Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had quite a day at work today. At 11 am, one student started struggling to breathe. He is asthmatic, so with a colleague, we located our emergency supply of Ventolin and cleared the room of other students. The student continued to struggle to breathe, was sweating and was quite distressed. We called an ambulance. For the next 10 minutes, we continued to give Ventolin, tried to keep him awake and calm and supported him in a seated position. For much of this time, the student could not speak. He had a dry cough and was breathing shallowly. Approximately 10 long minutes later, the MICA paramedics arrived. Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. love Meryl A very sad story. The poor guy has now had this horrible experience added to his load. Its sounds to me that you did a great job Meryl. I hope he will take some time from his busy schedule to get some further medical help. The anxiety expereinced wondering if one is to have another attack is regenerative insome cases.  He needs intervention quickly, dont you think? Regards,…Jason Hi Jason, He has needed intervention for 4 years. I tried to arrange it when he was in Year 7 but his family sent him to Saudi Arabia for 2 years. I managed to convince him to see a psychologist at an adolescent unit about 12 months ago. They diagnosed depression. I was sure it was anxiety as well. I think he tired off talking therapy. Or his family may have interefered. I dont mean that as a nasty remark, their religion and family cohesion may have put up some barriers perhaps.

The student has self-referred but yes, he did stop going to the psychologist after his family attended a session. I know that his mother has a diagnosis of depression. From the phone call  I had with his psychologist, the family were more concerned about factors such as the student’s future prospects for employment. I will call a meeting with the family for an IEP, assuming it wasn’t done during my month’s LSL. It is entirely possible that he has PTSD. His life has been very difficult. He has a good relationship with his mother and newish stepfather. His family are Muslim but not fundamentalist. I suspect the War is not helping. He was in Sudan during the Gulf War and remembers the war. I will encourage him to get appropriate help. He left school with a lot of strategies to manage the PA. Hyperventilation, blurred vision and depersonalistion were his main symptoms. Sounds like a good start Meryl. Depersonalisation or that disconnected feeling with a light head was an early symptom for me. He must be going through hell. He was lucky to have a teacher so vigilant to anxiety symptons.

He has struggled for years but did take heed of some of the strategies I suggested. I discussed medication but he told me he cannot carry any or he gets into trouble with the police.They accuse him of dealing. I thought carrying a doctor’s letter might help. Thanks Jason, love Meryl

Response:

I had quite a day at work today. At 11 am, one student started struggling to breathe. He is asthmatic, so with a colleague, we located our emergency supply of Ventolin and cleared the room of other students. The student continued to struggle to breathe, was sweating and was quite distressed. We called an ambulance. For the next 10 minutes, we continued to give Ventolin, tried to keep him awake and calm and supported him in a seated position. For much of this time, the student could not speak. He had a dry cough and was breathing shallowly. Approximately 10 long minutes later, the MICA paramedics arrived. Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. love Meryl

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had quite a day at work today. At 11 am, one student started struggling to breathe. He is asthmatic, so with a colleague, we located our emergency supply of Ventolin and cleared the room of other students. The student continued to struggle to breathe, was sweating and was quite distressed. We called an ambulance. For the next 10 minutes, we continued to give Ventolin, tried to keep him awake and calm and supported him in a seated position. For much of this time, the student could not speak. He had a dry cough and was breathing shallowly. Approximately 10 long minutes later, the MICA paramedics arrived. Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. love Meryl

asthma attacks can cause anxiety attacks and anxiety attacks can cause asthma attacks in those predisposed to asthma-so lots of those who have both condiitons typically need to adjust one to only then adjust the other welcome to my world-most emergency room panic attacks are either those who think they are having a coronary and soon sent home-or those who have asthma and anxiety both feeding off each other and those patients if not attended to for anxiety and just asthma-sit and still have symptoms which are more aggresively treated with emergency asthma meds leading to more anxiety–even the pulmonary guys who are wonderous with asthma ignore anxiety— LM

Response:

I had quite a day at work today. At 11 am, one student started struggling to breathe. He is asthmatic, so with a colleague, we located our emergency supply of Ventolin and cleared the room of other students. The student continued to struggle to breathe, was sweating and was quite distressed. We called an ambulance. For the next 10 minutes, we continued to give Ventolin, tried to keep him awake and calm and supported him in a seated position. For much of this time, the student could not speak. He had a dry cough and was breathing shallowly. Approximately 10 long minutes later, the MICA paramedics arrived. Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. love Meryl

And one of the dide effects of ventolin is a racing heart Poor guy,I hope he is doing better now Love from Anna

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had quite a day at work today. At 11 am, one student started struggling to breathe. He is asthmatic, so with a colleague, we located our emergency supply of Ventolin and cleared the room of other students. The student continued to struggle to breathe, was sweating and was quite distressed. We called an ambulance. For the next 10 minutes, we continued to give Ventolin, tried to keep him awake and calm and supported him in a seated position. For much of this time, the student could not speak. He had a dry cough and was breathing shallowly. Approximately 10 long minutes later, the MICA paramedics arrived. Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. love Meryl And one of the dide effects of ventolin is a racing heart Poor guy,I hope he is doing better now Love from Anna

Hi Anna, Hopefully he is sleeping but I know he has insomnia at times. He stayed in the classroom after the paramedics left. He preferred that to hospital or the sick bay. After an hour or so he left for an uncle’s. love Meryl

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had quite a day at work today. At 11 am, one student started struggling to breathe. He is asthmatic, so with a colleague, we located our emergency supply of Ventolin and cleared the room of other students. The student continued to struggle to breathe, was sweating and was quite distressed. We called an ambulance. For the next 10 minutes, we continued to give Ventolin, tried to keep him awake and calm and supported him in a seated position. For much of this time, the student could not speak. He had a dry cough and was breathing shallowly. Approximately 10 long minutes later, the MICA paramedics arrived. Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. love Meryl asthma attacks can cause anxiety attacks and anxiety attacks can cause asthma attacks in those predisposed to asthma-so lots of those who have both condiitons typically need to adjust one to only then adjust the other welcome to my world-most emergency room panic attacks are either those who think they are having a coronary and soon sent home-or those who have asthma and anxiety both feeding off each other and those patients if not attended to for anxiety and just asthma-sit and still have symptoms which are more aggresively treated with emergency asthma meds leading to more anxiety–even the pulmonary guys who are wonderous with asthma ignore anxiety— LM

Hi LM, This was not asthma. His O2 levels were fine, 99%. Mind you I had filled him up with Ventolin. I did wonder if the Ventolin had made him more anxious. I know my daughter, who has asthma, gets the shakes after Ventolin. Still we were worried that he might die, and he said later that he was as well. I had to debrief all the students later in the day. I was surprised how little information the paramedics gave the student. When paramedics were called to me they gave me a lot more information. I picked this kid as having anxiety 4 years ago. He is 17 now. He has had a very sad life (a refugee). He spent yesterday caring for his mum as she went for surgery and then he worked her overnight cleaning shift. Believe me he has lots of information about PAs now and understands he will not die. He was worried that he had epilepsy. I think I’ll stick to my world love Meryl

Response:

Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version.

I have heard of this happening.  How did you hold up Meryl?  I had a student choke on me a few months back and at the time I handled it fine.  Later on on hindsight I began to panic thinking of all the "what if’s".   Missy

Response:

What triggers asthma attacks ? I wonder if my early panic attacks were actually triggered by asthma attacks, in which I felt like I couldn’t breathe. My early "out of the blue" attacks happened around April/May each year. One when I was outside attending a ceremony at work.  Another when I was in a convertible riding as a passenger from Orlando to Cocoa Beach. Is it possible that these attacks were asthma attacks from an allergic reaction to pollen.  I felt like I couldn’t breathe initially, then I went through the catastrophic thoughts that I’m either dying or losing my mind, then I regained my breath but was emotionally drained from the panic attack and extremely concerned that it may happen again. My GP was asking me if I have asthma when I was in for the flu a few months ago.  My chest felt tight while breathing yet he couldn’t hear anything peculiar with his stethoscope.  He was thinking about sending me to have a workup for asthma done by a specialist. April & May tend to be my worst months for panic attacks.  That is, until I started taking Zoloft and Clonazepam. Thanks, Tony

Response:

Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. I have heard of this happening.  How did you hold up Meryl?  I had a student choke on me a few months back and at the time I handled it fine.  Later on on hindsight I began to panic thinking of all the "what if’s". Missy

Hi Missy, I am fine in a crisis but I was relieved when the paramedics arrived. It seemed such a long time but the ambulance only took about 10 minutes to arrive. love Meryl

Response:

HI Meryl Oh My. What a day you had. I am so glad the young man was ok. How frightening it must have been for him. Thank goodness he had you to help him until help arrived. Deb – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had quite a day at work today. At 11 am, one student started struggling to breathe. He is asthmatic, so with a colleague, we located our emergency supply of Ventolin and cleared the room of other students. The student continued to struggle to breathe, was sweating and was quite distressed. We called an ambulance. For the next 10 minutes, we continued to give Ventolin, tried to keep him awake and calm and supported him in a seated position. For much of this time, the student could not speak. He had a dry cough and was breathing shallowly. Approximately 10 long minutes later, the MICA paramedics arrived. Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. love Meryl

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had quite a day at work today. At 11 am, one student started struggling to breathe. He is asthmatic, so with a colleague, we located our emergency supply of Ventolin and cleared the room of other students. The student continued to struggle to breathe, was sweating and was quite distressed. We called an ambulance. For the next 10 minutes, we continued to give Ventolin, tried to keep him awake and calm and supported him in a seated position. For much of this time, the student could not speak. He had a dry cough and was breathing shallowly. Approximately 10 long minutes later, the MICA paramedics arrived. Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. love Meryl

A very sad story. The poor guy has now had this horrible experience added to his load. Its sounds to me that you did a great job Meryl. I hope he will take some time from his busy schedule to get some further medical help. The anxiety expereinced wondering if one is to have another attack is regenerative insome cases.  He needs intervention quickly, dont you think? Regards,…Jason

Response:

Hi Deb, It frightened a lot of people, including me. The other students thought he was dying. We had trouble convincing them to go to another room. The student thought he was dying. He now knows it was a PA and he will not die. I truly thought it was asthma. love Meryl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -HI Meryl Oh My. What a day you had. I am so glad the young man was ok. How frightening it must have been for him. Thank goodness he had you to help him until help arrived. Deb I had quite a day at work today. At 11 am, one student started struggling to breathe. He is asthmatic, so with a colleague, we located our emergency supply of Ventolin and cleared the room of other students. The student continued to struggle to breathe, was sweating and was quite distressed. We called an ambulance. For the next 10 minutes, we continued to give Ventolin, tried to keep him awake and calm and supported him in a seated position. For much of this time, the student could not speak. He had a dry cough and was breathing shallowly. Approximately 10 long minutes later, the MICA paramedics arrived. Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. love Meryl

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had quite a day at work today. At 11 am, one student started struggling to breathe. He is asthmatic, so with a colleague, we located our emergency supply of Ventolin and cleared the room of other students. The student continued to struggle to breathe, was sweating and was quite distressed. We called an ambulance. For the next 10 minutes, we continued to give Ventolin, tried to keep him awake and calm and supported him in a seated position. For much of this time, the student could not speak. He had a dry cough and was breathing shallowly. Approximately 10 long minutes later, the MICA paramedics arrived. Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. love Meryl A very sad story. The poor guy has now had this horrible experience added to his load. Its sounds to me that you did a great job Meryl. I hope he will take some time from his busy schedule to get some further medical help. The anxiety expereinced wondering if one is to have another attack is regenerative insome cases.  He needs intervention quickly, dont you think? Regards,…Jason

Hi Jason, He has needed intervention for 4 years. I tried to arrange it when he was in Year 7 but his family sent him to Saudi Arabia for 2 years. I managed to convince him to see a psychologist at an adolescent unit about 12 months ago. They diagnosed depression. I was sure it was anxiety as well. I think he tired off talking therapy. I suspect the War is not helping. He was in Sudan during the Gulf War and remembers the war. I will encourage him to get appropriate help. He left school with a lot of strategies to manage the PA. Hyperventilation, blurred vision and depersonalistion were his main symptoms. love Meryl

Response:

Hi Tony, I first was diagnosed with asthma about a year before PD. Sometimes I am not sure if I have asthma so I use my bronchodilator "just in case". My asthma presents more as a cough than breathing difficulties. I have sometimes wondered about a link. There is a breathing technique called the Buteyko (sp) method which some suggest helps change the overbreathing of asthmatics. I think some of this technique can help with hyperventilation. JMO love Meryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What triggers asthma attacks ? I wonder if my early panic attacks were actually triggered by asthma attacks, in which I felt like I couldn’t breathe. My early "out of the blue" attacks happened around April/May each year. One when I was outside attending a ceremony at work.  Another when I was in a convertible riding as a passenger from Orlando to Cocoa Beach. Is it possible that these attacks were asthma attacks from an allergic reaction to pollen.  I felt like I couldn’t breathe initially, then I went through the catastrophic thoughts that I’m either dying or losing my mind, then I regained my breath but was emotionally drained from the panic attack and extremely concerned that it may happen again. My GP was asking me if I have asthma when I was in for the flu a few months ago.  My chest felt tight while breathing yet he couldn’t hear anything peculiar with his stethoscope.  He was thinking about sending me to have a workup for asthma done by a specialist. April & May tend to be my worst months for panic attacks.  That is, until I started taking Zoloft and Clonazepam. Thanks, Tony

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had quite a day at work today. At 11 am, one student started struggling to breathe. He is asthmatic, so with a colleague, we located our emergency supply of Ventolin and cleared the room of other students. The student continued to struggle to breathe, was sweating and was quite distressed. We called an ambulance. For the next 10 minutes, we continued to give Ventolin, tried to keep him awake and calm and supported him in a seated position. For much of this time, the student could not speak. He had a dry cough and was breathing shallowly. Approximately 10 long minutes later, the MICA paramedics arrived. Imagine my surprise to hear the diagnosis, a PA. This is the short version. love Meryl A very sad story. The poor guy has now had this horrible experience added to his load. Its sounds to me that you did a great job Meryl. I hope he will take some time from his busy schedule to get some further medical help. The anxiety expereinced wondering if one is to have another attack is regenerative insome cases.  He needs intervention quickly, dont you think? Regards,…Jason Hi Jason, He has needed intervention for 4 years. I tried to arrange it when he was in Year 7 but his family sent him to Saudi Arabia for 2 years. I managed to convince him to see a psychologist at an adolescent unit about 12 months ago. They diagnosed depression. I was sure it was anxiety as well. I think he tired off talking therapy.

Or his family may have interefered. I dont mean that as a nasty remark, their religion and family cohesion may have put up some barriers perhaps. I suspect the War is not helping. He was in Sudan during the Gulf War and remembers the war. I will encourage him to get appropriate help. He left school with a lot of strategies to manage the PA. Hyperventilation, blurred vision and depersonalistion were his main symptoms.

Sounds like a good start Meryl. Depersonalisation or that disconnected feeling with a light head was an early symptom for me. He must be going through hell. He was lucky to have a teacher so vigilant to anxiety symptons. love Meryl

cheers,….Jason – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Question:

I also went for weekly allergy shots as a kid. I don’t remember them making any difference for me – but my parents thought the shots would help. I quit after a few years with no noticeable effects either way. In trying to deal with my recently worsening asthma (not diagnosed until 10 years ago) I went to see an allergist. I’ve been going for weekly shots for about 13 months hoping they would make a difference. I don’t see/feel any positive effects on my health at this point. I am just now trying to decide whether I should stick this treatment out for another few months. Seeing immediate results would certainly be encouraging, but this is a long-term treatment. Another year of weekly shots, then bi-weekly, then every three weeks…….for close to five years and no guarantee that it helps. Some people have great results with allergy shots- I keep hoping I’ll be one of them!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i had allergy shots as a kid that helped dramatically.  as an adult, allergy problems came back.  started shots, and after a couple years realized that i could tell mold count level by my headaches.  turns out allergist wasn’t giving me shots for that, even though i tested allergic. moved twice in last 2 years, so had to start over with new doctor and new plants/trees.  can tell that i am allergic to trees here that didn’t get shots for. expect at least 1 year before see effect with allergy shots. shots start very dilute, work up to full strength.  then shots go from weekly to biweekly, tri, monthly, then can be up to 5 years before weaning off them. some may see this as merely a money maker for dr, but i swear by them. A few years ago I had a full series of allergy tests run and went almost everyday after that for shots to help overcome the allergy which may have be contributing to my asthma.  After about 2 months of no results I discontinued it and never saw a difference.  Having said that the testing and treatment allergy has been succesful with some.  The best solutions is give it a try.  You may be one of the lucky ones and you may actually find what is causing some of your problems.  The old saying "nothing tried nothing gained". Newbie Here, I am curious.  Does anyone here have any advice about seeing an allergist for asthma?  I am going (finally) next month for some pre-sensitivity testing.  How many of you that have gone through this testing have had positive results?  Just trying to do some research before hand.  Any advice and suggestions are welcomed…..that is unless you are pushing NONI juice…LOL -Jan

Response:

i had allergy shots as a kid that helped dramatically.  as an adult, allergy problems came back.  started shots, and after a couple years realized that i could tell mold count level by my headaches.  turns out allergist wasn’t giving me shots for that, even though i tested allergic. moved twice in last 2 years, so had to start over with new doctor and new plants/trees.  can tell that i am allergic to trees here that didn’t get shots for. expect at least 1 year before see effect with allergy shots. shots start very dilute, work up to full strength.  then shots go from weekly to biweekly, tri, monthly, then can be up to 5 years before weaning off them. some may see this as merely a money maker for dr, but i swear by them.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A few years ago I had a full series of allergy tests run and went almost everyday after that for shots to help overcome the allergy which may have be contributing to my asthma.  After about 2 months of no results I discontinued it and never saw a difference.  Having said that the testing and treatment allergy has been succesful with some.  The best solutions is give it a try.  You may be one of the lucky ones and you may actually find what is causing some of your problems.  The old saying "nothing tried nothing gained". Newbie Here, I am curious.  Does anyone here have any advice about seeing an allergist for asthma?  I am going (finally) next month for some pre-sensitivity testing.  How many of you that have gone through this testing have had positive results?  Just trying to do some research before hand.  Any advice and suggestions are welcomed…..that is unless you are pushing NONI juice…LOL -Jan

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Newbie Here, I am curious.  Does anyone here have any advice about seeing an allergist for asthma?  I am going (finally) next month for some pre-sensitivity testing.  How many of you that have gone through this testing have had positive results?  Just trying to do some research before hand.  Any advice and suggestions are welcomed…..that is unless you are pushing NONI juice…LOL -Jan

Response:

Newbie Here, I am curious.  Does anyone here have any advice about seeing an allergist for asthma?  I am going (finally) next month for some pre-sensitivity testing.  How many of you that have gone through this testing have had positive results?  Just trying to do some research before hand. Any advice and suggestions are welcomed…..that is unless you are pushing NONI juice…LOL -Jan

Hi Jan, As I understand it, allergies may or may not have any effect on asthma. If allergy does have an effect, allergy shots may or may not help in controlling the allergies. In my case, the allergies are definitely involved and the allergy shots appear to have been a big help. Unfortunately "individual results may vary… and with asthma, usually do". Do a lot of reading with Google and on medical sites that cover allergies and asthma just to make sure you have a good feel for these two illnesses and how they interact. Beware of the quacks out to "cure" you… asthma may go into remission, but it currently has no cure, only treatment. One final note… I see and allergist and a pulmonoligist (both are asthma specialists) and make sure they share all data on me. If your allergist is not an asthma specialist, think seriously about seeing an asthma specialist as well. Allergists tend to get a bit too focused on the allergy side of things and don’t always consider the non allergy related facets to asthma. Anything you read here should be double checked with a doctor before you make decisions based on it. Dan Rhea "Loyalty is for family, friends and country, not operating systems, compilers and computers"   – Dan Rhea, 1986 "Quoting yourself is the first sign of insanity"  - Anon

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Newbie Here, I am curious.  Does anyone here have any advice about seeing an allergist for asthma?  I am going (finally) next month for some pre-sensitivity testing.  How many of you that have gone through this testing have had positive results?  Just trying to do some research before hand.  Any advice and suggestions are welcomed…..that is unless you are pushing NONI juice…LOL

IMO it is a good idea for all asthmatics to at least be screened by an allergist and get allergy testing.   — "What Sept. 11 did was remind us that there are times when we must fight for our country, that, indeed, there are things – our liberty, our democracy, our belief in human rights and human dignity – worth fighting for." Newsday.com editorial – 27 May 2002

Response:

Newbie Here, I am curious.  Does anyone here have any advice about seeing an allergist for asthma?  I am going (finally) next month for some pre-sensitivity testing.  How many of you that have gone through this testing have had positive results?  Just trying to do some research before hand.  Any advice and suggestions are welcomed…..that is unless you are pushing NONI juice…LOL

I know it’s helped a lot of people significantly unfortunately I got positive results…for everything…not allergic as such…but sensitive to absolutely everything they tested for…at which point we decided to give up on that particular line of treatment — eric www.ericjarvis.co.uk "I am a man of many parts, unfortunately most of them are no longer in stock"

Response:

A few years ago I had a full series of allergy tests run and went almost everyday after that for shots to help overcome the allergy which may have be contributing to my asthma.  After about 2 months of no results I discontinued it and never saw a difference.  Having said that the testing and treatment allergy has been succesful with some.  The best solutions is give it a try.  You may be one of the lucky ones and you may actually find what is causing some of your problems.  The old saying "nothing tried nothing gained".

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newbie Here, I am curious.  Does anyone here have any advice about seeing an allergist for asthma?  I am going (finally) next month for some pre-sensitivity testing.  How many of you that have gone through this testing have had positive results?  Just trying to do some research before hand.  Any advice and suggestions are welcomed…..that is unless you are pushing NONI juice…LOL -Jan

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I had it done a long time ago and it showed me a lot of things that can cause asthma attacks.  I got shots 3 times a week until I found out I was pregnant and stopped.  I still have some problems with what I was positive during the tests but I do my best to avoid them  UM MOM Susan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A few years ago I had a full series of allergy tests run and went almost everyday after that for shots to help overcome the allergy which may have be contributing to my asthma.  After about 2 months of no results I discontinued it and never saw a difference.  Having said that the testing and treatment allergy has been succesful with some.  The best solutions is give it a try.  You may be one of the lucky ones and you may actually find what is causing some of your problems.  The old saying "nothing tried nothing gained". Newbie Here, I am curious.  Does anyone here have any advice about seeing an allergist for asthma?  I am going (finally) next month for some pre-sensitivity testing.  How many of you that have gone through this testing have had positive results?  Just trying to do some research before hand.  Any advice and suggestions are welcomed…..that is unless you are pushing NONI juice…LOL -Jan

Response:

A few years ago I had a full series of allergy tests run and went almost everyday after that for shots to help overcome the allergy which may have be contributing to my asthma.  After about 2 months of no results I discontinued it and never saw a difference.  Having said that the testing and treatment allergy has been succesful with some.  The best solutions is give it a try.  You may be one of the lucky ones and you may actually find what is causing some of your problems.  The old saying "nothing tried nothing gained".

Two months is not enough time for allergy shots to show effect. Generally it takes about 6 months to a year because they have to start at such low doses at first. — "What Sept. 11 did was remind us that there are times when we must fight for our country, that, indeed, there are things – our liberty, our democracy, our belief in human rights and human dignity – worth fighting for." Newsday.com editorial – 27 May 2002

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Generally it takes about 6 months to a year because they have to start at such low doses at first.

My daughter was diagnosed with allergies and has to take one shot per week for a year to build up her resistance to the allergens

Response:

A few years ago I had a full series of allergy tests run and went almost everyday after that for shots to help overcome the allergy which may have be contributing to my asthma.  After about 2 months of no results I discontinued it and never saw a difference.  Having said that the testing and treatment allergy has been succesful with some.  The best solutions is give it a try.  You may be one of the lucky ones and you may actually find what is causing some of your problems.  The old saying "nothing tried nothing gained".

Hi Don, It took well over six months before I started to realize what a difference my allergy shots were having, it’s now about a year and a half and I’m on monthly shots. Looking back, It’s been a great help to me. If I had ever looked at the allergy shots as anything but a long term process I probably would have given up at two months as well. Fortunately I have a good allergist that explained that this was probably going to take a couple of years for noticeable results and even then she wouldn’t promise anything. Allergy shots seem to be a bit of a gamble… If they pay off though, it can make a huge difference. I think you might want to look into trying this again… Just try to find an allergist that is knowledgeable with asthma and doesn’t promise miracles or quick fixes. — Dan Rhea "Loyalty is for family, friends and country, not operating systems, compilers and computers"   – Dan Rhea, 1986 "Quoting yourself is the first sign of insanity"  - Anon

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Question:

   No, to allow people to smoke indoors is a choice people get to make.

You are forgetting that smoking is a purely voluntary activity. Breathing is not.  Anybody who smokes indoors is forcing others to breathe his/her smoke. — "We are fighting today for security, for progress, and for peace, not only for ourselves but for all men, not only for one generation but for all generations. We are fighting to cleanse the world of ancient evils, ancient ills." Franklin Delano Rosevelt State of the Union Address – 1942

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    Source please! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In this case they are protecting the rights of the 76% of the population that does not smoke.  SO much for majority rules.

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Don’t get me wrong.  Here in Florida they just put into law no smoking in public places like parks, Buildings and a lot more.  I am just saying that some of the laws that are in effect or trying to be is crossing the line. What if they pass laws not allowing you to do things in your own home?  Or like the government not disclosing things like who was involved in the energy consultations, or some of the detainees that no charges have be applied but they claim it is not for the public and my biggy is that I am an adult and I shouldn’t be forced to wear a seat belt under the law.  I wore a seat belt before the law because I had a child and wanted him to know it was important but they have no right to penalize me if I choose not to put it on.  UM MOM Susan

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Don’t get me wrong.  Here in Florida they just put into law no smoking in public places like parks, Buildings and a lot more.  I am just saying that some of the laws that are in effect or trying to be is crossing the line.

If that is your opinion that is fine but it is fair for me to ask you to justify it. What if they pass laws not allowing you to do things in your own home?

There is a well established precident that there are things you can do at home that you can’t do in public. Or like the government not disclosing things like who was involved in the energy consultations, or some of the detainees that no charges have be applied but they claim it is not for the public

Irrelevant. I don’t see the connection you are trying to make. and my biggy is that I am an adult and I shouldn’t be forced to wear a seat belt under the law.  I wore a seat belt before the law because I had a child and wanted him to know it was important but they have no right to penalize me if I choose not to put it on.

That is an entirely different issue. You still have not made any convincing explanation as to why drinking and driving should be illegal but not public smoking or why an exception to workplace safety standards should be made for tobacco. — CBI, MD

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Don’t get me wrong.  Here in Florida they just put into law no smoking in public places like parks, Buildings and a lot more.  I am just saying that some of the laws that are in effect or trying to be is crossing the line. If that is your opinion that is fine but it is fair for me to ask you to justify it. What if they pass laws not allowing you to do things in your own home? There is a well established precident that there are things you can do at home that you can’t do in public. Or like the government not disclosing things like who was involved in the energy consultations, or some of the detainees that no charges have be applied but they claim it is not for the public Irrelevant. I don’t see the connection you are trying to make. and my biggy is that I am an adult and I shouldn’t be forced to wear a seat belt under the law.  I wore a seat belt before the law because I had a child and wanted him to know it was important but they have no right to penalize me if I choose not to put it on. That is an entirely different issue. You still have not made any convincing explanation as to why drinking and driving should be illegal but not public smoking or why an exception to workplace safety standards should be made for tobacco. — CBI, MD

That’s a fair question and I will answer you.  Smoking in public places should be banned like they have been here in FL on planes etc.    UM MOM Susan

Response:

    Well, at one time in this country, we had sweat shops ( we still do, but they ain’t legal ).     People will do what they want to do. If an employer knows he can’t find anyone to work in a dangerous environment he can’t make any money. Given enough money, people will work just about anywhere, including hazardous waste sites. He can tell them it is hazardous, they will still work there for the money, but I bet they take better precautions to protect themselves against exposure. I’d even bet an employer would help provide those supplies, and precautionary measures, but make it law…..people become absolute idiots with no ability to think for themselves and will, at the very first opportunity, sue the employer for every dollar he has and then some, because it is more profitable to be an uneducated, illiterate, victim ( who somehow find a way to enjoy their lives after an award of say $38Mil ). The awards ( rewards ) for being a victim are so incredible than people wilfully mame and injure themselves almost daily to collect damages, because it is easier than working or taking responsibility for their actions. It is far easier to blame someone else for NOT looking out for them.     The system, as it stands now, it programmed to promote this type of behavior, and it is a learned behavior at that, sensationalized each and every time it occurs. Why shouldn’t people play the victim? It’s in their best financial interests to do so.     Now, don’t get me wrong. I know every bad habit I have or have had is either now or will be biting me in the ass, but I don’t play the victim for it. I don’t blame anyone else for it, and I would likely do each and every one of them again….but so will those playing victim. The difference is that I won’t be making a few million $ for my troubles. I won’t be raising your taxes, I won’t be raising your cost of health care or insurance. These people need to take responsibilty for their actions and their actions alone, anything beyond that is pushing the envelope of becoming the type of country I would not fight for nor support.     So, do I believe in smoking in public places? Yes, it is allowed in most countries of the world, and we as Amercans are insulting to those in other countries when we visit, be most of us don’t realize that we are in the minority. They believe in their personal rights too, and the issue of smoking in public is one of them. We are a mere mockery of the great country we once were because we have become a country of babysitters for a population that is becoming more irresponsible every day.     Oh, I have worked with asbestos on a daily basis, up to and including the day it was deemed to be hazardous and needed to be removed. Then I have the pleasure of removing it. We took precautions….why? Because we knew then, and did the very best we could to protect or health from it. It’s called personal responsibility. I’m just glad I changed occupations, so I guess I did make a conscious move to work elsewere.     Were you aware that a majority of automotive brake pads were asbestos? What happens to that dust in a crowded city? Who is cleaning that mess? I’m sure it didn’t just disappear. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     What people are forgetting is that smoking is a voluntary thing.     If the business owner doesn’t mind the smoke, or smokes themselves, it shouldn’t be regulated by law. Non-smokers have a right to work in a smoke free environment, **they also have the right to work elsewhere.** I suppose all those people exposed to asbestos could just work elsewhere. Heck, why have work place standards at all? If the job isn’t safe to your liking just get another one. Right? Your argument hold for the customers (maybe) but certainly not for the employees. It is well astablished that employess have a right to not be exposed to dangerous chemicals and that employers have an obligation to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the workplace. There should be no exception for tobacco.      It is not always about what some limp-wristed, pencil-necked, bleeding-heart, liberal from the ACLU or any other people along that line want, but the rights of individuals. Yes, individuals have the right not to be exposed to irritants that cause adverse health just for the convenience of addicts. If a workplace full of smokers is forced to go outside to smoke because one individual doesn’t smoke, who is better served? They all are. All of society is. Who isn’t? Certainly not the the majority, and no one has the right to force the will of one upon the lives of many. No one has the right to endanger the well being of another just to avoid having to step outside to indulge your addiction.     Should people who believe in eating healthy be forced to eat in the same restaurant with lazy, morbidly obese individuals who consume enough in one sitting to feed any four people? Apples and oranges. First off – the customers can go to an establishment that has the atmosphere (no pun intended) that they desire. A new job is not as easy to find as a new bar. The issue at hand is the rights of employees. Secondly, the eating habits of one do not adversely affect the health of the others. Certainly the trauma forced on those healthy individuals by being subjected to witnessing such events when eating out can’t be a healthy thing. Why it ruins their appetites, endangers their own mental images of themselves ( and by now I hope you have figured out that I am being silly ). There oughta be a law. If you can’t make a coherent argument you would serve your puprose better by not being silly.     Anyway, the point being…..people should take responsibility for themselves and quit trying to force their will upon others by playing the victim. Yes, if they cause asthma attacks, cancer, heart disease, or strokes in others they should be prepared to make restitution orbe barred from the activity. There are enough real victims in this world without having to create new ones. If you don’t like smoke, don’t be where it is, avoid where smoking is allowed. The government may dictate on it’s own property, but on privately owned property to which the public is allowed or patronizes, it should be the choice of the owner as to whether smoking or any other legal activity is permitted. Yes, as long as it doesn’t endanger his employees.

Response:

I for one feel that if it is legal than what ever it is shouldn’t have any restrictions to use it as long as it isn’t like drinking and driving.

Why? What distinction are you making? Both drinking and driving are legal. Yet, levels of intoxication which would not result in arrest under public drunkeness laws will result in criminal actions if combined with driving. What is the difference? You can;t claim it is because drinking and driving kills people because so does second hand smoke. So if it is not safety related then why the distinction. There is also the issue of your right to bother other people. I am free to shout profanity at the top of my lungs in the privacy of my own home but if I go down to the local library and do it I will be arrested. Why? Would I be hurting anyone? No, that’s not it. You don’t have the right to do obnoxious things and disturb others. Just becuase an activity is legal in some places. situation does not mean it is or should be allowed everywhere. If you smoke in your home that is your business. When it wafts across my face then it is mine. But I fear the government making laws that take any of our rights away.

In this case they are protecting the rights of the 76% of the population that does not smoke.  SO much for majority rules. — CBI, MD

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     What people are forgetting is that smoking is a voluntary thing.     If the business owner doesn’t mind the smoke, or smokes themselves, it shouldn’t be regulated by law. Non-smokers have a right to work in a smoke free environment, **they also have the right to work elsewhere.** I suppose all those people exposed to asbestos could just work elsewhere. Heck, why have work place standards at all? If the job isn’t safe to your liking just get another one. Right? Your argument hold for the customers (maybe) but certainly not for the employees. It is well astablished that employess have a right to not be exposed to dangerous chemicals and that employers have an obligation to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the workplace. There should be no exception for tobacco.      It is not always about what some limp-wristed, pencil-necked, bleeding-heart, liberal from the ACLU or any other people along that line want, but the rights of individuals. Yes, individuals have the right not to be exposed to irritants that cause adverse health just for the convenience of addicts. If a workplace full of smokers is forced to go outside to smoke because one individual doesn’t smoke, who is better served? They all are. All of society is. Who isn’t? Certainly not the the majority, and no one has the right to force the will of one upon the lives of many. No one has the right to endanger the well being of another just to avoid having to step outside to indulge your addiction.     Should people who believe in eating healthy be forced to eat in the same restaurant with lazy, morbidly obese individuals who consume enough in one sitting to feed any four people? Apples and oranges. First off – the customers can go to an establishment that has the atmosphere (no pun intended) that they desire. A new job is not as easy to find as a new bar. The issue at hand is the rights of employees. Secondly, the eating habits of one do not adversely affect the health of the others. Certainly the trauma forced on those healthy individuals by being subjected to witnessing such events when eating out can’t be a healthy thing. Why it ruins their appetites, endangers their own mental images of themselves ( and by now I hope you have figured out that I am being silly ). There oughta be a law. If you can’t make a coherent argument you would serve your puprose better by not being silly.     Anyway, the point being…..people should take responsibility for themselves and quit trying to force their will upon others by playing the victim. Yes, if they cause asthma attacks, cancer, heart disease, or strokes in others they should be prepared to make restitution orbe barred from the activity. There are enough real victims in this world without having to create new ones. If you don’t like smoke, don’t be where it is, avoid where smoking is allowed. The government may dictate on it’s own property, but on privately owned property to which the public is allowed or patronizes, it should be the choice of the owner as to whether smoking or any other legal activity is permitted. Yes, as long as it doesn’t endanger his employees. — CBI, MD I for one feel that if it is legal than what ever it is shouldn’t have any

restrictions to use it as long as it isn’t like drinking and driving. Tobacco is legal so is alcohol but there is a limit to how much you can drink before driving and that’s because drinking takes your mind and body. Just my 2 cents.  But I fear the government making laws that take any of our rights away.  UM MOM Susan

Response:

    If one becomes a victim, it is no longer playing, however, weight needs to be given as to whether an idividual is actually harmed or has merely had their fine sensibilites offended.     A person should not be allowed to force their will upon others if it conflicts with the will of the majority. I believe that is the basis of a democracy, unfortunately, we are not a democracy. We are a democratic republic, and as such, the squeaky wheel will get the grease, even if the rest are silent only because they are broken or gone. We really need to correct that situation.     No, to allow people to smoke indoors is a choice people get to make.     If people so choose to go to a place where a legal activity is allowed, and if that activity offends you,  it is absolute idiosy to complain and you get what you deserve. You have a choice to be there or not, and you so choose to be there. When you get sick, you blame the owners because you performed a willful and overt act of being present during a legal activity you knew to be adverse to your health?     People have choices. The freedom to enjoy those choices is why we continually go to war, to insure continued freedom, for ourselves and others. Don’t piece meal your freedoms away because someone says you are a victim. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    Anyway, the point being…..people should take responsibility for themselves and quit trying to force their will upon others by playing the victim. I believe that people are taking responsibility for themselves by insisting that conditions be as healthy as possible.  One is not playing a victim if one actually becomes one, right? It should be the choice of the owner as to whether smoking or any other legal activity is permitted. To allow people to smoke indoors, affecting others, is simply bad for their health, bad for business, and is irresponsible and ignorant of the business owner, IMNSHO. The exception would be a tobacco shop, where fools dare tread.

Response:

    What people are forgetting is that smoking is a voluntary thing.     If the business owner doesn’t mind the smoke, or smokes themselves, it shouldn’t be regulated by law. Non-smokers have a right to work in a smoke free environment, **they also have the right to work elsewhere.**

I suppose all those people exposed to asbestos could just work elsewhere. Heck, why have work place standards at all? If the job isn’t safe to your liking just get another one. Right? Your argument hold for the customers (maybe) but certainly not for the employees. It is well astablished that employess have a right to not be exposed to dangerous chemicals and that employers have an obligation to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the workplace. There should be no exception for tobacco.      It is not always about what some limp-wristed, pencil-necked, bleeding-heart, liberal from the ACLU or any other people along that line want, but the rights of individuals.

Yes, individuals have the right not to be exposed to irritants that cause adverse health just for the convenience of addicts. If a workplace full of smokers is forced to go outside to smoke because one individual doesn’t smoke, who is better served?

They all are. All of society is. Who isn’t? Certainly not the the majority, and no one has the right to force the will of one upon the lives of many.

No one has the right to endanger the well being of another just to avoid having to step outside to indulge your addiction.     Should people who believe in eating healthy be forced to eat in the same restaurant with lazy, morbidly obese individuals who consume enough in one sitting to feed any four people?

Apples and oranges. First off – the customers can go to an establishment that has the atmosphere (no pun intended) that they desire. A new job is not as easy to find as a new bar. The issue at hand is the rights of employees. Secondly, the eating habits of one do not adversely affect the health of the others. Certainly the trauma forced on those healthy individuals by being subjected to witnessing such events when eating out can’t be a healthy thing. Why it ruins their appetites, endangers their own mental images of themselves ( and by now I hope you have figured out that I am being silly ). There oughta be a law.

If you can’t make a coherent argument you would serve your puprose better by not being silly.     Anyway, the point being…..people should take responsibility for themselves and quit trying to force their will upon others by playing the victim.

Yes, if they cause asthma attacks, cancer, heart disease, or strokes in others they should be prepared to make restitution orbe barred from the activity. There are enough real victims in this world without having to create new ones. If you don’t like smoke, don’t be where it is, avoid where smoking is allowed. The government may dictate on it’s own property, but on privately owned property to which the public is allowed or patronizes, it should be the choice of the owner as to whether smoking or any other legal activity is permitted.

Yes, as long as it doesn’t endanger his employees. — CBI, MD

Response:

   Anyway, the point being…..people should take responsibility for themselves and quit trying to force their will upon others by playing the victim.

I believe that people are taking responsibility for themselves by insisting that conditions be as healthy as possible.  One is not playing a victim if one actually becomes one, right? It should be the choice of the owner as to whether smoking or any other legal activity is permitted.

To allow people to smoke indoors, affecting others, is simply bad for their health, bad for business, and is irresponsible and ignorant of the business owner, IMNSHO. The exception would be a tobacco shop, where fools dare tread.

Response:

    What people are forgetting is that smoking is a voluntary thing.     If the business owner doesn’t mind the smoke, or smokes themselves, it shouldn’t be regulated by law. Non-smokers have a right to work in a smoke free environment, **they also have the right to work elsewhere.**      It is not always about what some limp-wristed, pencil-necked, bleeding-heart, liberal from the ACLU or any other people along that line want, but the rights of individuals. If a workplace full of smokers is forced to go outside to smoke because one individual doesn’t smoke, who is better served? Certainly not the the majority, and no one has the right to force the will of one upon the lives of many.     Should people who believe in eating healthy be forced to eat in the same restaurant with lazy, morbidly obese individuals who consume enough in one sitting to feed any four people? Certainly the trauma forced on those healthy individuals by being subjected to witnessing such events when eating out can’t be a healthy thing. Why it ruins their appetites, endangers their own mental images of themselves ( and by now I hope you have figured out that I am being silly ). There oughta be a law.     Anyway, the point being…..people should take responsibility for themselves and quit trying to force their will upon others by playing the victim. There are enough real victims in this world without having to create new ones. If you don’t like smoke, don’t be where it is, avoid where smoking is allowed. The government may dictate on it’s own property, but on privately owned property to which the public is allowed or patronizes, it should be the choice of the owner as to whether smoking or any other legal activity is permitted. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Still does not solve the second hand smoke issue in businesses. Hell, what is even worse is to see a women carrying a baby and smoking right next it. Mabey she should be arrested more for stupidity than endangering her baby. Sick!     …but they won’t be contributing to your social security or anything else when they die. The gov’t actuall concluded it was to their advantage to have people smoke because they contributed much needed tax dollars and they die early so they don’t have to be supported well into old age on social security or medicare or any of     the old age benefits people look forward to. Gruesome, but true.     Everybody dies. Everyone dies from something, even if it’s old age. I  know  even here in Illinois they are trying to pass legislation to prohibit smoking in any establishment that have employees who can be harmed by second hand smoke.  One of these days, in the not too distance future, some employee  will sue an employer for second hand related illness and win. Then the dam will break and businesses will have to enforce a self imposed ban to stay solvent. Not soon enough for me.  Any idiot that want to spend over $4 a pack to kill themselves deserve to die of cancer or other smoking related health problems.  What does not need to happen is that they take others with them.

Response:

    You could be right. My memory of details of the event are somewhat vague, however, it is still a truth. I don’t much worry about it, myself It’s just one of those things that life hands us.

I’m not sure about the letter to Romania part of it but the analysis you refer to was definitely done by the tobacco companies. It was back when they were facing several lawsuits from state’s attorneys general over the money tobacco was costing them in medical expenses. The tobacco company retort was that they were actually saving the government money because smokers were not as likely to live into old age and need nursing home placement etc. — CBI, MD

Response:

Still does not solve the second hand smoke issue in businesses. Hell, what is even worse is to see a women carrying a baby and smoking right next it. Mabey she should be arrested more for stupidity than endangering her baby. Sick!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     …but they won’t be contributing to your social security or anything else when they die. The gov’t actuall concluded it was to their advantage to have people smoke because they contributed much needed tax dollars and they die early so they don’t have to be supported well into old age on social security or medicare or any of the old age benefits people look forward to.     Gruesome, but true.     Everybody dies. Everyone dies from something, even if it’s old age. I  know  even here in Illinois they are trying to pass legislation to prohibit smoking in any establishment that have employees who can be harmed by second hand smoke.  One of these days, in the not too distance future, some employee  will sue an employer for second hand related illness and win. Then the dam will break and businesses will have to enforce a self imposed ban to stay solvent.  Not soon enough for me.  Any idiot that want to spend over $4 a pack to kill themselves deserve to die of cancer or other smoking related health problems.  What does not need to happen is that they take others with them.

Response:

Pathetic, ain’t it?

Cheer up John!  For crying out loud man, each day is a glorious gift, and we should live each day as if it is our last; because one of these days, we will be right.  Never give up, ever!  Besides, what doesn’t kill us merely pospones the inevitable, so why worry? http://www.despair.com/limitations.html

Response:

    You could be right. My memory of details of the event are somewhat vague, however, it is still a truth. I don’t much worry about it, myself It’s just one of those things that life hands us.     So, Colin, it looks as though I will be relocating to the DC metro area after the new year. Anyone there I need to say "Hi" to for ya? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    …but they won’t be contributing to your social security or anything else when they die. The gov’t actuall concluded it was to their advantage to have people smoke because they contributed much needed tax dollars and they die early so they don’t have to be supported well into old age on social security or medicare or any of    the old age benefits people look forward to. Gruesome, but true. I think you are referring to the incident where a tobacco company said this in a letter to one of the East European governments (Romania?).

Response:

    Actually, I’m not depressed. Just facing facts…can’t change facts. Neither diet or habits have any effect on the genetics involved. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sounds like you’re pretty depressed these days.  It can get like that with all the "bad news" and then if our physical condition isn’t up to par.  I understand what you’re saying, but it’s no way to go thru life.  Tho’ I’ve stated similar things when I’m feeling down, it’s good to have someone who can lift you up.  Find someone who makes you feel good and get back in control of your situation.  Maybe the cancers in your family can be curbed by better dietary habits, or other things within your control?  Do your research.  Get involved in making things better and you’ll feel better.    I have….3X so far. No, it’s not pretty, and I am reserving a bullet for myself if it comes to that. I will not go out the way they did and I have no family left to care for me like they did, and I won’t be looking to lie in bed waiting to die in a hospital either.    For what it’s worth, there is cancer on both sides of my family and almost every relative has succumbed to it so far. My chances are pretty good that I will have it too and that is how I will exit…from one form of cancer or another. Even if the cancer doesn’t get me, there are plenty of other diseases running in our gene pool to make my contribution to social medicine or social care a non-issue, except for me to pay out my share. Pathetic, ain’t it? Sue M.

Response:

   …but they won’t be contributing to your social security or anything else when they die. The gov’t actuall concluded it was to their advantage to have people smoke because they contributed much needed tax dollars and they die early so they don’t have to be supported well into old age on social security or medicare or any of the old age benefits people look forward to.    Gruesome, but true.

I think you are referring to the incident where a tobacco company said this in a letter to one of the East European governments (Romania?). — "We are fighting today for security, for progress, and for peace, not only for ourselves but for all men, not only for one generation but for all generations. We are fighting to cleanse the world of ancient evils, ancient ills." Franklin Delano Rosevelt State of the Union Address – 1942

Response:

    I have….3X so far. No, it’s not pretty, and I am reserving a bullet for myself if it comes to that. I will not go out the way they did and I have no family left to care for me like they did, and I won’t be looking to lie in bed waiting to die in a hospital either.     For what it’s worth, there is cancer on both sides of my family and almost every relative has succumbed to it so far. My chances are pretty good that I will have it too and that is how I will exit…from one form of cancer or another. Even if the cancer doesn’t get me, there are plenty of other diseases running in our gene pool to make my contribution to social medicine or social care a non-issue, except for me to pay out my share. Pathetic, ain’t it? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     …but they won’t be contributing to your social security or anything else when they die. The gov’t actuall concluded it was to their advantage to have people smoke because they contributed much needed tax dollars and they die early so they don’t have to be supported well into old age on social security or medicare or any of     the old age benefits people look forward to. Gruesome, but true.     Everybody dies. Everyone dies from something, even if it’s old age. Of course, but if you had ever watched a loved one slowly die from smoking-related cancer, you would opt for other exits, especially old age.

Response:

Sounds like you’re pretty depressed these days.  It can get like that with all the "bad news" and then if our physical condition isn’t up to par.  I understand what you’re saying, but it’s no way to go thru life.  Tho’ I’ve stated similar things when I’m feeling down, it’s good to have someone who can lift you up.  Find someone who makes you feel good and get back in control of your situation.  Maybe the cancers in your family can be curbed by better dietary habits, or other things within your control?  Do your research.  Get involved in making things better and you’ll feel better.    I have….3X so far. No, it’s not pretty, and I am reserving a bullet for myself if it comes to that. I will not go out the way they did and I have no family left to care for me like they did, and I won’t be looking to lie in bed waiting to die in a hospital either.    For what it’s worth, there is cancer on both sides of my family and almost every relative has succumbed to it so far. My chances are pretty good that I will have it too and that is how I will exit…from one form of cancer or another. Even if the cancer doesn’t get me, there are plenty of other diseases running in our gene pool to make my contribution to social medicine or social care a non-issue, except for me to pay out my share. Pathetic, ain’t it?

Sue M.

Response:

    …but they won’t be contributing to your social security or anything else when they die. The gov’t actuall concluded it was to their advantage to have people smoke because they contributed much needed tax dollars and they die early so they don’t have to be supported well into old age on social security or medicare or any of the old age benefits people look forward to.     Gruesome, but true.     Everybody dies. Everyone dies from something, even if it’s old age.

Of course, but if you had ever watched a loved one slowly die from smoking-related cancer, you would opt for other exits, especially old age.

Response:

    …but they won’t be contributing to your social security or anything else when they die. The gov’t actuall concluded it was to their advantage to have people smoke because they contributed much needed tax dollars and they die early so they don’t have to be supported well into old age on social security or medicare or any of the old age benefits people look forward to.     Gruesome, but true.     Everybody dies. Everyone dies from something, even if it’s old age. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I  know  even here in Illinois they are trying to pass legislation to prohibit smoking in any establishment that have employees who can be harmed by second hand smoke.  One of these days, in the not too distance future, some employee  will sue an employer for second hand related illness and win. Then the dam will break and businesses will have to enforce a self imposed ban to stay solvent.  Not soon enough for me.  Any idiot that want to spend over $4 a pack to kill themselves deserve to die of cancer or other smoking related health problems.  What does not need to happen is that they take others with them.

Response:

also contact your mayor and council

Response:

also contact your mayor and council

Or move to Vancovuer Canada where it is smoking in bars is not allowed expceted in specail areas..

Response:

I  know  even here in Illinois they are trying to pass legislation to prohibit smoking in any establishment that have employees who can be harmed by second hand smoke.  One of these days, in the not too distance future, some employee  will sue an employer for second hand related illness and win. Then the dam will break and businesses will have to enforce a self imposed ban to stay solvent.  Not soon enough for me.  Any idiot that want to spend over $4 a pack to kill themselves deserve to die of cancer or other smoking related health problems.  What does not need to happen is that they take others with them.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – also contact your mayor and council Or move to Vancovuer Canada where it is smoking in bars is not allowed expceted in specail areas..

Response:

Question:

While I know I will have to be brushing my new sammy pup regularly (from what I gather daily), I was considering that the dog would go to the groomers with relative frequency for baths, nail cutting, etc (just as long as they don’t put any cologne on him, ugh).  I figure its better on my pipes (all that hair could be a problem) and the groomer has all the right equipment, including a drying box, which up here in Alaska could come in handy.  Before I get slammed because "dogs dont’ need shampoo" recognize that I am quite allergic to dogs, – they cause asthma attacks for me, and regular bathing should take care of this problem (or if it doesn’t I will just have to go get allergy shots). At what age is it appropriate to get the dog used to going to the groomers? I don’t forsee the dog going very often – once a month max, but I also don’t want it to be a very stressful situation for the dog, so I figure we start early.  Maybe we take "field trips" to the groomers where the dog just gets to say hi and maybe a treat and doesnt’ get groomed (i.e. the groomers becomes a happy place).  Suggestions?

Response:

At what age is it appropriate to get the dog used to going to the groomers? I don’t forsee the dog going very often – once a month max, but I also don’t want it to be a very stressful situation for the dog, so I figure we start early.  Maybe we take "field trips" to the groomers where the dog just gets to say hi and maybe a treat and doesnt’ get groomed (i.e. the groomers becomes a happy place).  Suggestions?

With my cocker, I took her to the groomers but did not set her down on the floor or let anybody touch her until she was 12 weeks and had all her shots.  I carried her everywhere.  When she was 12 weeks she got to run around the groomers and get petted, but she didn’t get her first bath there until she was about 4 or 5 months old.  She got her first real cut at 5 months of age.  After that I tried to send her at least once every two months to ensure that she’d continue to be used to it, but I was also grooming her myself since I was considering showing her (and the grooming needs are different from what groomers here know how to do) so most of the time she went, it was only for a bath.  To be honest it didn’t seem to make any difference.  She hates going and hates being away from me.  Lately I send her once every 6 months or so, with my golden retriever so she doesn’t have to be alone.   — Cindi Long http://pweb.netcom.com/~cyn/

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At what age is it appropriate to get the dog used to going to the groomers? I don’t forsee the dog going very often – once a month max, but I also don’t want it to be a very stressful situation for the dog, so I figure we start early.  Maybe we take "field trips" to the groomers where the dog just gets to say hi and maybe a treat and doesnt’ get groomed (i.e. the groomers becomes a happy place).  Suggestions?

Start now. While the dog is young it won’t take all that long, and will be a happy experience. I’m grooming 27 years now, and have never seen anyone start too young. You may consider later on taking the dog in for brush outs minus the bath. A Sammy coat will stay very clean for a long time with only a good brushing. DO NOT slack off on your at-home brushing– a shaved down Samoyed is not pretty. Good luck… — Toni www.irish-wolfhounds.com

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Hello Beth, Here’s some advice about dog allergies: Bathing the dog weekly will help. Rinsing the dog with Downy fabric softener will remove much of the dander and allergens, just rinse thoroughly. The more exposure you have to the dog, and minimal but frequent exposure to saliva, will quickly overcome the reaction. There are other remedies for allergic reactions too… I use accupressure points on the pads of the ring fingers to quickly end itchy eyes. Just press the thumb nails into the front of the pad, and hold it tightly for twenty seconds, release for twenty seconds, and repeat three or four times. Repeat again in about four or five minutes. The eyes will stop itching and running. With a little time and incremental exposure to the dog’s saliva and dander, the allergy should subside… J DRAINING THE SWAMP, AND RELOCATING THE GATORS… J "CUSTOM WILL RECONCILE PEOPLE TO ANY ATROCITY." G.B. Shaw. "I know that most men, including those at ease with problems of the greatest complexity, can seldom accept even the simplest and most obvious truth if it would oblige them to admit the falsity of conclusions which they have delighted in explaining to colleagues, proudly taught to others, and which they have woven, thread by thread, into the fabric of their lives."                                              Leo Tolstoy Is it any wonder that the following sig file has generated more complaints to my personal email than any other controversial post I have made to date, bar none?:                                             caveat If you have to do things to your dog to train him, that you would rather not have to do, then you shouldn’t be doing them. If you have a dog trainer that tells you to jerk your dog around, choke him, pinch his ears, or twist his toes, shock, shake, slap, scold, hit, or punish him in any manner, that corrections are appropriate, that the dog won’t think of you as the punisher, or that corrections are not harmful, or if they can’t train your dog to do what you want, look for a trainer that knows Howe. Sincerely, Jerry Howe, Wits’ End Dog Training http://www.doggydoright.com Nature, to be mastered, must be obeyed.                       -Francis Bacon- There are terrible people who, instead of solving a problem, bungle it and make it more difficult for all who come after.  Who ever can’t hit the nail on the head should, please, not hit at all.                      -Nietzsche- The abilities to think, rationalize and solve problems are learned qualities. The Wits’ End Dog Training Method challenges the learning centers in the dogs brain. These centers, once challenged, develop and continue to grow exponentially, to make him smarter. The Wits’ End Dog Training method capitalizes on praising split seconds of canine thought, strategy, and timing, not mindless hours of forced repetition, constant corrections, and scolding.                   -Jerry Howe-

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While I know I will have to be brushing my new sammy pup regularly (from what I gather daily), I was considering that the dog would go to the groomers with relative frequency for baths, nail cutting, etc (just as long as they don’t put any cologne on him, ugh).  I figure its better on my pipes (all that hair could be a problem) and the groomer has all the right equipment, including a drying box, which up here in Alaska could come in handy.  Before I get slammed because "dogs dont’ need shampoo" recognize that I am quite allergic to dogs, – they cause asthma attacks for me, and regular bathing should take care of this problem (or if it doesn’t I will just have to go get allergy shots). At what age is it appropriate to get the dog used to going to the groomers? I don’t forsee the dog going very often – once a month max, but I also don’t want it to be a very stressful situation for the dog, so I figure we start early.  Maybe we take "field trips" to the groomers where the dog just gets to say hi and maybe a treat and doesnt’ get groomed (i.e. the groomers becomes a happy place).  Suggestions?

Response:

Hello Beth, Here’s some advice about dog allergies: Bathing the dog weekly will help. Rinsing the dog with Downy fabric softener will remove much of the dander and allergens, just rinse thoroughly.  <snip drivel

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not follow this "advice." Downy fabric softener does not remove dog dander any better than any of the dozens of products made to be used on dogs plus you have the possibility of severe allergic reaction. As Downy fabric softener is not labelled for use as an animal (or human) skin/hair treatment, the manufacturer would not be held liable for any damages resulting. PLEASE consult a veterinarian or other pet care professional before applying products to your pet’s skin. Fabric softener, wood floor cleaner, etc. are not labelled for this type of use & if there is an allergic reaction, no one is liable but you. Blessings:)Robyn & the Spoilt Rotten Coton Kids Robyn Lori Rosenthal Sterling Cotons and Park Place Grooming Sterling, VA USA

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Beth, Here’s some advice about dog allergies: Bathing the dog weekly will help. Rinsing the dog with Downy fabric softener will remove much of the dander and allergens, just rinse thoroughly.  <snip drivel PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not follow this "advice." Downy fabric softener does not remove dog dander any better than any of the dozens of products made to be used on dogs plus you have the possibility of severe allergic reaction. As Downy fabric softener is not labelled for use as an animal (or human) skin/hair treatment, the manufacturer would not be held liable for any damages resulting. PLEASE consult a veterinarian or other pet care professional before applying products to your pet’s skin. Fabric softener, wood floor cleaner, etc. are not labelled for this type of use & if there is an allergic reaction, no one is liable but you.

Also, aren’t weekly baths not a good idea? –Terri & Harlan — SURGEON GENRERAL’S WARNING: PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ULTRA SONIC BLACK BOXES MAY CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE IN HUMANS.

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I am pretty allergic to downy fabric softener so it seems silly to wash the dog in something that makes me break out to begin with.  To make my allergies of dogs better I vaccuum often, I brush dogs often (followed by vaccuuming), I have dogs groomed (Bathed) more often than needed by them (monthly).  I also take one of them newfangled antihistamines that dont’ make you drowsy.  Claritin didn’t work – put me to sleep.  Allegra did the trick.  This works for dogs but ferrets still cause huge hives.  Probably would need shots to live with ferrets.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Beth, Here’s some advice about dog allergies: Bathing the dog weekly will help. Rinsing the dog with Downy fabric softener will remove much of the dander and allergens, just rinse thoroughly.  <snip drivel PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not follow this "advice." Downy fabric softener does not remove dog dander any better than any of the dozens of products made to be used on dogs plus you have the possibility of severe allergic reaction. As Downy fabric softener is not labelled for use as an animal (or human) skin/hair treatment, the manufacturer would not be held liable for any damages resulting. PLEASE consult a veterinarian or other pet care professional before applying products to your pet’s skin. Fabric softener, wood floor cleaner, etc. are not labelled for this type of use & if there is an allergic reaction, no one is liable but you. Blessings:)Robyn & the Spoilt Rotten Coton Kids Robyn Lori Rosenthal Sterling Cotons and Park Place Grooming Sterling, VA USA

Response:

Downey fabric softener? Come on…. I’ve heard of Aloe-Pet (a kind of lotion that you put on your dog or cat to keep the dander down) and using a fish oil supplement to help eliminate dry skin… but Downey fabric softener? Bizarre. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Beth, Here’s some advice about dog allergies: Bathing the dog weekly will help. Rinsing the dog with Downy fabric softener will remove much of the dander and allergens, just rinse thoroughly.  <snip drivel PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not follow this "advice." Downy fabric softener does not remove dog dander any better than any of the dozens of products made to be used on dogs plus you have the possibility of severe allergic reaction. As Downy fabric softener is not labelled for use as an animal (or human) skin/hair treatment, the manufacturer would not be held liable for any damages resulting. PLEASE consult a veterinarian or other pet care professional before applying products to your pet’s skin. Fabric softener, wood floor cleaner, etc. are not labelled for this type of use & if there is an allergic reaction, no one is liable but you. Blessings:)Robyn & the Spoilt Rotten Coton Kids Robyn Lori Rosenthal Sterling Cotons and Park Place Grooming Sterling, VA USA

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Downey fabric softener? Come on…. I’ve heard of Aloe-Pet (a kind of lotion that you put on your dog or cat to keep the dander down) and using a fish oil supplement to help eliminate dry skin… but Downey fabric softener? Bizarre.

Of course, bizarre.  But consider from when the maladvice came. avrama

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Beth, Here’s some advice about dog allergies: Bathing the dog weekly will help. Rinsing the dog with Downy fabric softener will remove much of the dander and allergens, just rinse thoroughly.  <snip drivel PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not follow this "advice." Downy fabric softener does not remove dog dander any better than any of the dozens of products made to be used on dogs plus you have the possibility of severe allergic reaction. As Downy fabric softener is not labelled for use as an animal (or human) skin/hair treatment, the manufacturer would not be held liable for any damages resulting. PLEASE consult a veterinarian or other pet care professional before applying products to your pet’s skin. Fabric softener, wood floor cleaner, etc. are not labelled for this type of use & if there is an allergic reaction, no one is liable but you. Blessings:)Robyn & the Spoilt Rotten Coton Kids Robyn Lori Rosenthal Sterling Cotons and Park Place Grooming Sterling, VA USA

Response:

Hello Robyn, I’ve used it on many dogs with no problems. It helps reduce allergic reactions for people that have allergies and want to keep their pets. The drivel that you snipped also works well for people with allergic symptoms. Someone named Jerry Howe

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Beth, Here’s some advice about dog allergies: Bathing the dog weekly will help. Rinsing the dog with Downy fabric softener will remove much of the dander and allergens, just rinse thoroughly.  <snip drivel PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not follow this "advice." Downy fabric softener does not remove dog dander any better than any of the dozens of products made to be used on dogs plus you have the possibility of severe allergic reaction. As Downy fabric softener is not labelled for use as an animal (or human) skin/hair treatment, the manufacturer would not be held liable for any damages resulting. PLEASE consult a veterinarian or other pet care professional before applying products to your pet’s skin. Fabric softener, wood floor cleaner, etc. are not labelled for this type of use & if there is an allergic reaction, no one is liable but you. Blessings:)Robyn & the Spoilt Rotten Coton Kids Robyn Lori Rosenthal Sterling Cotons and Park Place Grooming Sterling, VA USA

Response:

Weekly baths might be a bad idea if you are a pig. J

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Beth, Here’s some advice about dog allergies: Bathing the dog weekly will help. Rinsing the dog with Downy fabric softener will remove much of the dander and allergens, just rinse thoroughly.  <snip drivel PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not follow this "advice." Downy fabric softener does not remove dog dander any better than any of the dozens of products made to be used on dogs plus you have the possibility of severe allergic reaction. As Downy fabric softener is not labelled for use as an animal (or human) skin/hair treatment, the manufacturer would not be held liable for any damages resulting. PLEASE consult a veterinarian or other pet care professional before applying products to your pet’s skin. Fabric softener, wood floor cleaner, etc. are not labelled for this type of use & if there is an allergic reaction, no one is liable but you. Also, aren’t weekly baths not a good idea? –Terri & Harlan — SURGEON GENRERAL’S WARNING: PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ULTRA SONIC BLACK

BOXES MAY CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE IN HUMANS. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

It works. J

Downey fabric softener? Come on…. I’ve heard of Aloe-Pet (a kind of lotion that you put on your dog or cat to keep the dander down) and using a fish oil supplement to help eliminate dry skin… but Downey fabric softener? Bizarre.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Beth, Here’s some advice about dog allergies: Bathing the dog weekly will help. Rinsing the dog with Downy fabric softener will remove much of the dander and allergens, just rinse thoroughly.  <snip drivel PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not follow this "advice." Downy fabric softener does not remove dog dander any better than any of the dozens of products made to be used on dogs plus you have the possibility of severe allergic reaction. As Downy fabric softener is not labelled for use as an animal (or human) skin/hair treatment, the manufacturer would not be held liable for any damages resulting. PLEASE consult a veterinarian or other pet care professional before applying products to your pet’s skin. Fabric softener, wood floor cleaner, etc. are not labelled for this type of use & if there is an allergic reaction, no one is liable but you. Blessings:)Robyn & the Spoilt Rotten Coton Kids Robyn Lori Rosenthal Sterling Cotons and Park Place Grooming Sterling, VA USA

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Question:

Thank you.l’ll avoid these drugs like the plague.

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Has anyone heard if these new drugs have any effect on the inflammation related to asthma? (e.g. a possible alternative to taking prednisone).

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Hi!     Yes, these have recently been released in Canada and are approved for use for  osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  None of the drugs in the family these belong to (the non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) has ever been shown to be effective for asthma.  On the contrary, some of these drugs can cause asthma.  Aspirin and Ibuprofen to mention just a couple. There are other treatments you could try to reduce or eliminate your need for prednisone. Marion – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone heard if these new drugs have any effect on the inflammation related to asthma? (e.g. a possible alternative to taking prednisone).

Response:

Has anyone heard if these new drugs have any effect on the inflammation related to asthma? (e.g. a possible alternative to taking prednisone).

Well, since both have been observed to cause asthma attacks in asthmatics, I would say no. Here is a technical explanation of why NSAIDs are not good for asthmatics: Arachadonic acid is a normal product of human metabolism.  In the Arachadonic acid cascade, this molecule is converted either into prostaglandins [which, amongst other things, are pain mediators] and into leukotrienes [which, amongst other things, can cause asthma attacks or cause them to continue].  The metabolism of AA into prostoglandins or leukotrienes is a dynamic system; if any of the branches of the prostaglandin cascade are blocked, more leukotrienes will be produced, and vice-versa.  All NSAIDs act to block some portion of the prostaglandin cascade; hence more leukotrienes are produced, and an asthmatic is at higher risk of an attack, or the prolongation / increased severity of an attack. Chris Owens

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Question:

Hi all, last year (summer) I was diagnosed with asthma. Since then I have been, on and off, under the medication of beclomethasone and salbutamol inhalers.  I have also suspected that my first asthma attack could be in my early childhood. I am 23 yrs old and a student.  I live on regular and healthy life, except being poor,  and have been careful to any over-nite events.  The following are a few questions regarding to asthma disease. 1. What are the differences among allergy, whooping cough, and asthma?   I would suspect that my symptoms are between the first two, and not asthma.   2. Cold asthma and hot asthma?  This is mentioned in another message. 3. Can orange juice, or other cold beverages trigger asthma?  It happens to me sometimes and I have heard that it happens to many other people. Alcohols don’t seem to have effects, though beers do sometimes. 4. My asthma is weather oriented.  I usually feel better during the winter season.  I would like to cure this disease.  Do I have the chance?   5. I will be graduating in two years.  I had done numerous jobs during the summer, both indoor and outdoor environment.  During asthma attack, my medicine can reduce the coughing for very short period of time, and I still feel difficulties to open mouth and speak.  It makes me worried about my future job options. PS. In movie theater, I would definitely puff myself a few times too many. 6. Unfortunately, I am a light smoker (around ten per day).  Aside from quitting this habit, I would like to know more about the relation between smoke and asthma.  During asthma attack, I stop smoking. 7. I sometimes overdoes the medicine. (more than 8 puff per day), due to the ineffectiveness of the medicine.  Should I summit to more powerful medicine or, perhaps,  slightly overdosing is fine?   8. Can I keep my medicine in my car?  Would that be any damage to the medicine? 9. I had X-rate last year and the doctor said that my lungs were normal.  Are there any simple way to know if my lungs are still normal? 10. Not long ago, TV news reported a new kind of drug to prevent asthma attack.  Instead of inhale the powder, the new drug are pills and can be intake.  Are they powerful (or too powerful), and expensive?  My school are offering new drug plan this year, and I am very interested in any constructive ideas. Your input and other info would be very much appreciated! – CooLa – CooLa

Response:

You need to be tested for allergies, both environmental and food.  See if your school’s student health will do it.  If you are at a University with a medical school, ask if you can be tested by medical students for a reduced rate.  (The dental department at the University I attended did amazing things for very little money if students could do them with faculty supervision.) 3. Can orange juice, or other cold beverages trigger asthma?  It happens to me sometimes and I have heard that it happens to many other people. Alcohols don’t seem to have effects, though beers do sometimes.

If you are allergic to orange, it can certainly cause asthma attacks. Attacks after beer suggest an allergy to yeast or hops. 4. My asthma is weather oriented.  I usually feel better during the winter season.  I would like to cure this disease.  Do I have the chance?

This suggests allergies to pollens.  Allergy shots help a lot for some people. PS. In movie theater, I would definitely puff myself a few times too many.

Movie theaters are notorious for cockroaches.  Lots of people are allergic to them 6. Unfortunately, I am a light smoker (around ten per day).  Aside from quitting this habit, I would like to know more about the relation between smoke and asthma.  During asthma attack, I stop smoking.

STOP NOW!!!!  Besides putting soot and other garbage into your lungs, are you allergic to the tobacco? – CooLa

I know that I am a bit strong on the "Control your allergies and that may control your asthma" bit, but that’s what worked for me. Kim

Response:

Hi all,

Hi! (Here goes some non-medical adice.) last year (summer) I was diagnosed with asthma. Since then I have been, on and off, under the medication of beclomethasone and salbutamol inhalers.  I have also suspected that my first asthma attack could be in my early childhood.

Could have been.  Undiagnosed asthma may have been a big part of my childhood. 1. What are the differences among allergy, whooping cough, and asthma?   I would suspect that my symptoms are between the first two, and not asthma.  

Allergies can trigger asthma (and make whooping cough seem worse.)  There is a "cough-variant" asthma where you have asthma and cough a lot. 3. Can orange juice, or other cold beverages trigger asthma?  It happens to me sometimes and I have heard that it happens to many other people.

If you’re allergic, yes.  As a guideline, stay away from things that trigger asthma. 4. My asthma is weather oriented.  I usually feel better during the winter season.  I would like to cure this disease.  Do I have the chance?  

Although there’s no "cure", total control may be possible.  Just be careful to make sure you’re getting the right treatment (and get a second opinion if you suspect other things than asthma; and if they’ve never heard of cough-variant asthma talk to someone who has. PS. In movie theater, I would definitely puff myself a few times too many.

You might need to find a better medicine…again, sk your doctor. 7. I sometimes overdoes the medicine. (more than 8 puff per day), due to the ineffectiveness of the medicine.  Should I summit to more powerful medicine or, perhaps,  slightly overdosing is fine?  

Some medicines are safe at a high dose, salbutomol is *not* always safe. ASK YOUR DOCTOR ASAP. 9. I had X-rate last year and the doctor said that my lungs were normal.  Are there any simple way to know if my lungs are still normal?

A Peak Flow Meter?  It measures large airway capacity.  It’s not 100%, but it’s another tool in the kit. Good luck…questions which I don’t have a clue on I’ve skipped… and yes, it’s money, but SEE YOUR DOCTOR SOON.  Better treatments exist, and s/he can answer your questions better. Scott T.

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Question:

Albuterol is legal.  I recommend that my athletic patients use 2 puffs 15 minutes before competitions, and repeat in 1-2 hours if needed.  This assumes no heart rhythm problems.  Triathletes and ocean swimmers should fasten an inhaler to the string on the wet suit zipper as a precaution. You may need one on the bike or run. Better to prevent the problem than treat it.  Cromolyn (Intal) is exceptionally safe and is legal.  Try 2-4 puffs 1 hour before competition.  Inhaled steroids are legal (not androgens), work well, and should be used routinely for 3 weeks before competition.  Names include Beclovent, Azmacort and Flovent. Use these in training before using in competition. Byron (an M.D.) J. Byron Walthall, Jr. Charlotte, NC, USA

Response:

Anyone out there with asthma that’s been doing triatlons? I’m looking for experiences, recommendations & advice. Is albutrol legal prior to or during a race…and if it is, when can I take it? Transitions? Any help or advice would be helpful. I’m fine until T2, where I’m severly asthmatic…it takes a good 1-2 miles to recover air… Thanks – Chaz

Hi there.  I am not asthmatic, but you might check out the homepage of Dan Empfield’s (Quintana Roo owner/founder) wife, JulieAnne White, a **very** accomplished triathlete who is also asthmatic.  She has some information there which might be helpful to you.  Her URL is http://www.webcom.com/rooworld/juliehome.html Best of luck!         Mark Johnson         http://www.math.princeton.edu/~maejohns

Response:

Sorry about the duplicate message – thought the program ate my first one Byron J. Byron Walthall, Jr. Charlotte, NC, USA

Response:

Anyone out there with asthma that’s been doing triatlons? I’m looking for experiences, recommendations & advice. Is albutrol legal prior to or during a race…and if it is, when can I take it? Transitions? Any help or advice would be helpful. I’m fine until T2, where I’m severly asthmatic…it takes a good 1-2 miles to recover air… Thanks – Chaz

Chaz,         I have asthma and usually have to use my enhaler at least once per race or workout.  I notice that if I use my enhaler before any serious work that I don’t get as good a response (preventative medicine). However, when I warm up and induce a minor attack I get great results from my enhaler, and then I experiance a period of time when I can work as hard as I want and don’t experiance any troubles. This creates a window of opportunity.         I don’t have severe asthma like my brother who has to take daily dosages of serious medication.  He rarely has to use an albuteral enhaler because he is required to stay on top of his asthma at all times. He also does triathlons and is pretty competetive.         Depending on how severe your asthma is, you will need to try different routes to avoid serious attacks.  Do your experimenting as a part of training.           Don’t use ibuprophen or asprin, they tend to cause asthma attacks. Last year I had serious asthma attacks at almost every race I went to until I stopped taking ibuprophen for about a week before the race. Caffeine can be beneficial if you are experiancing shortness of breath and don’t have access to medecine.  If you have allergies, be aware of your race environment.           As far as I know, albuteral is legal as long as you have been diagnosed by a physician as asthmatic.  USCF requires you to send them notice when liscensing, so maybe Tri-Fed does too.  I haven’t.         I don’t think asthma should prevent you from racing; its just one more detail to take care of before the race. Good luck, Clara

Response:

I have been having problems with ex induced asthma for the past 2 years, but the problem seems under control with an albuterol inhaler.  Race officials have told me it is 100% legal. I tend to put a very small inhaler (trial size that my doctor gives me) in my swim suit and use it toward the end of the bike.  I’ve found it to be very difficult to take deep inhalations during transitions, but very easy on the bike. During IMC, I probably used it about 4 times during the day, including about 20 minutes from the finish so I could kick (?) at the end.

Response:

Anyone out there with asthma that’s been doing triatlons? I’m looking for experiences, recommendations & advice. Is albutrol legal prior to or during a race…and if it is, when can I take it? Transitions? Any help or advice would be helpful. I’m fine until T2, where I’m severly asthmatic…it takes a good 1-2 miles to recover air… Thanks – Chaz

Response:

Anyone out there with asthma that’s been doing triatlons? I’m looking for experiences, recommendations & advice. Is albutrol legal prior to or during a race…and if it is, when can I take it? Transitions? Any help or advice would be helpful. I’m fine until T2, where I’m severly asthmatic…it takes a good 1-2 miles to recover air… Thanks – Chaz

Chaz, I have the same problem, I hit T2 and its *hell*. I am currently taking Salbutamol (Ventolin) as a preventative measure, 15mins before the swim start, but I’m not utterly convinced its still working 1 -1.5 hrs later. There are alternatives, though I’m not sure about them. I believe it is important to train with the inhaler as the drug efficiency improves with use ( MDs please correct me). I find a by product of asthma is considerable quantities of mucus in my lungs, which means that drafting off me on the bike is a pretty unpleasant experience (though its unlikely that anyone would want to go that slowly). The downside of it all seems to be that I either have a good swim and good bike, and a lousy run, or vice versa. Typically I find sprints are the worse for asthmatic response, though I am a genuine exercise-induced asthmatic (apparently), hence my fx increase with effort. If you have longer distance aspirations (forgive the pun) you could be better off, but someone else is likely to be better qualified than me you advise you.       good luck,                         tim

Response:

writes: Is albutrol legal prior to or during a race…and if it is, when can I take it? Transitions?

Albuterol is legal and usually safe.  Proventil and Ventolin are brand names for this generic drug.  Most asthmatics use it 15 minutes before exercise.  The usual instructions are 2 puffs every 4-6 hours.  However many athletes will dose up 1-2 hours later.  The risks are tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) due to overstimulation of the heart.  These are rarely problems in asthmatic athletes.  I would highly recommend that you fasten an inhaler to the zipper string of your wet suit, as the most dangerous place to be out of air is on the water. Many exercise-sensitive asthmatics benefit from prevention with cromolyn (Intal) given 1/2 – 1 hr before exertion.  It is extraordinarily safe and very hard to overdose on. Steroids used for asthma (Azmacort, Flovent, Beclovent) are legal and should be the mainstay of prevention in any asthmatic with frequent problems.  These are very safe and should be used routinely for 3 weeks or more in advance of competition. Byron (an M.D.) J. Byron Walthall, Jr. Charlotte, NC, USA

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Question:

        Any one know about food induced asthma & Annatto???         I have had lifelong asthma, which seems to be getting worse with age (+50).  I thought I had breathing constriction after eating Peperidge Farm Goldfish.  So I stopped eating them.           A few days ago I ate some other brand of snack, too many,  as I was hungry that day, and some time later had a significant asthma attack. It too was a cheese snack colored yellow.  I suspect the food coloring, annatto.           My only other food induced asthma is from beer (last beer more than 20 years ago) and wine (Only a taste on rare occasion).           Any one have ideas on this?         Jeremy Lansman         Anchorage, AK.

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        Any one know about food induced asthma & Annatto??? What you described probably means that your asthma is also partially induced by allergies. I too have had my asthma affected by what I eat sometimes. I do have food allergies, and I know what they are. Usually, though, my symptoms mimic cold-like symptoms (stuffy nose, draining throat). But, for some strange reason – those potatoe chips called "Munchos," and the onion-ring snacks called "Funyuns," make me wheeze when I eat them, no matter what.

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Any one know about food induced asthma & Annatto???

While I have no personal experience with reactions to annatto, I have read of it as a possible asthma trigger.  I believe the book was called "The Asthma Self-Help Book" by Gerri Harrington (maybe it was "Self-Care", I don’t remember).  So you’re not imagining this.  The book also fingers wines that contain sulfites (try finding one that doesn’t!) as a possible culprit.

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I did not see the origional posting but some asthmatics are allergic to a common yellow food dye used in a lot of food.  Because of the color of Goldfish and other cheese snacks, I am assuming they could be packed with the stuff.  This dye can cause asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. Sharon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any one know about food induced asthma & Annatto??? While I have no personal experience with reactions to annatto, I have read of it as a possible asthma trigger.  I believe the book was called "The Asthma Self-Help Book" by Gerri Harrington (maybe it was "Self-Care", I don’t remember).  So you’re not imagining this.  The book also fingers wines that contain sulfites (try finding one that doesn’t!) as a possible culprit.

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