other conditions. I cannot be around any smells, smoke candles scents of any kind… Please tell me if this is normal…  Is it better to go to an allergist rather than an Pulmonary doctor? I need help!!!!!! sorry for the ramble. Donna

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Whenever you have a whole bunch of seeminly unrelated symptoms that is confusing the doctors,  the chances are it’s chronic hyperventilation syndrome.  If you have anxiety as well, I would put money on it.

Ignore this guy.  If you check out his postings for the past several months you will notice that he give this line to everybody new who comes here.  And no matter what your symptoms he will claim that they are symptoms of ‘chronic hyperventilation syndrome.’ This is simply one example of a scam used to separate asthmatics from their money. "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

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Donna Whenever you have a whole bunch of seeminly unrelated symptoms that is confusing the doctors,  the chances are it’s chronic hyperventilation syndrome.  If you have anxiety as well, I would put money on it. Notice nothing confuses Pete.  By the way, how much money would you put on it?

and can I have a go…I reckon if he was up for it we could all make quite a bit of money betting against Peter on this — eric "when all is said and done, there is a lot more said than done"

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Hi, sorry I didn’t see your post so this is riding on someone elses. am really scared . Ironically my breathing tests are somewhat "OK" if you can believe that…

My breathing tests are usually ok too. Makes sense since I’m in a filtered office building.  Even my sinuses clear up going in there. I don’t understand. I have reflux and and a host of many other conditions. I cannot be around any smells, smoke  candles scents of any kind… Please tell me if this is normal…

Well, it’s not what most would call normal, but it sounds like the same problems I have (except the reflux). I am very reactive to smoke, exhaust, fumes and strong scents. Intal has helped consideably with these things, though. Is it better to go to an allergist rather than an Pulmonary doctor?

I think it’s better to go to an allergist especially if you have other allergy symptoms. I also get asthma  attacks from all the pollen and spores in the air. I took allergy shots in the past and they worked so well that I didn’t need an inhaler except before exercise. All the allergies came back though and I’m still waiting for the shots to work so I can get a break from all these nebulizer meds.  Also, I didn’t do too well with the steroids either. I had to get out of the high exposure to triggers before anything really started working for me.

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Hello I have had asthma for about a year and it started with a very severe upper respirtory infection. It did however clear up and i was somewhat feeling better. then just about a month ago I was hit with another infection Sinusitis and bronchitis and I also i have Rhinits. I ‘m on Flovent singulair, asthmacort,  Prednisone 80mgs and it is not helping. I am scared. My doctor is baffled and I am not getting better. I have been to quite a few doctors and they don’t know what to say… I am really scared . Ironically my breathing tests are somewhat "OK" if you can believe that… I don’t understand. I have reflux and and a host of many other conditions. I cannot be around any smells, smoke candles scents of any kind… Please tell me if this is normal… Is it better to go to an allergist rather than an Pulmonary doctor? I need help!!!!!! sorry for the ramble. Donna

Donna Whenever you have a whole bunch of seeminly unrelated symptoms that is confusing the doctors,  the chances are it’s chronic hyperventilation syndrome.  If you have anxiety as well, I would put money on it. You did’nt give us all your symptoms, but a symptom list associated with CHVS can be found on the summary for Doctors on our web site. Please take a look and see how that fits. The good news is that you can do something about it without costing you money. Best wishes Peter Kolb Biomedical Engineer Free information provided by grateful ex-asthmatics     http://www.wt.com.au/~pkolb/buteyko.htm

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Donna Whenever you have a whole bunch of seeminly unrelated symptoms that is confusing the doctors,  the chances are it’s chronic hyperventilation syndrome.  If you have anxiety as well, I would put money on it.

Notice nothing confuses Pete.  By the way, how much money would you put on it?

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello I have had asthma for about a year and it started with a very severe upper respirtory infection. It did however clear up and i was somewhat feeling better. then just about a month ago I was hit with another infection Sinusitis and bronchitis and I also i have Rhinits. I ‘m on Flovent singulair, asthmacort,  Prednisone 80mgs and it is not helping. I am scared. My doctor is baffled and I am not getting better. I have been to quite a few doctors and they don’t know what to say… I am really scared . Ironically my breathing tests are somewhat "OK" if you can believe that… I don’t understand. I have reflux and and a host of many other conditions. I cannot be around any smells, smoke candles scents of any kind… Please tell me if this is normal… Is it better to go to an allergist rather than an Pulmonary doctor? I need help!!!!!! sorry for the ramble. Donna Donna Whenever you have a whole bunch of seeminly unrelated symptoms that is confusing the doctors,  the chances are it’s chronic hyperventilation syndrome.  If you have anxiety as well, I would put money on it.

Donna…Peter posts this as a response to absolutely every description of symptoms…I’d be fascinated to know how he thinks infections caused you to hyperventilate, but he’s unlikely to explain that since he rarely bothers with logical argument and simply constantly restates the same position and then claims all the contrary evidence is entirely due to a conspiracy me?…I’ve no idea…having had GERD I can sympathise, it’s a real pain and I hated it…but then I’ve got nothing to sell you, so I’m not going to pretend I know more about medicine than doctors do — eric "when all is said and done, there is a lot more said than done"

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello I have had asthma for about a year and it started with a very severe upper respirtory infection. It did however clear up and i was somewhat feeling better. then just about a month ago I was hit with another infection Sinusitis and bronchitis and I also i have Rhinits.  I ‘m on Flovent singulair, asthmacort,  Prednisone 80mgs and it is not helping. I am scared. My doctor is baffled and I am not getting better. I have been to quite a few doctors and they don’t know what to say… I am really scared . Ironically my breathing tests are somewhat "OK" if you can believe that… I don’t understand. I have reflux and and a host of many other conditions. I cannot be around any smells, smoke candles scents of any kind… Please tell me if this is normal…  Is it better to go to an allergist rather than an Pulmonary doctor? I need help!!!!!! sorry for the ramble. Donna

Normally prednisone should control asthma attacks. GE reflux can cause asthma by being aspirated into lungs; treated by 1. elevating head of bed 6" with wood blocks, 2. no meals near bedtime, 3. drugs like omeprazole & H2 blockers Infectious sinusitis is treated with a course of antibiotics. Allergic rhinitis is treated with various nasal sprays like Nasalcrom [OTC] and steroid nasal sprays like Flonase and Rhinocort. Also saline nasal washes. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and can hang around for several weeks. Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by smoking. You may need to see several specialists to sort it out; allergist, otolaryngologist, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, asthma doctor You might consider going to National Jewish Center in Denver for an evaluation. They are the top lung/asthma clinic in the US for complicated cases of this sort. www.njc.org 1-800-222-LUNG free info from registered nurses. Ellis

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Another thing to keep in mind is that inactivity can greatly add to your problems.  A reasonable amount of exercise (to where you get slightly winded for more than a few minutes at a time, at least 3 times a week) will help both the head and chest congestion and will help ward off infections, plus it might even help with your GERD.  And it will almost certainly improve your mood significantly. In addition to setting you up for further chest infections, failure to exercise will likely lead to back problems and weight gain, both of which will greatly exacerbate your chest problems. You should also put greater emphasis on agressively treating your nasal problems, as your chest problems are unlikely to clear up while you have serious nasal problems, both because of post-nasal drip and because mouth breathing exacerbates chest problems.  If you know what your allergic seasons are, you can start on Nasalcrom or some such before allergy season and possibly prevent inflamation of the nasal passages from the start.  At the very least, reacting early to nasal problems can prevent them from snowballing into an infection or long-term inflamation. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello I have had asthma for about a year and it started with a very severe upper respirtory infection. It did however clear up and i was somewhat feeling better. then just about a month ago I was hit with another infection Sinusitis and bronchitis and I also i have Rhinits.  I ‘m on Flovent singulair, asthmacort,  Prednisone 80mgs and it is not helping. I am scared. My doctor is baffled and I am not getting better. I have been to quite a few doctors and they don’t know what to say… I am really scared . Ironically my breathing tests are somewhat "OK" if you can believe that… I don’t understand. I have reflux and and a host of many other conditions. I cannot be around any smells, smoke candles scents of any kind… Please tell me if this is normal…  Is it better to go to an allergist rather than an Pulmonary doctor? I need help!!!!!! sorry for the ramble. Donna Normally prednisone should control asthma attacks. GE reflux can cause asthma by being aspirated into lungs; treated by 1. elevating head of bed 6" with wood blocks, 2. no meals near bedtime, 3. drugs like omeprazole & H2 blockers Infectious sinusitis is treated with a course of antibiotics. Allergic rhinitis is treated with various nasal sprays like Nasalcrom [OTC] and steroid nasal sprays like Flonase and Rhinocort. Also saline nasal washes. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and can hang around for several weeks. Chronic bronchitis is usually caused by smoking. You may need to see several specialists to sort it out; allergist, otolaryngologist, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, asthma doctor You might consider going to National Jewish Center in Denver for an evaluation. They are the top lung/asthma clinic in the US for complicated cases of this sort. www.njc.org 1-800-222-LUNG free info from registered nurses. Ellis

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Hello I have had asthma for about a year and it started with a very severe upper respirtory infection. It did however clear up and i was somewhat feeling better. then just about a month ago I was hit with another infection Sinusitis and bronchitis and I also i have Rhinits.  I ‘m on Flovent singulair, asthmacort,  Prednisone 80mgs and it is not helping. I am scared. My doctor is baffled and I am not getting better. I have been to quite a few doctors and they don’t know what to say… I am really scared . Ironically my breathing tests are somewhat "OK" if you can believe that… I don’t understand. I have reflux and and a host of many other conditions. I cannot be around any smells, smoke candles scents of any kind… Please tell me if this is normal…  Is it better to go to an allergist rather than an Pulmonary doctor? I need help!!!!!! sorry for the ramble. Donna

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Is it better to go to an allergist rather than an Pulmonary doctor? I need help!!!!!! sorry for the ramble. Donna

It’s better to get a second opinion if the first one isn’t working.   An allergist might have more insight into your problems right now since your Pulmonary specialist has done as much as he can for you.  Particularly since he is "puzzled." I am sure there is help out there for you, don’t give up or panic.  Sometimes we have to take charge of the course of our disease and keep pushing till we get the answers. H.

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Hello I have had asthma for about a year and it started with a very severe upper respirtory infection. It did however clear up and i was somewhat feeling better. then just about a month ago I was hit with another infection Sinusitis and bronchitis and I also i have Rhinits. I ‘m on Flovent singulair, asthmacort,  Prednisone 80mgs and it is not helping. I am scared. My doctor is baffled and I am not getting better. I have been to quite a few doctors and they don’t know what to say… I am really scared . Ironically my breathing tests are somewhat "OK" if you can believe that… I don’t understand. I have reflux and and a host of many other conditions. I cannot be around any smells, smoke candles scents of any kind… Please tell me if this is normal… Is it better to go to an allergist rather than an Pulmonary doctor?

I would recommend that you go to an asthma specialist.  In addition I would recommend that you see an ENT. "Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find."    General Colin Powell

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