Question:

What ever you do don’t give up I spent around 2 years constant bronchitis and losing my voice.  I had phnumoia in jan.  So they gave me an inhahler to use because of the shortness of breath.  They also did not think /I  had Asthma because they did not hear the weezing but it would only affect me at certain times of the day and never when i was at the doctors office.  I finally went to an allergist who was not sure either because my tests showed normal breathing limits.   So they decided to do this test where if you have asthma it will put you into a respitory attack.  I had this test last friday and they said that they have never had a patient react to that test so quickly.  So now I have this breathing machine I have to use every 8 hrs or every 4 hours if needed so I would ask your doctor about this test it is really scary if you have asthma but at least you would know. If you have any questions p[ease feel free to contact  me: Hang in there Janet

Response:

- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - A nebulizer ensures better delivery of the medication "better" is a generallity... better how? More of the medication gets into the respiratory system faster, in part because breathing does not have to be timed to inhalation of medication. I agree the pattern of deposition is somewhat different but your comment, as it is written, is wrong. More medication is delivered with a neb. Estimates range from fairly comparable to 10 times as much (ten puffs of albuterol equalling one 2.5 mg neb). It is not delivered faster - about 10 minutes (neb) vs a second or so.

If you read my original post, I have already made this very statement. - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - and delivers it in a higher concentration. Nebulizers deliver meds at far lower concentrations than do MDIs. You're just dead wrong on that one. I'm not sure the concentration really is a relevant factor - but if you must argue about it the medication in a puff of an MDI is more concentrated than the neb.

Response:

A nebulizer ensures better delivery of the medication "better" is a generallity... better how?

More of the medication gets into the respiratory system faster, in part because breathing does not have to be timed to inhalation of medication. and delivers it in a higher concentration. Nebulizers deliver meds at far lower concentrations than do MDIs.

You're just dead wrong on that one. - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - Sheldon "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

Response:

A nebulizer ensures better delivery of the medication "better" is a generallity... better how? More of the medication gets into the respiratory system faster, in part because breathing does not have to be timed to inhalation of medication.

I agree the pattern of deposition is somewhat different but your comment, as it is written, is wrong. More medication is delivered with a neb. Estimates range from fairly comparable to 10 times as much (ten puffs of albuterol equalling one 2.5 mg neb). It is not delivered faster - about 10 minutes (neb) vs a second or so. and delivers it in a higher concentration. Nebulizers deliver meds at far lower concentrations than do MDIs. You're just dead wrong on that one.

I'm not sure the concentration really is a relevant factor - but if you must argue about it the medication in a puff of an MDI is more concentrated than the neb.

Response:

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm already on Flovent 250 (for almost 2 years now). Just doesn't seem to be effective anymore. I did see a pulmonologist at first, but I was referred back to my GP after a few months. I'll see what my GP says about trying something else, and if necessary, get referred back to a pulmonologist. Pierre

- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - I put off going to Emerg for 7 hours yesterday. Finally, around 3 AM, I had to go to the local ER because I couldn't breathe despite having used my rescue inhaler to the limit, and I was coughing non-stop. They sent me right into Observation without even having to register in. When I got there, they said my lungs sounded clear, but that I was having bronchospams. Anyway, whatever it was, I stopped coughing and was able to breathe normally within about 10-15 minutes of them putting the ventolin mask on me. And however clear my lungs sounded before, they sounded even better afterwards, so they let me go home. The spirometry post ventolin was great, but they didn't do it before to be able to compare. My allergist diagnosed me with cough-variant asthma (not to mention the multiple respiratory allergies) a couple of years ago, and my PCP calls it reactive airways. The problem is, nobody ever believes it's asthma at first because I don't wheeze at all - and this includes doctors and nurses. I can't say that Flovent is terribly effective for this kind of thing, but the Ventolin is. Any thoughts? I'm beginning to wonder if I should ask about trying something like Tilade, or Singulair instead. Pierre

Response:

 nobody ever believes it's asthma at first because I don't wheeze at all - and this includes doctors and nurses. I can't say that Flovent is terribly effective for this kind of thing, but the Ventolin is. Any thoughts? I'm beginning to wonder if I should ask about trying something like Tilade, or Singulair instead. Pierre

I've had similar problems.  I found Singulair worked quite well, except that I get migraines & that gave me one daily.  But it worked.  Worked the best of anything I've tried.

Response:

A nebulizer ensures better delivery of the medication and delivers it in a higher concentration.. With ventolin, for example, it would take 10 puffs to equal one adult dose neb. Also, you have moist air enveloping the respiratory tract which is of some benefit. My family has a nebulizer and it has saved many, many trips to the emerg. My sons even  took their pulmicort this way when they were little. Apparently, there are doctors out there who do not think a mebulizer makes any difference. Those doctors should experience a serious asthma attack and be told they can't have one. Finally to the poster who said their medication did a great job controlling their asthma until they get a cold. If you are consistently having a serious problem when you hve a cold, then your current medication is not enough. You may need an inhaled steroid, such as Pulmicort, rather than just Singulair.  Talk to an asthma specialist. - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - I put off going to Emerg for 7 hours yesterday. Finally, around 3 AM, I had to go to the local ER because I couldn't breathe despite having used my rescue inhaler to the limit, and I was coughing non-stop. They sent me right into Observation without even having to register in. When I got there, they said my lungs sounded clear, but that I was having bronchospams. Anyway, whatever it was, I stopped coughing and was able to breathe normally within about 10-15 minutes of them putting the ventolin mask on me. And however clear my lungs sounded before, they sounded even better afterwards, so they let me go home. The spirometry post ventolin was great, but they didn't do it before to be able to compare. My allergist diagnosed me with cough-variant asthma (not to mention the multiple respiratory allergies) a couple of years ago, and my PCP calls it reactive airways. The problem is, nobody ever believes it's asthma at first because I don't wheeze at all - and this includes doctors and nurses. I can't say that Flovent is terribly effective for this kind of thing, but the Ventolin is. Any thoughts? I'm beginning to wonder if I should ask about trying something like Tilade, or Singulair instead. Pierre Not only does the situation sound familiar, it sounds EXACTLY like my cough variant asthma (I rarely wheeze). According to my Pulmonary doctor and my Allergist (also an Asthma specialist), the best treatment, is to treat it exactly the same as regular Asthma. I.E. Emergency inhalers with some sort of preventative medication (inhaled steroids, Singulair, etc.). Keeping in mind that we all react differently to different treatments... here is what I'm taking (and it's keeping me very stable... unless I get a cold or flu): Advair 250/50 two puffs a day, Singulair 10mg once a day, Tesselon Pearls twice a day (cough suppressant)... for emergencies, Combivent two puffs every 4 to 6 hours or .5ml Albuterol in 3ml saline in a nebulizer followed by two puffs of Atrovent (this is every 4 to 6 hours). It's interesting that you mention responding better with the ER nebulizer than an inhaler. This is also the case for me (though I have my own nebulizer). I couldn't even begin to guess why a nebulizer seems more effective. As always, this is just for information... see a doctor or better yet, and asthma specialist for effective treatment of your asthma [another generic disclaimer 1.2.5c]. Dan Rhea "Loyalty is for family, friends and country, not operating systems, compilers and computers"   – Dan Rhea, 1986

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I put off going to Emerg for 7 hours yesterday. Finally, around 3 AM, I had to go to the local ER because I couldn’t breathe despite having used my rescue inhaler to the limit, and I was coughing non-stop. They sent me right into Observation without even having to register in. When I got there, they said my lungs sounded clear, but that I was having bronchospams. Anyway, whatever it was, I stopped coughing and was able to breathe normally within about 10-15 minutes of them putting the ventolin mask on me. And however clear my lungs sounded before, they sounded even better afterwards, so they let me go home. The spirometry post ventolin was great, but they didn’t do it before to be able to compare. My allergist diagnosed me with cough-variant asthma (not to mention the multiple respiratory allergies) a couple of years ago, and my PCP calls it reactive airways. The problem is, nobody ever believes it’s asthma at first because I don’t wheeze at all – and this includes doctors and nurses. I can’t say that Flovent is terribly effective for this kind of thing, but the Ventolin is. Any thoughts? I’m beginning to wonder if I should ask about trying something like Tilade, or Singulair instead.

My advice is to ask your PCP for a referral to an asthma specialist. It’s a terrible responsibility – but somebody has to be the Americans.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I put off going to Emerg for 7 hours yesterday. Finally, around 3 AM, I had to go to the local ER because I couldn’t breathe despite having used my rescue inhaler to the limit, and I was coughing non-stop. They sent me right into Observation without even having to register in. When I got there, they said my lungs sounded clear, but that I was having bronchospams. Anyway, whatever it was, I stopped coughing and was able to breathe normally within about 10-15 minutes of them putting the ventolin mask on me. And however clear my lungs sounded before, they sounded even better afterwards, so they let me go home. The spirometry post ventolin was great, but they didn’t do it before to be able to compare. My allergist diagnosed me with cough-variant asthma (not to mention the multiple respiratory allergies) a couple of years ago, and my PCP calls it reactive airways. The problem is, nobody ever believes it’s asthma at first because I don’t wheeze at all – and this includes doctors and nurses. I can’t say that Flovent is terribly effective for this kind of thing, but the Ventolin is. Any thoughts? I’m beginning to wonder if I should ask about trying something like Tilade, or Singulair instead. Pierre

Not only does the situation sound familiar, it sounds EXACTLY like my cough variant asthma (I rarely wheeze). According to my Pulmonary doctor and my Allergist (also an Asthma specialist), the best treatment, is to treat it exactly the same as regular Asthma. I.E. Emergency inhalers with some sort of preventative medication (inhaled steroids, Singulair, etc.). Keeping in mind that we all react differently to different treatments… here is what I’m taking (and it’s keeping me very stable… unless I get a cold or flu): Advair 250/50 two puffs a day, Singulair 10mg once a day, Tesselon Pearls twice a day (cough suppressant)… for emergencies, Combivent two puffs every 4 to 6 hours or .5ml Albuterol in 3ml saline in a nebulizer followed by two puffs of Atrovent (this is every 4 to 6 hours). It’s interesting that you mention responding better with the ER nebulizer than an inhaler. This is also the case for me (though I have my own nebulizer). I couldn’t even begin to guess why a nebulizer seems more effective. As always, this is just for information… see a doctor or better yet, and asthma specialist for effective treatment of your asthma [another generic disclaimer 1.2.5c]. Dan Rhea "Loyalty is for family, friends and country, not operating systems, compilers and computers"   – Dan Rhea, 1986

Response:

Lots of people ONLY cough with asthma and never wheeze. It’s not that uncommon and yes it sounds like you need some regular controlling medication like singulair or pulmicort. Just using a rescue inhaler like Bricanyl or Ventolin is not going to resolve the situation. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I put off going to Emerg for 7 hours yesterday. Finally, around 3 AM, I had to go to the local ER because I couldn’t breathe despite having used my rescue inhaler to the limit, and I was coughing non-stop. They sent me right into Observation without even having to register in. When I got there, they said my lungs sounded clear, but that I was having bronchospams. Anyway, whatever it was, I stopped coughing and was able to breathe normally within about 10-15 minutes of them putting the ventolin mask on me. And however clear my lungs sounded before, they sounded even better afterwards, so they let me go home. The spirometry post ventolin was great, but they didn’t do it before to be able to compare. My allergist diagnosed me with cough-variant asthma (not to mention the multiple respiratory allergies) a couple of years ago, and my PCP calls it reactive airways. The problem is, nobody ever believes it’s asthma at first because I don’t wheeze at all – and this includes doctors and nurses. I can’t say that Flovent is terribly effective for this kind of thing, but the Ventolin is. Any thoughts? I’m beginning to wonder if I should ask about trying something like Tilade, or Singulair instead. Pierre

Response:

I put off going to Emerg for 7 hours yesterday. Finally, around 3 AM, I had to go to the local ER because I couldn’t breathe despite having used my rescue inhaler to the limit, and I was coughing non-stop. They sent me right into Observation without even having to register in. When I got there, they said my lungs sounded clear, but that I was having bronchospams. Anyway, whatever it was, I stopped coughing and was able to breathe normally within about 10-15 minutes of them putting the ventolin mask on me. And however clear my lungs sounded before, they sounded even better afterwards, so they let me go home. The spirometry post ventolin was great, but they didn’t do it before to be able to compare. My allergist diagnosed me with cough-variant asthma (not to mention the multiple respiratory allergies) a couple of years ago, and my PCP calls it reactive airways. The problem is, nobody ever believes it’s asthma at first because I don’t wheeze at all – and this includes doctors and nurses. I can’t say that Flovent is terribly effective for this kind of thing, but the Ventolin is. Any thoughts? I’m beginning to wonder if I should ask about trying something like Tilade, or Singulair instead. Pierre

Response:

Question:

I have not been able to find out why but I have not been able to get Proventil pills at ANY pharmacy here since beginning of November.  I posted then to find out if any one knew why (I still want to know if there was a problem with the pill or what???)  I take Accolate (like Singulair but 2x day), use  Alberterol (generic proventil) and Vanceril inhalers only occasionally so I don’t believe I have as severe as you do but I started out (six years ago) in bad shape.  I believe the Accolate is what helped me.   I have seen NO change in problems since stopping the Proventil pill.  BUT I no longer am thirsty all the time.   One of newsgroup thought that being on proventil pill may have been causing an electrolytic imbalance and potassium loss.  This made sense to me and again no difference in breathing.  You may want to try to go without the pill–my doctor did not disagree due to result.  Look at whether your improvement was linked to starting the Proventil or one of the other meds.  If you started them at the same time it will be hard to tell but I am so glad I was forced to stop the Proventil pill and now am not thirsty all the time. Alice if you do find out why it has not been available PLEASE let me know. Thanks, Linda – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diagnosed as having Asthma when I was approximately 35 years old, (more years ago than I’d like to admit to).  I currently take Singulair (every evening) and Advair (twice a day), as well as Proventil inhaler as needed and Proventil repatabs twice a day.  I have a nebulizer I used whenever my peak flow meter shows my breathing to be below 250.  (The highest I ever get is approximately 325.) Early in January I brought in a renewal of my prescription for Proventil Repatabs to my pharmacy.  They filled my Rx (called for 60 tabs) but shorted me 8 tabs, and gave me an "IOU" for them.  I have since been told by them that I should consider taking Volmax instead of Proventil since they could not fill the prescription — their sources were unable to get these tabs. Has anyone else had these problems?  Should I get a new prescription and bring it to another pharmacist?  Since I have been on this regimen I have not had an asthma attack.  Before this, I had at least one or two really bad attacks (necessitating Emergency Room visits) every year. Thank you for any help you can give me.

Response:

I too used to take Proventil Repetabs but back in the mid 80’s when I relocated and got a new doctor he put me on Volmax. To tell you the truth I liked Volmax better. They are both albuterol pills same stuff that is in a rescue inhaler. Proventil has a coating that dissolves at once to give you some immediate relief and the pill is time released and the Volmax has a minature hole in theirs which is the way it is designed for time release. I took Volmax for the past 5 years and just recently got off it after getting on Serevent ( one of the drugs in Advair) I shook really bad taking Volmax and Serevent together. So my doctor took me off them and told me to use my albuterol inhaler every 8 hours regardless of symptoms. And ya’ know I have never felt better in my life. Albuterol is best inhaled b/c when taken as a pill it causes too many systemic effects. Dana

Response:

I would call the drug company and see if they are still making the Proventil Repatabs. Then you would know if you need a different pharmacy or too talk to you Doctor about a different drug. sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was diagnosed as having Asthma when I was approximately 35 years old, (more years ago than I’d like to admit to).  I currently take Singulair (every evening) and Advair (twice a day), as well as Proventil inhaler as needed and Proventil repatabs twice a day.  I have a nebulizer I used whenever my peak flow meter shows my breathing to be below 250.  (The highest I ever get is approximately 325.) Early in January I brought in a renewal of my prescription for Proventil Repatabs to my pharmacy.  They filled my Rx (called for 60 tabs) but shorted me 8 tabs, and gave me an "IOU" for them.  I have since been told by them that I should consider taking Volmax instead of Proventil since they could not fill the prescription — their sources were unable to get these tabs. Has anyone else had these problems?  Should I get a new prescription and bring it to another pharmacist?  Since I have been on this regimen I have not had an asthma attack.  Before this, I had at least one or two really bad attacks (necessitating Emergency Room visits) every year. Thank you for any help you can give me.

Response:

I was diagnosed as having Asthma when I was approximately 35 years old, (more years ago than I’d like to admit to).  I currently take Singulair (every evening) and Advair (twice a day), as well as Proventil inhaler as needed and Proventil repatabs twice a day.  I have a nebulizer I used whenever my peak flow meter shows my breathing to be below 250.  (The highest I ever get is approximately 325.) Early in January I brought in a renewal of my prescription for Proventil Repatabs to my pharmacy.  They filled my Rx (called for 60 tabs) but shorted me 8 tabs, and gave me an "IOU" for them.  I have since been told by them that I should consider taking Volmax instead of Proventil since they could not fill the prescription — their sources were unable to get these tabs. Has anyone else had these problems?  Should I get a new prescription and bring it to another pharmacist?  Since I have been on this regimen I have not had an asthma attack.  Before this, I had at least one or two really bad attacks (necessitating Emergency Room visits) every year. Thank you for any help you can give me.

Response:

Question:

OK, in 1993 I was exposed to mildewed insulation during an office re-modeling.  One day I couldn’t breath, two days later I was in the hospital. I’ve been hospitalized so many times since then I had to go on disability. We count 1 year with no hospitalizations as good.  I’m always sick, and I think a peak flow of 300 is good.  On a bad day I barely blow 100.  I have chronic bronchitis (COPD) as a result of this asthma.  Oh, and I’m an adult. I was 35 when I first got sick. So, I didn’t think it was too bad until I read your messages.  Believe me, I’ve taken ALL the medicines.  I took prednisone for 7 years and only recently got off it.  I am now on the nastiest tasting inhaler I’ve ever taken, besides Singulair, Theodur, Azmacort, and nebulizer treatments.  I stay inside most of the time, going out to shop and church when I can. But it’s not too bad, really.  Yes, I have sinusitis and Reflux.  Blah Blah Blah. There is no one I’ve been able to talk to.  Am I a hypochondriac?  Can something else be done?  I’ve seen pulmonologists.  Anyone have any advice? Encouragement?  Chastisement? Ceresse

Response:

Did you have any type of these symptoms in the least before this happened in 1993?  Asthma as a child perhaps?  How long were you in the office being exposed to this material?  What all tests have you had done? You have just gotten off prednisone?  Sounds like you may be improving. This should be encouraging because it means that possibly the condition is controllable, if not reversible.  When was your official diagnosis for COPD made? (How long after you were exposed). I don’t think you are a hypochondriac.  It is good to speak with others who have similar conditions.  This is a good place to start.  Also another groups is the alt.support.pulmonary group.  Also an excellent website is  http://www.myasthma.com A site where you can keep track of all of your medications, peakflow readings, and chat with other members. I wish you the best. Take care, Emad Kowatli, MD, FCCP

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, in 1993 I was exposed to mildewed insulation during an office re-modeling.  One day I couldn’t breath, two days later I was in the hospital. I’ve been hospitalized so many times since then I had to go on disability. We count 1 year with no hospitalizations as good.  I’m always sick, and I think a peak flow of 300 is good.  On a bad day I barely blow 100.  I have chronic bronchitis (COPD) as a result of this asthma.  Oh, and I’m an adult. I was 35 when I first got sick. So, I didn’t think it was too bad until I read your messages.  Believe me, I’ve taken ALL the medicines.  I took prednisone for 7 years and only recently got off it.  I am now on the nastiest tasting inhaler I’ve ever taken, besides Singulair, Theodur, Azmacort, and nebulizer treatments.  I stay inside most of the time, going out to shop and church when I can. But it’s not too bad, really.  Yes, I have sinusitis and Reflux.  Blah Blah Blah. There is no one I’ve been able to talk to.  Am I a hypochondriac?  Can something else be done?  I’ve seen pulmonologists.  Anyone have any advice? Encouragement?  Chastisement? Ceresse

Response:

The best advice is to just hang in there. Asthma is frustrating…..and I don’t have it half as bad as you. Being vigilant in your care and getting all the knowledge you can is about all any of us can do I think. You can visit this group for great support!  Everyone here knows the frustration you feel. Denise Indianapolis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, in 1993 I was exposed to mildewed insulation during an office re-modeling.  One day I couldn’t breath, two days later I was in the hospital. I’ve been hospitalized so many times since then I had to go on disability. We count 1 year with no hospitalizations as good.  I’m always sick, and I think a peak flow of 300 is good.  On a bad day I barely blow 100.  I have chronic bronchitis (COPD) as a result of this asthma.  Oh, and I’m an adult. I was 35 when I first got sick. So, I didn’t think it was too bad until I read your messages.  Believe me, I’ve taken ALL the medicines.  I took prednisone for 7 years and only recently got off it.  I am now on the nastiest tasting inhaler I’ve ever taken, besides Singulair, Theodur, Azmacort, and nebulizer treatments.  I stay inside most of the time, going out to shop and church when I can. But it’s not too bad, really.  Yes, I have sinusitis and Reflux.  Blah Blah Blah. There is no one I’ve been able to talk to.  Am I a hypochondriac?  Can something else be done?  I’ve seen pulmonologists.  Anyone have any advice? Encouragement?  Chastisement? Ceresse

Response:

What would the name of your nastiest inhaler? I take tilade which is awfull along with singulair, pulmicort, serevent, medrol, ventolin, and atrovent. My good years sound the same as yours with only hospilitazion instead of three. I often think I had asthma as a child but was not diagnoised until I was 21 years old. I have some lung dammage from scaring so my lungs just do not expand normally. Some days I cannot walk and talk I have to stop and rest to catch my breath. Whos taking care of your asthma now? I noticed your on azamacort have you tried the stronger steroid inhalers like flovent or pulmicort? Have you told your dr. about your peak flows and feeling like your not controlled? I know severe asthma is very hard to deal with both financially and emotionally. I find a small amount of excerise any kind your able to do no matter how small, helps greatly. I tell my family I excerise for my brain I just feel better emotionally. I will take a walk, or ride my bike very slowly or on bad days I just do some streaches. I have to stay away from our church as they have lots of fresh cut flowers and that awalys triggers off the asthma. Not to mention all the perfume some ladies put on. take care and good luck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, in 1993 I was exposed to mildewed insulation during an office re-modeling.  One day I couldn’t breath, two days later I was in the hospital. I’ve been hospitalized so many times since then I had to go on disability. We count 1 year with no hospitalizations as good.  I’m always sick, and I think a peak flow of 300 is good.  On a bad day I barely blow 100.  I have chronic bronchitis (COPD) as a result of this asthma.  Oh, and I’m an adult. I was 35 when I first got sick. So, I didn’t think it was too bad until I read your messages.  Believe me, I’ve taken ALL the medicines.  I took prednisone for 7 years and only recently got off it.  I am now on the nastiest tasting inhaler I’ve ever taken, besides Singulair, Theodur, Azmacort, and nebulizer treatments.  I stay inside most of the time, going out to shop and church when I can. But it’s not too bad, really.  Yes, I have sinusitis and Reflux.  Blah Blah Blah. There is no one I’ve been able to talk to.  Am I a hypochondriac?  Can something else be done?  I’ve seen pulmonologists.  Anyone have any advice? Encouragement?  Chastisement? Ceresse

Response:

I had no symptoms as a child, but I did have pneumonia three times between the ages of 15 and 21.  I was in the office for two weeks before a sudden coughing fit started and wouldn’t quit.  And I have had all the tests except the one where they actually stick that thing into your lungs and look around.  One test, the one where they give you some kind of inhaler and induce an asthma attack, was positive. But I don’t know what difference this makes.  I’m responding to your questions because you are an MD.  I’m surprised to find a doctor responding to my e-mail.  Forgive me if this post is taking advantage of you.  I was diagnosed with COPD  in 1997, 4 years after the onset.  And I live in such a rural area their are no industrial pulmonologists or any kind of expert in the field of industrial exposures. My current doctor is a kind man who weaned me off prednison a year ago because I began loosing my teeth and experienced bone loss.  My condition has improved under his care, but I still need O2 and live a restricted life. Thanks for your kindness and time.  Ceresse

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Did you have any type of these symptoms in the least before this happened in 1993?  Asthma as a child perhaps?  How long were you in the office being exposed to this material?  What all tests have you had done? You have just gotten off prednisone?  Sounds like you may be improving. This should be encouraging because it means that possibly the condition is controllable, if not reversible.  When was your official diagnosis for COPD made? (How long after you were exposed). I don’t think you are a hypochondriac.  It is good to speak with others who have similar conditions.  This is a good place to start.  Also another groups is the alt.support.pulmonary group.  Also an excellent website is  http://www.myasthma.com A site where you can keep track of all of your medications, peakflow readings, and chat with other members. I wish you the best. Take care, Emad Kowatli, MD, FCCP OK, in 1993 I was exposed to mildewed insulation during an office re-modeling.  One day I couldn’t breath, two days later I was in the hospital. I’ve been hospitalized so many times since then I had to go on disability. We count 1 year with no hospitalizations as good.  I’m always sick, and I think a peak flow of 300 is good.  On a bad day I barely blow 100.  I have chronic bronchitis (COPD) as a result of this asthma.  Oh, and I’m an adult. I was 35 when I first got sick. So, I didn’t think it was too bad until I read your messages.  Believe me, I’ve taken ALL the medicines.  I took prednisone for 7 years and only recently got off it.  I am now on the nastiest tasting inhaler I’ve ever taken, besides Singulair, Theodur, Azmacort, and nebulizer treatments. I stay inside most of the time, going out to shop and church when I can. But it’s not too bad, really.  Yes, I have sinusitis and Reflux.  Blah Blah Blah. There is no one I’ve been able to talk to.  Am I a hypochondriac?  Can something else be done?  I’ve seen pulmonologists.  Anyone have any advice? Encouragement?  Chastisement? Ceresse

Response:

Aerobid is the nasty new inhaler.  I take atrovent and albuterol in nebulizer, and azmacort.  I’ve been on every other medicine you mention. Except pulmicort-I’ve never heard of it.  I had a BAD reaction to Tilade. I too have scaring, lung damage, and reduced breathing function.  For exercise, I like to swim when I can.  Sometimes I just float in the pool. Being near water seems to make breathing easier.  Have you noticed that? I know what you mean about church…I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to leave the sanctuary.  My pastor is thoughtful. We no longer have cut flowers and he asked the women to be careful with their perfume. Speaking of which, I wish I could where a sign that says "Perfume is not a substitute for a bath!" Thanks for your kind response.  Ceresse

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What would the name of your nastiest inhaler? I take tilade which is awfull along with singulair, pulmicort, serevent, medrol, ventolin, and atrovent. My good years sound the same as yours with only hospilitazion instead of three. I often think I had asthma as a child but was not diagnoised until I was 21 years old. I have some lung dammage from scaring so my lungs just do not expand normally. Some days I cannot walk and talk I have to stop and rest to catch my breath. Whos taking care of your asthma now? I noticed your on azamacort have you tried the stronger steroid inhalers like flovent or pulmicort? Have you told your dr. about your peak flows and feeling like your not controlled? I know severe asthma is very hard to deal with both financially and emotionally. I find a small amount of excerise any kind your able to do no matter how small, helps greatly. I tell my family I excerise for my brain I just feel better emotionally. I will take a walk, or ride my bike very slowly or on bad days I just do some streaches. I have to stay away from our church as they have lots of fresh cut flowers and that awalys triggers off the asthma. Not to mention all the perfume some ladies put on. take care and good luck OK, in 1993 I was exposed to mildewed insulation during an office re-modeling.  One day I couldn’t breath, two days later I was in the hospital. I’ve been hospitalized so many times since then I had to go on disability. We count 1 year with no hospitalizations as good.  I’m always sick, and I think a peak flow of 300 is good.  On a bad day I barely blow 100.  I have chronic bronchitis (COPD) as a result of this asthma.  Oh, and I’m an adult. I was 35 when I first got sick. So, I didn’t think it was too bad until I read your messages.  Believe me, I’ve taken ALL the medicines.  I took prednisone for 7 years and only recently got off it.  I am now on the nastiest tasting inhaler I’ve ever taken, besides Singulair, Theodur, Azmacort, and nebulizer treatments. I stay inside most of the time, going out to shop and church when I can. But it’s not too bad, really.  Yes, I have sinusitis and Reflux.  Blah Blah Blah. There is no one I’ve been able to talk to.  Am I a hypochondriac?  Can something else be done?  I’ve seen pulmonologists.  Anyone have any advice? Encouragement?  Chastisement? Ceresse

Response:

When you make your "Perfume is not a substitute for a bath" sign – make me one too!  Thankfully, perfume is not a  severe trigger with me; but I do get a very uncomfortable tightness.  I work with several people that use some of the god-awfulest stinky stuff which much be super cheap because I swear they pour the bottle over their head everyday!  I think I’ll add another line to my sign–"If I can smell you ten feet away or ten minutes after you’ve left the room–you are wearing too much perfume!"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Aerobid is the nasty new inhaler.  I take atrovent and albuterol in nebulizer, and azmacort.  I’ve been on every other medicine you mention. Except pulmicort-I’ve never heard of it.  I had a BAD reaction to Tilade. I too have scaring, lung damage, and reduced breathing function.  For exercise, I like to swim when I can.  Sometimes I just float in the pool. Being near water seems to make breathing easier.  Have you noticed that? I know what you mean about church…I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to leave the sanctuary.  My pastor is thoughtful. We no longer have cut flowers and he asked the women to be careful with their perfume. Speaking of which, I wish I could where a sign that says "Perfume is not a substitute for a bath!" Thanks for your kind response.  Ceresse What would the name of your nastiest inhaler? I take tilade which is awfull along with singulair, pulmicort, serevent, medrol, ventolin, and atrovent. My good years sound the same as yours with only hospilitazion instead of three. I often think I had asthma as a child but was not diagnoised until I was 21 years old. I have some lung dammage from scaring so my lungs just do not expand normally. Some days I cannot walk and talk I have to stop and rest to catch my breath. Whos taking care of your asthma now? I noticed your on azamacort have you tried the stronger steroid inhalers like flovent or pulmicort? Have you told your dr. about your peak flows and feeling like your not controlled? I know severe asthma is very hard to deal with both financially and emotionally. I find a small amount of excerise any kind your able to do no matter how small, helps greatly. I tell my family I excerise for my brain I just feel better emotionally. I will take a walk, or ride my bike very slowly or on bad days I just do some streaches. I have to stay away from our church as they have lots of fresh cut flowers and that awalys triggers off the asthma. Not to mention all the perfume some ladies put on. take care and good luck OK, in 1993 I was exposed to mildewed insulation during an office re-modeling.  One day I couldn’t breath, two days later I was in the hospital. I’ve been hospitalized so many times since then I had to go on disability. We count 1 year with no hospitalizations as good.  I’m always sick, and I think a peak flow of 300 is good.  On a bad day I barely blow 100.  I have chronic bronchitis (COPD) as a result of this asthma.  Oh, and I’m an adult. I was 35 when I first got sick. So, I didn’t think it was too bad until I read your messages.  Believe me, I’ve taken ALL the medicines.  I took prednisone for 7 years and only recently got off it.  I am now on the nastiest tasting inhaler I’ve ever taken, besides Singulair, Theodur, Azmacort, and nebulizer treatments. I stay inside most of the time, going out to shop and church when I can. But it’s not too bad, really.  Yes, I have sinusitis and Reflux.  Blah Blah Blah. There is no one I’ve been able to talk to.  Am I a hypochondriac?  Can something else be done?  I’ve seen pulmonologists.  Anyone have any advice? Encouragement?  Chastisement? Ceresse

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, in 1993 I was exposed to mildewed insulation during an office re-modeling.  One day I couldn’t breath, two days later I was in the hospital. I’ve been hospitalized so many times since then I had to go on disability. We count 1 year with no hospitalizations as good.  I’m always sick, and I think a peak flow of 300 is good.  On a bad day I barely blow 100.  I have chronic bronchitis (COPD) as a result of this asthma.  Oh, and I’m an adult. I was 35 when I first got sick. So, I didn’t think it was too bad until I read your messages.  Believe me, I’ve taken ALL the medicines.  I took prednisone for 7 years and only recently got off it.  I am now on the nastiest tasting inhaler I’ve ever taken, besides Singulair, Theodur, Azmacort, and nebulizer treatments.  I stay inside most of the time, going out to shop and church when I can. But it’s not too bad, really.  Yes, I have sinusitis and Reflux.  Blah Blah Blah. There is no one I’ve been able to talk to.  Am I a hypochondriac?  Can something else be done?  I’ve seen pulmonologists.  Anyone have any advice? Encouragement?  Chastisement? Ceresse

    Hi!   If you were injured in your work-place then     you ought to be eligible for compensation.  The     money would help you in getting good treatment – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

LOL Ceresse

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When you make your "Perfume is not a substitute for a bath" sign – make me one too!  Thankfully, perfume is not a  severe trigger with me; but I do get a very uncomfortable tightness.  I work with several people that use some of the god-awfulest stinky stuff which much be super cheap because I swear they pour the bottle over their head everyday!  I think I’ll add another line to my sign–"If I can smell you ten feet away or ten minutes after you’ve left the room–you are wearing too much perfume!" Aerobid is the nasty new inhaler.  I take atrovent and albuterol in nebulizer, and azmacort.  I’ve been on every other medicine you mention. Except pulmicort-I’ve never heard of it.  I had a BAD reaction to Tilade. I too have scaring, lung damage, and reduced breathing function.  For exercise, I like to swim when I can.  Sometimes I just float in the pool. Being near water seems to make breathing easier.  Have you noticed that? I know what you mean about church…I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to leave the sanctuary.  My pastor is thoughtful. We no longer have cut flowers and he asked the women to be careful with their perfume. Speaking of which, I wish I could where a sign that says "Perfume is not a substitute for a bath!" Thanks for your kind response.  Ceresse What would the name of your nastiest inhaler? I take tilade which is awfull along with singulair, pulmicort, serevent, medrol, ventolin, and atrovent. My good years sound the same as yours with only hospilitazion instead of three. I often think I had asthma as a child but was not diagnoised until I was 21 years old. I have some lung dammage from scaring so my lungs just do not expand normally. Some days I cannot walk and talk I have to stop and rest to catch my breath. Whos taking care of your asthma now? I noticed your on azamacort have you tried the stronger steroid inhalers like flovent or pulmicort? Have you told your dr. about your peak flows and feeling like your not controlled? I know severe asthma is very hard to deal with both financially and emotionally. I find a small amount of excerise any kind your able to do no matter how small, helps greatly. I tell my family I excerise for my brain I just feel better emotionally. I will take a walk, or ride my bike very slowly or on bad days I just do some streaches. I have to stay away from our church as they have lots of fresh cut flowers and that awalys triggers off the asthma. Not to mention all the perfume some ladies put on. take care and good luck OK, in 1993 I was exposed to mildewed insulation during an office re-modeling.  One day I couldn’t breath, two days later I was in the hospital. I’ve been hospitalized so many times since then I had to go on disability. We count 1 year with no hospitalizations as good.  I’m always sick, and I think a peak flow of 300 is good.  On a bad day I barely blow 100. I have chronic bronchitis (COPD) as a result of this asthma.  Oh, and I’m an adult. I was 35 when I first got sick. So, I didn’t think it was too bad until I read your messages. Believe me, I’ve taken ALL the medicines.  I took prednisone for 7 years and only recently got off it.  I am now on the nastiest tasting inhaler I’ve ever taken, besides Singulair, Theodur, Azmacort, and nebulizer treatments. I stay inside most of the time, going out to shop and church when I can. But it’s not too bad, really.  Yes, I have sinusitis and Reflux. Blah Blah Blah. There is no one I’ve been able to talk to.  Am I a hypochondriac? Can something else be done?  I’ve seen pulmonologists.  Anyone have any advice? Encouragement?  Chastisement? Ceresse

Response:

My settlement (based on 40% of a woman, whatever that is) paid off doctors and hospitals.  Then, I went to Australia.  It was THE BEST thing for my asthma!    Ceresse

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, in 1993 I was exposed to mildewed insulation during an office re-modeling.  One day I couldn’t breath, two days later I was in the hospital. I’ve been hospitalized so many times since then I had to go on disability. We count 1 year with no hospitalizations as good.  I’m always sick, and I think a peak flow of 300 is good.  On a bad day I barely blow 100.  I have chronic bronchitis (COPD) as a result of this asthma.  Oh, and I’m an adult. I was 35 when I first got sick. So, I didn’t think it was too bad until I read your messages.  Believe me, I’ve taken ALL the medicines.  I took prednisone for 7 years and only recently got off it.  I am now on the nastiest tasting inhaler I’ve ever taken, besides Singulair, Theodur, Azmacort, and nebulizer treatments. I stay inside most of the time, going out to shop and church when I can. But it’s not too bad, really.  Yes, I have sinusitis and Reflux.  Blah Blah Blah. There is no one I’ve been able to talk to.  Am I a hypochondriac?  Can something else be done?  I’ve seen pulmonologists.  Anyone have any advice? Encouragement?  Chastisement? Ceresse     Hi!   If you were injured in your work-place then     you ought to be eligible for compensation.  The     money would help you in getting good treatment

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am getting really frustrated with my asthma lately.  In December I had to quit my job as a Nanny (I had been with the family for 13 months) because the family’s two outdoor dogs started to seriously aggravate my asthma (asthma doc. said it was out of control).  Now I am on the verge of quitting my new job. I have worked at Canadian Tire rearranging the store for all of two days.  Yesterday I had an asthma attack which went away after taking Ventolin.  This morning I had another attack at work but it was much worse and got that way very fast.  I took Ventolin but after 10 minutes it hadn’t helped (was still getting worse) so I told my supervisor I had to leave, NOW.  The Ventolin started to work after about half an hour (Why so long? Have asked my doctor why this happens to me and received no explanation.) and after two and a half hours the attack was fully gone.  Now my chest just feels funny from the attack. I am postitive it is the dust at work that is causing this (Everything is filthy).  Does anyone have any solutions as to what I should do? Should I quit and find another job?  My parents want me to go back tomorrow and try it again, though I know what will happen.  Last time it took 3 months for the doctors to get my asthma back under full control and I have only been good for two months.  I just don’t want to risk anything. Also, when I have an attack I usually get really dizzy and feel like I am going to faint.  Does anyone else have this?  My peak flows went from 450 before work to 370 (that was when the attack was already starting to clear up) and they still haven’t totally recovered (420). My parents suggested wearing a paper hepa filtered mask.  Would this help?  Have any of you ever done this?  I am 21 and I really don’t want to have to do that.  I feel it labels me "Disability.  Asthmatic."  I like to be like everyone else and not let it be known that I have asthma.  Maybe I need to get over this.  I am planning on joining an asthma support group that just started here where I live. Sorry this is so long.  Thank-you for any help you can give me.  This frustration has been going on since September and I want my life back. By the way my meds are: Flovent 125mcg (4puffs/day), Serevent 25mcg (4puffs/day), Ventolin when needed.  I tried Singulair for two months but it didn’t do anything for me. Meghan

Meghan, I just quit my job at a kennel.  Seems it was the proper thing to do but sure wasn’t fair! As far as another job… is tough finding one because this would still involve driving to work through all the traffic to get there, then having to pass by all the smokers to enter the building where i would possibly work, then walking through the mess of coemployees who have drenched their bodies in perfumes and colognes.   Still… are many things one can do at home to stay busy. Just some thoughts… Always. pam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Before you buy.

Response:

I am getting really frustrated with my asthma lately.  In December I had to quit my job as a Nanny (I had been with the family for 13 months) because the family’s two outdoor dogs started to seriously aggravate my asthma (asthma doc. said it was out of control).  Now I am on the verge of quitting my new job. I have worked at Canadian Tire rearranging the store for all of two days.  Yesterday I had an asthma attack which went away after taking Ventolin.  This morning I had another attack at work but it was much worse and got that way very fast.  I took Ventolin but after 10 minutes it hadn’t helped (was still getting worse) so I told my supervisor I had to leave, NOW.  The Ventolin started to work after about half an hour (Why so long? Have asked my doctor why this happens to me and received no explanation.) and after two and a half hours the attack was fully gone.  Now my chest just feels funny from the attack. I am postitive it is the dust at work that is causing this (Everything is filthy).  Does anyone have any solutions as to what I should do? Should I quit and find another job?  My parents want me to go back tomorrow and try it again, though I know what will happen.  Last time it took 3 months for the doctors to get my asthma back under full control and I have only been good for two months.  I just don’t want to risk anything. Also, when I have an attack I usually get really dizzy and feel like I am going to faint.  Does anyone else have this?  My peak flows went from 450 before work to 370 (that was when the attack was already starting to clear up) and they still haven’t totally recovered (420). My parents suggested wearing a paper hepa filtered mask.  Would this help?  Have any of you ever done this?  I am 21 and I really don’t want to have to do that.  I feel it labels me "Disability.  Asthmatic."  I like to be like everyone else and not let it be known that I have asthma.  Maybe I need to get over this.  I am planning on joining an asthma support group that just started here where I live. Sorry this is so long.  Thank-you for any help you can give me.  This frustration has been going on since September and I want my life back. By the way my meds are: Flovent 125mcg (4puffs/day), Serevent 25mcg (4puffs/day), Ventolin when needed.  I tried Singulair for two months but it didn’t do anything for me. Meghan Before you buy.

Response:

Meghan, I am no expert on this and only have my own experience to share. You are only going to continue to have attacks if you continue to work around these triggers.  Tobacco smoke will give me an attack, and when I worked in the smoking section of a restaurant, my asthma became chronic and controllable only with rescue inhalers, and eventually had to be treated with prednisone.  The best thing you can do for yourself is QUIT this job! Your health is much more important.  Please go find that job that won’t contribute to your asthma, they are out there!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am getting really frustrated with my asthma lately.  In December I had to quit my job as a Nanny (I had been with the family for 13 months) because the family’s two outdoor dogs started to seriously aggravate my asthma (asthma doc. said it was out of control).  Now I am on the verge of quitting my new job. I have worked at Canadian Tire rearranging the store for all of two days.  Yesterday I had an asthma attack which went away after taking Ventolin.  This morning I had another attack at work but it was much worse and got that way very fast.  I took Ventolin but after 10 minutes it hadn’t helped (was still getting worse) so I told my supervisor I had to leave, NOW.  The Ventolin started to work after about half an hour (Why so long? Have asked my doctor why this happens to me and received no explanation.) and after two and a half hours the attack was fully gone.  Now my chest just feels funny from the attack. I am postitive it is the dust at work that is causing this (Everything is filthy).  Does anyone have any solutions as to what I should do? Should I quit and find another job?  My parents want me to go back tomorrow and try it again, though I know what will happen.  Last time it took 3 months for the doctors to get my asthma back under full control and I have only been good for two months.  I just don’t want to risk anything. Also, when I have an attack I usually get really dizzy and feel like I am going to faint.  Does anyone else have this?  My peak flows went from 450 before work to 370 (that was when the attack was already starting to clear up) and they still haven’t totally recovered (420). My parents suggested wearing a paper hepa filtered mask.  Would this help?  Have any of you ever done this?  I am 21 and I really don’t want to have to do that.  I feel it labels me "Disability.  Asthmatic."  I like to be like everyone else and not let it be known that I have asthma.  Maybe I need to get over this.  I am planning on joining an asthma support group that just started here where I live. Sorry this is so long.  Thank-you for any help you can give me.  This frustration has been going on since September and I want my life back. By the way my meds are: Flovent 125mcg (4puffs/day), Serevent 25mcg (4puffs/day), Ventolin when needed.  I tried Singulair for two months but it didn’t do anything for me. Meghan Before you buy.

Response:

It’s In The Air. Applied Biomedical Technologies   Is preparing to bring a technological advancement to the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease!

As best as I can figure, this clown is trying to sell some sort of air filter.  The site is so short of facts and so long on hype that this cannot be anything but a scam. No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

Response:

It’s In The Air. Applied Biomedical Technologies    Is preparing to bring a technological advancement to the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease! http://www.endyourasthma.com We all know that scientific progress and change has never been greater in volume or, more rapid in its development. Did you know that asthma is now being overcome without drugs of any kind? This web sight is dedicated to the spreading of this knowledge and technology. http://www.endyourasthma.com

Response:

Meghan, You are not alone in this situation of having to look for other work, and I can feel your frustration. I had to quit the job I had and loved for almost 8 years as a long haul truck driver because of chronic asthma that began recently.  This really broke my heart.  However, my health, and the safety of others is much more important. Unfortunately, I had to deal with constant weather changes, the smell of diesel exhaust, and other hazardous conditions involving my occupation.  At the last point in my career, I found myself in a hospital every 2 weeks, and uncaring bosses (more focused on that almighty dollar) screaming down my throat.  Now I am going to college, and training for another career in something that doesn’t disagree with my health. You were 1000% right in your decision to quit your job because it was jeopardizing your health.  Your health is much too important than a job, especially when there are thousands of others.  Good luck, hang in there, and don’t give up.:-) Erik R. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank-you very much for all of your replies.  I did quit the job this morning and didn’t risk going in today for fear of ending up in an ambulance.  I had five attacks yesterday and used 8 puffs of Ventolin, not to mention not getting any sleep.  It is off to see a doctor today and see if he can put me on something to stop this attack. I might end up not working until I go to college in September.  That is okay though, since I live at home and will be living at home when going to school.  Hopefully with some training I will be able to get a job that has less triggers.  Until then I will just be helping out around home and my sister will be having her first child in a month so I will be helping her out too. I am amazed that I am staying pretty happy through all of this.  After all, there is nothing I can do about it!  Take care everyone Meghan Before you buy.

Response:

I agree with the Accolate.  I started on it a little over two weeks ago.  I was on pulmicort for about a couple of years, reducing it whenever I could tog et it to the least effective dose.  However, after getting the flu this past month, was put on Accolate as the Pulmicort never really helped this time.  It took awhile longer to take effect in me, but my coughing has been *severely* reduced since being on it.  And unless I’m near large amonuts of dust or smoke, I hardly have to take my rescue inhaler; although I, too, still keep it handy…just in case.  Like the poster who recommended it said, it’s worth a try.  Good luck!!! Frances. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My experience  with Accolate: I felt a difference after about 16 hours and never looked back.  I truly believe this to be my miracle drug.   I rarley use the rescue inhalor anymore and have alot more energy now that I can breathe.  I could not believe what it felt like to have normal feeling lungs again.

Response:

Thank-you very much for all of your replies.  I did quit the job this morning and didn’t risk going in today for fear of ending up in an ambulance.  I had five attacks yesterday and used 8 puffs of Ventolin, not to mention not getting any sleep.  It is off to see a doctor today and see if he can put me on something to stop this attack. I might end up not working until I go to college in September.  That is okay though, since I live at home and will be living at home when going to school.  Hopefully with some training I will be able to get a job that has less triggers.  Until then I will just be helping out around home and my sister will be having her first child in a month so I will be helping her out too. I am amazed that I am staying pretty happy through all of this.  After all, there is nothing I can do about it!  Take care everyone Meghan Before you buy.

Response:

My chest was clear at the doctors and my peak flows were good, but I still felt like I couldn’t breathe.  So the doctor put me on Flovent 250mcg, 2puffs twice daily.  She wants to try this before putting me on Prednisone (in hopes that I won’t have to take it).  Hopefully that will do it. Does anyone have an explanation as to why my chest can sound clear and I am moving air well, but I can’t breathe?  Doctors always tell me this and I don’t understand why my chest is so tight then. Thanks! Meghan Before you buy.

Response:

Hi Meghan, I generally have a clear sounding chest and great peak flows, but would feel somewhat short of breath or "tight" in my chest.  It’s because my small airways were (and sometimes still are) somewhat constricted or inflamed. Flovent is an antinflammatory and should help open up the small airways. Also,  I agree with the other post about Accolate.  I started Accolate several months ago (as an addition to Serevent and Flovent) and the improvement in breathing was quite remarkable! Good luck! Patrice – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My chest was clear at the doctors and my peak flows were good, but I still felt like I couldn’t breathe.  So the doctor put me on Flovent 250mcg, 2puffs twice daily.  She wants to try this before putting me on Prednisone (in hopes that I won’t have to take it).  Hopefully that will do it. Does anyone have an explanation as to why my chest can sound clear and I am moving air well, but I can’t breathe?  Doctors always tell me this and I don’t understand why my chest is so tight then. Thanks! Meghan Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Hello – I’m very curious as to whether there is anyone else like this —- I have basically the same problem with the same style time line. But I have just been diagnosed with asthma (age 48) having never had any other symptoms —– along with pneumonia —– going to see the Dr tomorrow AM and taking a copy of this eMail with me for his reaction. If you or anyone is interested in exact details of my experience I’ll be happy to exchange info -off board- I just couldn’t see relisting ALMOST the same info when we’re so close to being the same, with the exceptions of what I’ve stated. Many Thanks

Response:

This has got me worried.  I had very mild asthma up until October – then it started getting worse.  Now it’s like this:  persistent cough (not deep anymore – more shallow and constricted? and a kind of whistle sound when I cough sometimes – or high pitch?), chest tightness on and off, tired all the time, lungs sometimes feel twitchy?which causes more coughing.  My doctor is even very surprised.  I have an appt to see him January 6 – but that’s the soonest he can see me.  He said if I have problems breathing to page him and go to the emergency room.  Can asthma all the sudden turn like this so quickly and strongly?   Or would this be something other than asthma?  I’m so tired of feeling bewildered. and sick. and tired. and can I expect to feel better from the Prednisone?

Prednisone is the ‘big hammer’ in the toolkit of asthma medications. If it dosen’t make you feel better, you need to call your doctor and demand an immediate appointment.  IMO, from the sounds of it you need a new doctor (somebody who takes asthma seriously). Viral infections and asthma are an unpleasant combination.  My lungs are typically messed up for a month afterwards. No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

Response:

Hi,  The 1st two years after being diagnosed with asthma were very typical of your explanation.  With asthma, I have learned, that  "I MUST" call my doctor immediately and start measures at once to control the length of the problems.  I would take the pred. and convince myself that I was breathing alright and that I should feel better in a few days.    Even though I was not breathing well at all.    BIG Mistake!   I have since learned that it is much better to start out with the correct medicine and keep in contact, almost daily, with your doctor.  I do this anytime I have any type of cold/infection.   Sometimes viral infections just have to run their course–but you must control the damage it does to your lungs.  In the beginning, there were times that I could not get off the steroids–I would get down to the last two days–and   WHAM–back up to a high dose.   So the best advice is call your doctor and keep the communication open.      In the past two years, I have learned what I need to look out for and how to handle different colds, etc.   You will also learn what works for you and what does not.  Also, if the predisone is not correcting your breathing, call back and insist to see him–it is better to insist–you may end up in the hospital–you can’t fool around when the predisone does not help!!  Good luck and call the doc!!! Maureen

Response:

He said if I have problems breathing to page him and go to the emergency room.  Can asthma all the sudden turn like this so quickly and strongly?   Or would this be something other than asthma?  I’m so tired of feeling bewildered. and sick. and tired. and can I expect to feel better from the Prednisone?

Yes asthma can turn deadly within minutes!  I have participated in the fruitless efforts to resuscitate many asthmatics over the decades.  If your maintenance drugs are not working, if your rescue drugs are not working, YOU need to become insistent upon being evaluated either in your primary care physician’s office or the ER.  Unless you have a death wish, don’t sit around "hoping" tht your drugs will finally kick in.  I know of a great many who are Scooby RCP, EMT-P Perinatal-Pediatric Respiratory Specialist This mail is a natural product.  The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

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I’d love to hear what your doctor says.  I was just diagnosed w/asthma in September, so this is new to me, too.  I hope you’re feeling better soon.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello – I’m very curious as to whether there is anyone else like this —- I have basically the same problem with the same style time line. But I have just been diagnosed with asthma (age 48) having never had any other symptoms —– along with pneumonia —– going to see the Dr tomorrow AM and taking a copy of this eMail with me for his reaction. If you or anyone is interested in exact details of my experience I’ll be happy to exchange info -off board- I just couldn’t see relisting ALMOST the same info when we’re so close to being the same, with the exceptions of what I’ve stated. Many Thanks

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Hello again one and all –     Well I guess I have to wait another day for the complete story – they took several x-rays today as what they thought was "pneumonia" still appeared as it did a month ago …… my "GP" was going to have the in-house "specialist" take a look for a better definition (I have my medical through an HMO) — hopefully they’ll call tomorrow and let me know.     I do feel better than a month ago, but far from what i was back in Aug. the Dr is keeping me on the Nasacort twice in each nostril once a day; the Albuterol 2 puffs four times a day; plus he added to my routine Triam Acetonide 3 puffs twice a day.     He also took me off the antibiotics (for the pneumonia). But since my right leg / foot is in a constant swelling state since all of this began back in Oct he has decided to run a battery of blood tests (they really drained my viens today <g).     He didn’t really have a comment about the eMail that started this thread – - so I pushed on my case of why it was SO FAST and SO HARD he just indicated due to the pneumonia it intentisfied the symptoms, that I probably had been ignoring (due to ageing / smoking / out of shape) so that it just didn’t seem meaningful in my mind. And that since pneumonia is serious and asthma sufferers take longer to heal, I would be feeling the effects for a longer time.     Well that’s all to report at this time – - – Many Thanks for the well wishes and the interest. Again off board I would be happy to take the time and go into greater detail with others that have experienced this same style of situation.

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    Well I guess I have to wait another day for the complete story – they took several x-rays today as what they thought was "pneumonia" still appeared as it did a month ago …… my "GP" was going to have the in-house "specialist" take a look for a better definition (I have my medical through an HMO) — hopefully they’ll call tomorrow and let me know.     I do feel better than a month ago, but far from what i was back in Aug. the Dr is keeping me on the Nasacort twice in each nostril once a day; the Albuterol 2 puffs four times a day; plus he added to my routine Triam Acetonide 3 puffs twice a day.

I think you mean Azmacort (triamcinolone) a steroid inhaler used in asthma. 6 pf/day is considered a Low Dose.     He also took me off the antibiotics (for the pneumonia). But since my right leg / foot is in a constant swelling state since all of this began back in Oct he has decided to run a battery of blood tests (they really drained my viens today <g).     He didn’t really have a comment about the eMail that started this thread – - so I pushed on my case of why it was SO FAST and SO HARD he just indicated due to the pneumonia it intentisfied the symptoms, that I probably had been ignoring (due to ageing / smoking / out of shape) so that it just didn’t seem meaningful in my mind.

If you are still smoking you will need to stop. Smoking and lung disease shouldn’t coexist. When you are over the pneumonia, lung function tests by a pulmonologist would be advisable; to determine the reversibility of your lung disease. Smokers tend to get emphysema or chronic bronchitis (COPD), which is largely irreversible. Your ‘GP’ may need to refer you to a pulmonologist now. Regarding the swollen leg; this could be the result of Lower Extremity Vascular Disease, which is worsened by smoking. http://www.vtmednet.org/vascular/lei.htm Ellis, not a doctor

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Hello again one and all – <snip    He also took me off the antibiotics (for the pneumonia). But since my right leg / foot is in a constant swelling state since all of this began back in Oct he has decided to run a battery of blood tests (they really drained my viens today <g).

Did you every see the ‘Blood Donor’ – from ‘Hancocks Half Hour’ made in the 60s.  Hancock goes to give blood and at first thinks the pin-prick is all he has to give!  When he’s told he will give a pint he asks the doctor how far a pint will fill his arm.  The doctor indicates a point about half-way up the upper arm (no idea if this is medically correct) at which point Hancock says that he doesn’t want to go round with his arm empty of blood!  The doctor explains about circulation of the blood and Hancock eventually gives blood, possibly for the tea & biscuits at the end.  (Donors are not paid in the UK). Then he starts going on about how it’s only to go to a worthy recipient! The upshot is that he ends up cutting himself whilst sharpening a knife and getting his own blood back! Hilarious at the time – and now.    He didn’t really have a comment about the eMail that started this thread – - so I pushed on my case of why it was SO FAST and SO HARD he just indicated due to the pneumonia it intentisfied the symptoms, that I probably had been ignoring (due to ageing / smoking / out of shape) so that it just didn’t seem meaningful in my mind. And that since pneumonia is serious and asthma sufferers take longer to heal, I would be feeling the effects for a longer time.

If you still smoke – please stop.  It will make more difference to your health than any other single measure.  Also try to avoid smoky places – pubs & clubs in the UK. <snip — Surfer!

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello again one and all –    Well I guess I have to wait another day for the complete story – they took several x-rays today as what they thought was "pneumonia" still appeared as it did a month ago …… my "GP" was going to have the in-house "specialist" take a look for a better definition (I have my medical through an HMO) — hopefully they’ll call tomorrow and let me know.    I do feel better than a month ago, but far from what i was back in Aug. the Dr is keeping me on the Nasacort twice in each nostril once a day; the Albuterol 2 puffs four times a day; plus he added to my routine Triam Acetonide 3 puffs twice a day.    He also took me off the antibiotics (for the pneumonia). But since my right leg / foot is in a constant swelling state since all of this began back in Oct he has decided to run a battery of blood tests (they really drained my viens today <g).    He didn’t really have a comment about the eMail that started this thread – - so I pushed on my case of why it was SO FAST and SO HARD he just indicated due to the pneumonia it intentisfied the symptoms, that I probably had been ignoring (due to ageing / smoking / out of shape) so that it just didn’t seem meaningful in my mind.

WOW!!  I still find it too amazing how a person can still be smoking and have asthma.  Are you saying you still are smoking?!  I can not go within 50 feet of cigarettes and suffer from the ill-effects.  I think life itself should be much more meaningful then the addiction.  Hope you feel better soon and kick the habit!! pam And that since pneumonia is serious and – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -asthma sufferers take longer to heal, I would be feeling the effects for a longer time.    Well that’s all to report at this time – - – Many Thanks for the well wishes and the interest. Again off board I would be happy to take the time and go into greater detail with others that have experienced this same style of situation.

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Hi – First off THANKS for all of the support and interest – it helps : ) Secondly – I’m sorry about the confusion on the smoking – I have quit as of late Oct – BUT I won’t fib I have sneaked one or two on occasion – the addiction of tobacco is powerful and going from 3 packs a day down to ZERO was hard WAY HARD  but it is simply a matter of life or death. I included the smoking statement in the earlier posting so you’d have the facts – I made the error of not stating it has ended – - – I apologize for this error. On another note – Ellis (if I may call you that, as that is how your postings appear) you are absolutely correct that it is Azmacort – I copied the name as it appeared on my prescription label and at your posting I ran a check on it and it’s just another name for the same thing. So we were both right (I like it when everyone can be correct). I’m happy to hear (as such) that what I’m on is considered a mild treatment (that’s encouraging to me) – - – - I was surprised just to have another inhalant added to what I was already using (and yes since your message Ellis I took to the web and did some additional research and found the difference between the two medications). Plus Surfer loved your story – a little humor is always needed and i quite enjoyed it : ) I haven’t heard from my Dr’s office today yet. That’s the most current information I have at this time to share. ps I really truly appreciate this forum and the help and support it offers. If you care to, in the following I am giving a more complete details that before. I have always been a brief person, just caring for the top facts and accepting that some other facts would be assumed, thus I’m not much for the chatty stuff – but in this case I think I shall just for a better understanding plus it might be therapeutic to do so. (In the sense of therapeutic I mean it is just my wife for additional support – thus reading, watching this group and now contributing is and has been of Great Help). For the past nine years I have been working six 12-14 hour days a week and many times seven days a week. In management you don’t always get to set your hours. But also during this time period my Angel of a wife was taking care of my parents next door to us – - – He passed away July 1997 from Cancer (very hard on us, as here was a man who NEVER smoked, or drank and was extremely healthy). Mom passed away in May of this year from heart failure during an operation. During this time having never been a good sleeper and having very bad headaches on a regular basis a Dr had put be on zololoft – - – - it helped but kept me in a fog – - – i did not like it – - – when Mom passed away I quit taking it (tapered off as when I had first started taking it a year prior) – - – it was nice to actually be able to think again as I once had, though the headaches returned and the sleeplessness did as well BUT between the two I preferred thinking clearly again. I quit my job and listed our home for sale as with them no longer here to be cared for, we could return to our former lifestyle and jobs. Unfortunately my medical wasn’t transferrable from work (COBRA did not apply due to the small size of the company) thus we joined an HMO as that was the most affordable alternative. I went in to see the new Dr in August as I also take Daypro for arthritis in my right knee and needed to get a new prescription from him through the HMO. We chatted about the Zololoft and he did some basic health tests and everything was pretty much OK, though we did switch from Daypro (having taken it for over five years) to Suldac (which also is considerably less expensive). Then late sept i started gaining weight (added 55 lbs from aug – dec!!!) due to the fact i was having a harder time sleeping (only 2 – 3 hours as opposed to my normal 5 -6) thus I was tired not wanting to move and not moving started to make me run out of breath and start coughing and wheezing. Plus I started to have pains in my chest as if there was 100 pounds pressing on it — and in order to sleep I had to sit up on the couch — if i tried to sleep in bed i would wake up with an extremely tight chest, gasping for air in a panic looking for fresh air. I went to the Dr with these symptoms and he diagnosed sleep apnea comparing my old chart (from previous Dr) to his. At this time he gave me nasacort and wanted to see me again in three weeks. By the time three weeks had elapsed I was now barely able to take four steps without gasping for air / choking / coughing / running a fever and in a constant sweat (why didn’t i go sooner? — I just figured I had either gotten the flu or had a bad reaction to the flu shot I had gotten during the last visit — the last time I was sick with the flu two years ago it was pretty much the same — other than becoming totally out of breath as I now was — I figured everything would be Ok until the appointment). When I showed for the appointment —- he ran several tests and came to the diagnosis of asthma and started me on the Albuterol. Two days later called me back with the additional diagnosis of pneumonia and issued some antibiotics at this time. Started to feel much better after about four days and then got really worse with a horrible cough – constant wheezing / mucus / pressure (tightness doesn’t really describe the feeling) on the chest / and a constant lack of air- constant exhaling through my mouth. Which now brings us to the current area of my state and how i arrived here —- for those of you who read this far, hopefully you can see how MY shock at HOW FAST this came on to me — I went from active to being able to do Nothing in about 20 days — and now being told it’s going to take quite some time to get back to just being able to move around. (Though with the notes from Ellis I feel better knowing that this is considered mild with the treatments I’m receiving – I truly have empathy for those who have this condition severely – and being mild through a bout with pneumonia I know that I will be much better when the pneumonia is gone). I have seen a nutritionist thus I’m on a good diet — seen a physical therapist thus I have mild exercises to do to regain the strength — everything is looking up – don’t get me wrong – it’s just amazing to me how something like asthma could do so much damage so fast, without a prior warning that I had it.

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    Well, I’m feeling better today.  I’m not coughing half as much, and my chest isn’t getting tight like before.  I did figure out another trigger today!  I had already identified dust and cold air as a trigger.   Now I think exhaust fumes may also be a trigger.     At work today, I was starting to get a tight chest and mucous in the lungs and throat and I was coughing.  I also noticed that I could smell diesel exhaust fumes from trucks and machinery coming in through an old exhaust fan that is on the wall behind my desk at work.  I put 1 and 1 together.   I had just purchased a Hepa air cleaner machine for work, so I put it on full power and went for a long lunch.  When I got back, my office had no smell at all.  By the time I left work, I was starting to feel better.  So I’m going to see if that exhaust fan can be permanently shut. And I’m going to thank my boss for OKing the purchase for me.     My asthma started getting more severe starting around September/October. That time corresponds exactly to when the building construction began next door (they are putting up a new 6 story Condo next to my work).  Plus the viral infection I had/have didn’t help at all.   So – dust, cold air, exhaust fumes…  how about roses??  My 3rd wedding anniversary was Tuesday and my husband sent me a dozen roses to work.  They drove me wild.  I’d catch my breath whenever I walked by them.  I coughed.  They were making me sick.  I ended up throwing them out because I was feeling so bad.  That never happened before with roses – with anything really.  It’s only been the last 2 weeks that smells have started to really bother me.  Is this due to the viral infection?  I’ll just have to wait and see.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,  The 1st two years after being diagnosed with asthma were very typical of your explanation.  With asthma, I have learned, that  "I MUST" call my doctor immediately and start measures at once to control the length of the problems.  I would take the pred. and convince myself that I was breathing alright and that I should feel better in a few days.    Even though I was not breathing well at all.    BIG Mistake!   I have since learned that it is much better to start out with the correct medicine and keep in contact, almost daily, with your doctor.  I do this anytime I have any type of cold/infection.   Sometimes viral infections just have to run their course–but you must control the damage it does to your lungs.  In the beginning, there were times that I could not get off the steroids–I would get down to the last two days–and   WHAM–back up to a high dose.   So the best advice is call your doctor and keep the communication open.      In the past two years, I have learned what I need to look out for and how to handle different colds, etc.   You will also learn what works for you and what does not.  Also, if the predisone is not correcting your breathing, call back and insist to see him–it is better to insist–you may end up in the hospital–you can’t fool around when the predisone does not help!!  Good luck and call the doc!!! Maureen

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The pulmonary pressures are severely altered during an asthma attack. As the lungs become hyperinflated it causes a great degree of pressure onto the right side of the heart which if not treated can caused heart problems. * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

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I had a viral infection last week (sick from work Monday Nov 29). (my daily meds: Flovent 110, Albuterol when needed, Singulair,

Oh Yes it can…I’ve gone from feeling fine to not being able to breathe. Prednisone is a godsend.  Helen

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I had a viral infection last week (sick from work Monday Nov 29). (my daily meds: Flovent 110, Albuterol when needed, Singulair, Flonase, Clariton D, Pepcid.   Doctor put me on Prednisone 40 mg a day for 7 days for the viral infection.)   I started feeling better Thursday, but then Friday started to get a deep nasty cough and tight chest.  Friday night I had a mild asthma attack (coughing, tight chest, out of breathe). Took Albuterol and was OK.  *Saturday 2 more such attacks. Cough.  More Albuterol.  *Sunday 4 attacks – but add thick mucous in lungs to my attacks.  Cough. More Albuterol.  At one point Sunday, even my voice was hoarse and cracked due to mucous.  Very thick and gross feeling.  Never happened to me before. Cough unproductive.  Sleeping bad. *Monday attacks all day – out of breath most of day.  Albuterol every 4 hours. But the Albuterol started not to work too good.  I was getting scared Monday evening – but then started to feel better.  I have NEVER BEEN like this before. I spoke to my doctor last Friday morning about the cough I was getting. Then spoke to him Monday morning before I got all out of breathe and coughing ALL day.  Spoke to him today (Wed) – and he put me back on 40 mg Prednisone a day for 10 more days. This has got me worried.  I had very mild asthma up until October – then it started getting worse.  Now it’s like this:  persistent cough (not deep anymore – more shallow and constricted? and a kind of whistle sound when I cough sometimes – or high pitch?), chest tightness on and off, tired all the time, lungs sometimes feel twitchy?which causes more coughing.  My doctor is even very surprised.  I have an appt to see him January 6 – but that’s the soonest he can see me.  He said if I have problems breathing to page him and go to the emergency room.  Can asthma all the sudden turn like this so quickly and strongly?   Or would this be something other than asthma?  I’m so tired of feeling bewildered. and sick. and tired. and can I expect to feel better from the Prednisone?

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Question:

This may sound werid but over the past two months I’ve noticed that the amount of facial hair has significantly increased.  For at least the past five months I’ve experienced side effects from taking three puffs of Flovent 220 twice a day.  These side effects are similar to the ones that you would be on if you were on an oral steriod such as predinisone.  These include bruising and hunger.  I was wondering if the an increase in facial hair was also a side affect.  I am female by the way.  Also, I am trying to cut back down to two puffs twice a day of flovent 220 and I today during my match I was already noticing a huge difference in my ability to breathe.  I’ve had similar problem when I cut back on medicine and usually go eventually have a severe asthma attack.  I went to the doctor last week and we decided to try to cut back again because I hadn’t had a major flare up since April and because I was experience steroidal side effects.  Has anyone been able to cut back on flovent successfully and if you did, was there an adjusting period  for your body to get used to a less amount of the medicine.  Any answers would be helpful. Thanks. E

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This may sound werid but over the past two months I’ve noticed that the amount of facial hair has significantly increased.  For at least the past five months I’ve experienced side effects from taking three puffs of Flovent 220 twice a day.  These side effects are similar to the ones that you would be on if you were on an oral steriod such as predinisone.  These include bruising and hunger.  I was wondering if the an increase in facial hair was also a side affect.  I am female by the way.  Also, I am trying to cut back down to two puffs twice a day of flovent 220 and I today during my match I was already noticing a huge difference in my ability to breathe.  I’ve had similar problem when I cut back on medicine and usually go eventually have a severe asthma attack.  I went to the doctor last week and we decided to try to cut back again because I hadn’t had a major flare up since April and because I was experience steroidal side effects.  Has anyone been able to cut back on flovent successfully and if you did, was there an adjusting period  for your body to get used to a less amount of the medicine.  Any answers would be helpful. Thanks.  E

You are on a High Dose of inhaled steroids at 6 pf/day of  Flovent 220 [1320 ug fluticasone]. A High Dose is 3 pf/day. Be sure to use an Aerochamber spacer; this cuts side effects by at least a factor of 2; and rinse and gargle and spit out after inhaling. You could also consider adding steroid sparing drugs like Serevent, theophylline SR, Singulair; to cut the Flovent dose. You could also consider switching steroid inhalers; you could try Pulmicort Turbuhaler (200). Some say budesonide has less systemic effects than fluticasone, but this is conroversial. Have you been evaluated for sinusitis or GE reflux, either of these can worsen asthma. Ellis

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I haven’t been evaluated for either of those.  I am already on Serevent 2 puffs twice a day and on Singulair 10mg at night and albuterol as needed.  I’m going back to the doctor next week and I’m going to find out if I can increase my Serevent and decrease my flovent as much as possible.  

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I also already use an Aerochamber and brush my teeth and gargle with Listerine afterwards.

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This may sound werid but over the past two months I’ve noticed that the amount of facial hair has significantly increased.

How old are you?  I’ve noticed that since I’ve "aged"…just turned 50…that I’ve gotten the dreaded peach fuzz face. CarolR

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Question:

Vivid dreams… Snoring too? You might want to have your doctor evaluate you for sleep apnea. Vivid dreams is one of the symptoms (and uncontrolled apnea can make asthma worse). Just a though, and definietly check with a doctor about the possibility of apnea. Dan Rhea "Loyalty is for family, friends and country, not operating systems, compilers and computers"   – Dan Rhea, 1986

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone taken this?  Dh was prescribed it, 10mg/day.  Doc told him that it would take about a month before he noticed any change/effect. Any side effects he/we should be aware of? I had some pretty vivid dreams for about a year but they weren’t unfrendly so I just enjoyed them. Gordon Gordon Couger Stillwater OK

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Has anyone taken this?  Dh was prescribed it, 10mg/day.  Doc told him that it would take about a month before he noticed any change/effect. Any side effects he/we should be aware of? Thanks. Rose Yes!  Possible hepatotoxicity. Get regular liver checks. regards,Duncan

Why are you continuing to post this comment?  You are the only one saying it that I can tell.  Do you have a reference for your statement?

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On May 26 CBI wrote One of the early leukotriene acting drugs, Zyflo, needed liver montoring. Neither Singulair nor accolate do.

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Has anyone taken this?  Dh was prescribed it, 10mg/day.  Doc told him that it would take about a month before he noticed any change/effect. Any side effects he/we should be aware of?

I had some pretty vivid dreams for about a year but they weren’t unfrendly so I just enjoyed them. Gordon Gordon Couger Stillwater OK

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Has anyone taken this?  Dh was prescribed it, 10mg/day.  Doc told him that it would take about a month before he noticed any change/effect. Any side effects he/we should be aware of? Thanks. Rose Yes!  Possible hepatotoxicity. Get regular liver checks.

    regards,Duncan

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Has anyone taken this?  Dh was prescribed it, 10mg/day.  Doc told him that it would take about a month before he noticed any change/effect. Any side effects he/we should be aware of?

I just started this two months ago (long time 15yrs. chronic asthma person). It has the LOWEST side effects of any asthma drug I’ve been on. However, for some it doesn’t work at all, for some it sort of works (that is the catagory I am in), and for some it is fantastic. The only side effect has been the dent in my wallet since our crappy grad school insurance has no perscription coverage. -j – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks. Rose

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Has anyone taken this?  Dh was prescribed it, 10mg/day.  Doc told him that it would take about a month before he noticed any change/effect. Any side effects he/we should be aware of? Thanks. Rose

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Has anyone taken this?  Dh was prescribed it, 10mg/day.  Doc told him that it would take about a month before he noticed any change/effect. Any side effects he/we should be aware of? Thanks. Rose

I have never experienced any side-effects.  My pulmonologist says that it’s an amazingly well-tolerated med, with rare side-effects.

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Singulair did nothing for my asthma.  After being on it for 5 months and having no change in my asthma, my doc took me off.  Especially since one month after i started it, i started getting constant ear infections.  I’ve heard that the drung works for only some people.  Hope it helps you. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone taken this?  Dh was prescribed it, 10mg/day.  Doc told him that it would take about a month before he noticed any change/effect. Any side effects he/we should be aware of? Thanks. Rose

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I’ve been on it a year (along with other meds.) & since I’ve been taking it, Ihaven’t had a really bad attack, and haven’t had to increase the medrol (steroid)  much’                                                  JAM

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Has anyone taken this?  Dh was prescribed it, 10mg/day.  Doc told him that it would take about a month before he noticed any change/effect. Any side effects he/we should be aware of? Thanks. Rose

Hi Rose – I’ve been taking Singular (10 mg, every night) for about 9 months. The way I understand it, it doesn’t necessarily help everyone, but here’s how it has worked for me…. My allergist started me on Singulair because I couldn’t sleep (due to having difficulty breathing at night – coughing, chest tightness, etc.). I noticed improvement even in the first few days after starting Singulair, and it seemed to increase in effectiveness until I’d been on it a month or so. Singulair has been beneficial for me, and I have not experienced any side effects. I hope it is equally effective for your husband. Best regards, Karen p.s. – For more info (prescribing info, etc.), visit the Singualair site at http://www.merck.com/product/usa/singulair/hcp/full_presc/full_presc….

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what are some of the side effects of singulair? Weird,vivid dreams and in my case hair loss. Both disappeared after I quit.

I had some crazy dreams so instead of taking it before bedtime I’ve switched to the afternoon. Seems better. Now – as for the hair loss – I have been wondering why my hair is coming out. Whole head of hair has gotten much thinner.  Besides asthma meds, I take other meds for osteoporosis.  Haven’t been able to pinpoint any exact med that could cause it. BUT – I continued to take Singulair all along.  Do you find after brushing your hair — there are strands in the sink??  I really would like to get to the bottom of this hair coming out thing. Any info would be appreciated. I really wouldn’t like to drop it for a month just to test if S. is the culprit. The Flovent & Serevent and Guiafinesen are the only other pulmonary type meds I take and they have worked very nicely. Maybe I don’t need Singulair as much. Remove nospam to email

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what are some of the side effects of singulair?

While the drug itself did do some good; I found that I went through severe depression (which ended once I stopped taking the drug, thank goodness).  As well, I did suffer hair loss. K

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ubject: Re: singulair Now – as for the hair loss – I have been wondering why my hair is coming out. Whole head of hair has gotten much thinner.

I can only give you my experience. I started having a hair loss and after reviewing my drugs the only new one was singular. I quit taking singular and the hair loss stopped. If I was you I would the side effects of the medicine I was taking to see if one indictaes hair loss as a side effect.

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what are some of the side effects of singulair?

Weird,vivid dreams and in my case hair loss. Both disappeared after I quit.

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what are some of the side effects of singulair?

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what are some of the side effects of singulair?

Of course, read the label and info that comes with the medication. Check out the web site and side effects listed there. So far in this NG I have heard mostly about weird and vivid dreams and nothing else. Other side effect (generally good) is that Singulair seems to also help as a decongestant or something like that.  I have that happen with me, too.  Nice. Do discuss this with your allergist.

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I’ve been using singulair since about Sept last year and it has been fantastic for me.  Haven’t experienced any side effects and has reduced the use of my reliever by half. Keep going and make sure you find how to ‘control’ your own asthma so you don’t have to run to the docs every time your peak flow drops. Regards Mhairi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi, i went to the allergist yesterday (after waiting for three months for him to see me…..busy practice) he increased my flovent to the flovent 220 (i think thats what he called it), kept me on the serevent, and added singulair (10mg).  i’m also using proventil as needed. he asked me how many times a day i was using the proventil, and i told him about 4 to six times a day.  his eyes bulged out of his head, and he told me that this is unacceptable.  i didnt know that i wasnt suppose to be using it that often (although my g.p. told me to use it four times a day and its also printed on my prescription label to use it 4 times a day, and as needed.) the allergist added the singulair and i took the first pill last night. what can i expect from this medication?  it seemed to be working real well, and i was able to breath normally last night.  is it suppose to be working this fast or was it just a fluke?  also, i havent had to use the proventil today so i’m really happy about being able to breath in a normal fashion. any side effects to be on the look out for? thanks, will

Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am really glad that I have been reading this newsgroup.  My MD is just NOT an asthma doctor–I have bronchitis for the second time in six months–no concern on his part!(Maybe ‘cuz he’s not the one who can’t breath?)   I have been using my albuterol an average of five times a day for the past three weeks–he didn’t even listen when I told him I was using it A LOT more than normal.  I had been using albuterol once a day and up to two times on some days but then I would go several days without using it at all. Averaging out to much less than once a day.  I thought I needed something more than antibiotics, but my doctor didn’t. Thanks! I think I needed an extra push to get more agressive in my own care. I just think that you shouldn’t have to jump up and down to get proper care. I’m going to an allergist tomorrow and on to a pulmonologist if I need to.

Excellent start.  That’s a good move.  Good luck.

Response:

I am really glad that I have been reading this newsgroup.  My MD is just NOT an asthma doctor–I have bronchitis for the second time in six months–no concern on his part!(Maybe ‘cuz he’s not the one who can’t breath?)   I have been using my albuterol an average of five times a day for the past three weeks–he didn’t even listen when I told him I was using it A LOT more than normal.  I had been using albuterol once a day and up to two times on some days but then I would go several days without using it at all. Averaging out to much less than once a day.  I thought I needed something more than antibiotics, but my doctor didn’t. Thanks! I think I needed an extra push to get more agressive in my own care. I just think that you shouldn’t have to jump up and down to get proper care. I’m going to an allergist tomorrow and on to a pulmonologist if I need to. CIB

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – he asked me how many times a day i was using the proventil, and i told him about 4 to six times a day.  his eyes bulged out of his head, and he told me that this is unacceptable.  i didnt know that i wasnt suppose to be using it that often (although my g.p. told me to use it four times a day and its also printed on my prescription label to use it 4 times a day, and as needed.) Use it as often as you need it. The goal of the preventative therapy is to make it so you need it less than once per day and almost never at night. Studies have shown that asthma poorly controlled enough to require albuterol use more than 1.4 times per day is at high risk for hospitalization and death. — CBI, M.D.

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I also think singulair is acting as a decongestant, or it maybe its off-label properties against allergies.  I ran out a few weeks ago and woke up each morning with a lot of nasal congestion.  It went away when I got the refill and started back on the med. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Interestingly, some people, myself included, seem to get some DEcongestent help from singulair.   Seems to vary for different people. Curious.

Response:

It suppresses airways inflammation though it’s not a steroid. I also think singulair is acting as a decongestant, or it maybe its off-label properties against allergies.  I ran out a few weeks ago and woke up each morning with a lot of nasal congestion.  It went away when I got the refill and started back on the med. Interestingly, some people, myself included, seem to get some DEcongestent help from singulair.   Seems to vary for different people. Curious.

– Surfer!

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There is some data to suggest that Singulair can help with allergic rhinnitis. — CBI, M.D. Please note: It is impossible to accurately diagnose medical problems without seeing the patient and reviewing the entire history. These posts are intended to be helpful and informative. Always check with your doctor before following any advice given.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I also think singulair is acting as a decongestant, or it maybe its off-label properties against allergies.  I ran out a few weeks ago and woke up each morning with a lot of nasal congestion.  It went away when I got the refill and started back on the med. Interestingly, some people, myself included, seem to get some DEcongestent help from singulair.   Seems to vary for different people. Curious.

Response:

The singular tabs are wonderful.  according the the Nursing2000 drug handbook, the drug is used as a prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma. adverse reactions include (but are not limited to ) headache, (this is the most common), dizziness, fatigue, nasal congestion, cough, and rash.

Interestingly, some people, myself included, seem to get some DEcongestent help from singulair.   Seems to vary for different people. Curious.

Response:

he asked me how many times a day i was using the proventil, and i told him about 4 to six times a day.  his eyes bulged out of his head, and he told me that this is unacceptable.  i didnt know that i wasnt suppose to be using it that often (although my g.p. told me to use it four times a day and its also printed on my prescription label to use it 4 times a day, and as needed.)

Use it as often as you need it. The goal of the preventative therapy is to make it so you need it less than once per day and almost never at night. Studies have shown that asthma poorly controlled enough to require albuterol use more than 1.4 times per day is at high risk for hospitalization and death. — CBI, M.D.

Response:

the allergist added the singulair and i took the first pill last night. what can i expect from this medication?  it seemed to be working real well, and i was able to breath normally last night.  is it suppose to be working this fast or was it just a fluke?  also, i havent had to use the proventil today so i’m really happy about being able to breath in a normal fashion.

I had the same experience with singulair last November and it is still working for me.  About 2/3 of the people who use singulair benefit. Apparently the other 1/3 do not.  I am very happy I am in the 2/3.  It works well and I rarely need anything else (I was taking albuterol once a night, every night before that).  I do suspect I should start on a course of something to kill the inflammation.  Next trip to the allergist will answer that, I hope.  For now, I am back to running in the mornings (was off that for several years because of asthma — not even albuterol helped the exercise-induced stuff, singulair did).  I hope your experience continues to be good. any side effects to be on the look out for?

So far none for me, but others have had some.  Lumps in the throat seem to happen for a few.  Weird dreams also reported.

Response:

the allergist added the singulair and i took the first pill last night. what can i expect from this medication?  it seemed to be working real well, and i was able to breath normally last night.  is it suppose to be working this fast or was it just a fluke?  also, i havent had to use the proventil today so i’m really happy about being able to breath in a normal fashion.

In general, 1/3 of the people who take Singulair get dramatic relief, 1/3 of the people get some relief, and 1/3 get no relief. You may be one of the lucky 1/3. "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

hi, i went to the allergist yesterday (after waiting for three months for him to see me…..busy practice) he increased my flovent to the flovent 220 (i think thats what he called it), kept me on the serevent, and added singulair (10mg).  i’m also using proventil as needed. he asked me how many times a day i was using the proventil, and i told him about 4 to six times a day.  his eyes bulged out of his head, and he told me that this is unacceptable.  i didnt know that i wasnt suppose to be using it that often (although my g.p. told me to use it four times a day and its also printed on my prescription label to use it 4 times a day, and as needed.) the allergist added the singulair and i took the first pill last night. what can i expect from this medication?  it seemed to be working real well, and i was able to breath normally last night.  is it suppose to be working this fast or was it just a fluke?  also, i havent had to use the proventil today so i’m really happy about being able to breath in a normal fashion. any side effects to be on the look out for? thanks, will

Response:

If you are using your proventil inhaler more than once or twice a week, then you need to see the doc agian. it means that the meds are not doing thier job. the prescription says to use it that often ‘as needed’ to let you know that the max daily dosage that you should be administering at home, any more than that and you should be seen that day. The singular tabs are wonderful.  according the the Nursing2000 drug handbook, the drug is used as a prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma. adverse reactions include (but are not limited to ) headache, (this is the most common), dizziness, fatigue, nasal congestion, cough, and rash. DO NOT USE THIS DRUG WITH: phenobarbital, rifampin. the drug peaks in 3-4 hours ( in the film coated pills) and in 2-2.5 hours in the chewable tabs. take the drug regularly, even if you do not have symptoms (unless you doc says diff), do not reduct or stop taking your other meds (unless the doc says diff),  see the doc if your proventil inhaler is needed ofter (like above), chewable tablets contains phenylalanine. the fact that you had relieve so soon is not a fluke. hope this helps – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I have now been using singulair for about six weeks.  It has worked great for me compared to before.  I do still get tightness in my chest every day but it usually is not so bad that I need to use my ventolin, although I do still use it 3 to 4 times a week.  Is this normal, or should not need my inhaler at all while taking the singulair?

According to my doctor, Singulair should reduce the process that causes many types of asthma attacks.  He said that it does not totally prevent all asthma attacks in all patients, even with the use of inhaled steroid medicines.  He still wants me to have an emergency prescription of Prednisone in case of a major asthma attack due to viral respiratory infections.  The drug information seems to support his caution although Singulair has been shown to be a great help in the average asthmatic that is currently using steroid inhaler medicine. In my case, it has greatly reduced my need for oral steroid medicines, (none since I started Singulair) but I still need the Albuterol Inhaler at times, although that has been reduced some.  I’m still on the same dose level on my Aerobid Inhaler and no reduction is planned in the near future. Regards, Rob

Response:

I have now been using singulair for about six weeks.  It has worked great for me compared to before.  I do still get tightness in my chest every day but it usually is not so bad that I need to use my ventolin, although I do still use it 3 to 4 times a week.  Is this normal, or should not need my inhaler at all while taking the singulair? Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Question:

Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)? If you don’t want to use steroids to prevent asthma, there are other options. Tilade and Intal (inhalers), Accolate and Singulair (pills).

Tilade and Intal are steroidal; Accolate and Singulair aren’t, they are leukotriene inhibitors. Chris Owens

Response:

So why is it necessary to double dose when taking steroids. When I was on Intal which I thought wasn’t a steroid  I also had to do an inhaler. Now I will admit the Intal seemed to relieve all of my symptoms. For the first time in years I could go out in the winter air without having an attack before reaching the car. I stopped taking the steroid inhaler ( the Intal was by nebulizer) and continued to have success until I ran into a virus and came down with a repeat of bronchitus (which is normal for my lungs when sick). Then I was required to do predisone to decrease the swelling.

Response:

These are nonsteroidal ?? Correct  I had a prescription for Accolate when it first came out. It worked in relieving some of my asthma symptoms for about 2 months (during August) then it seemed to stop working. I personally think it was difficult for my stomach to receive (due to gerd and a lot of stomach acid present at all times)  I am considering asking my doctor for Singular, but he is a pulmonologist and wasn’t  encouraging or positive when I asked to try Accolate. His focus is the steroid inhaler which I don’t have objections to but I was wondering why my relief wasn’t at least 75% better. And why I must take a bronchodilator twice a day regardless of what steroid inhaler he has me on.

Response:

Is this as good as it get with asthma and on the average 3 to 4 medications taken daily? I have had  bronchial asthma for 10 years now (onset after years of allergies, chronic bronchitis and sinus/throat infections) and have seen at least 5 doctors the last one being a lung specialist and others specializing in allergies.  I have an air purifier in my bedroom, I avoid aerosol sprays, dust and mold and cigarette smoke as much as humanly possible without becoming a hermit. And yet I still cough violently every morning on sitting up in the bed (new mattress with mattress cover), I cough aggressively during the day if I come into contact with any known allergen during the day and my bronchial airways shut down instantly (and some unknown) and vomit a lot of mucus from my stomach about twice a month, and when at home use dixie cups to spit in so that I don’t swallow the salty mucus plugs that I cough up from my lungs. I can’t laugh or sing anymore. Is this as good as it gets? My lastest doctor sent in information (after a recent breathing test and blood test) suggesting disability status. I am 41 what should I expect ? what should I be doing?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a multi-part message in MIME format. Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable You are misinformed. The way the IOC tests for steroids is to use gas = chromatography to detect "steroid-like" substances. Inhaled = corticosteroids may show up on this (unlikely). The suspect chemical is = then tested with nuclear magnetic resonance to determine exactly which = compound it is. The inhaled steroids would be shown to not be any of the = drugs on the banned list. This test could also distinguish between a = corticosteroid  and an anabolic steroid if they bothered to look, but = since they only test for specific "known" anabolic steroids this point = is mute. .=20

That’s IOC. The USOC is too cheap to do any test other than the gas chromatography. They don’t do the NMR, they disqualify you to save time and money. As there is absolutely no physiological reason for anti-inflammatory coricosteroids to be banned and they are not banned by the IOC, and the USOC is just being cheap and lazy, American athletes are being dangerously shortchanged. The USOC needs to be forced to follow the same procedures as IOC instead of cutting corners. Annette

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Is this as good as it get with asthma and on the average 3 to 4 medications taken daily? I have had  bronchial asthma for 10 years now (onset after years of allergies, chronic bronchitis and sinus/throat infections) and have seen at least 5 doctors the last one being a lung specialist and others specializing in allergies.  I have an air purifier in my bedroom, I avoid aerosol sprays, dust and mold and cigarette smoke as much as humanly possible without becoming a hermit. And yet I still cough violently every morning on sitting up in the bed (new mattress with mattress cover), I cough aggressively during the day if I come into contact with any known allergen during the day and my bronchial airways shut down instantly (and some unknown) and vomit a lot of mucus from my stomach about twice a month, and when at home use dixie cups to spit in so that I don’t swallow the salty mucus plugs that I cough up from my lungs. I can’t laugh or sing anymore.

You sound like me only three years ago.  I’m now a thousand times better than that.  Your asthma is not under control and it sounds like your doctor hasn’t really got a handle on treating it.   Is this as good as it gets? My lastest doctor sent in information (after a recent breathing test and blood test) suggesting disability status. I am 41 what should I expect ? what should I be doing?

If you can get disability status, do it.  Then you will be more able to avoid allergins in the work place.   What meds does he have you on?  Are you using an inhaled steroid? Where do you live?  Can you relocate to a better location? Sue Smoke Often. Die Young.

Response:

Tilade and Intal are steroidal; Accolate and Singulair aren’t, they are leukotriene inhibitors.

Tilade and Intal are classified as NON-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Joan

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)? If you don’t want to use steroids to prevent asthma, there are other options. Tilade and Intal (inhalers), Accolate and Singulair (pills). Tilade and Intal are steroidal; Accolate and Singulair aren’t, they are leukotriene inhibitors. Chris Owens

Actually, Tilade and Intal are mast cell stabilizers, not steroids. Annette

Response:

If that is true, then it is a shame. All steroids including estrogens and corticosteroids would register as steroids by the gas chromatograph. It is the NMR that distinguishes them. — Good Luck, CBI, M.D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes: This is a multi-part message in MIME format. Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable You are misinformed. The way the IOC tests for steroids is to use gas = chromatography to detect "steroid-like" substances. Inhaled = corticosteroids may show up on this (unlikely). The suspect chemical is = then tested with nuclear magnetic resonance to determine exactly which = compound it is. The inhaled steroids would be shown to not be any of the = drugs on the banned list. This test could also distinguish between a = corticosteroid  and an anabolic steroid if they bothered to look, but = since they only test for specific "known" anabolic steroids this point = is mute. .=20 That’s IOC. The USOC is too cheap to do any test other than the gas chromatography. They don’t do the NMR, they disqualify you to save time and money. As there is absolutely no physiological reason for anti-inflammatory coricosteroids to be banned and they are not banned by the IOC, and the USOC is just being cheap and lazy, American athletes are being dangerously shortchanged. The USOC needs to be forced to follow the same procedures as IOC instead of cutting corners. Annette

Response:

These guys are right. Tilade and Intal are non-steroidal mast cell stabilizers. Accolate and Singulair are leukotriene inhibitors. — Good Luck, CBI, M.D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (C.A. Owens) writes: Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)? If you don’t want to use steroids to prevent asthma, there are other options. Tilade and Intal (inhalers), Accolate and Singulair (pills). Tilade and Intal are steroidal; Accolate and Singulair aren’t, they are leukotriene inhibitors. Chris Owens Actually, Tilade and Intal are mast cell stabilizers, not steroids. Annette

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is this as good as it get with asthma and on the average 3 to 4 medications taken daily? I have had  bronchial asthma for 10 years now (onset after years of allergies, chronic bronchitis and sinus/throat infections) and have seen at least 5 doctors the last one being a lung specialist and others specializing in allergies.  I have an air purifier in my bedroom, I avoid aerosol sprays, dust and mold and cigarette smoke as much as humanly possible without becoming a hermit. And yet I still cough violently every morning on sitting up in the bed (new mattress with mattress cover), I cough aggressively during the day if I come into contact with any known allergen during the day and my bronchial airways shut down instantly (and some unknown) and vomit a lot of mucus from my stomach about twice a month, and when at home use dixie cups to spit in so that I don’t swallow the salty mucus plugs that I cough up from my lungs. I can’t laugh or sing anymore. Is this as good as it gets? My lastest doctor sent in information (after a recent breathing test and blood test) suggesting disability status. I am 41 what should I expect ? what should I be doing?

What kind of air purifier?  If it’s an ozone generator, your are ravaging your lungs as you sleep.  Different people have different severities of asthma.  Depending on how long it has been going un[der]treated, how much exposure to triggers they can eliminate, and how well they respond to medications, they will have different outcomes.  Have you clearly identified your triggers and eliminated them as much as possible?  Have you tried different drug regimens? There’s a lot that can be done to improve most asthmatic’s quality of life. Chris Owens

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)? My asthma started as a result of allergies and chronic bronchitis. I was given the typical cortisteriod inhalers and the rescue inhalers. To no avail. I still cough a lot and have attacks daily due to the sensitivity of my airways to perfume, dust and smoke. Regardless of how faithful I take the steroids I don’t receive daily relief for asthma attacks. Antihistamines control my allergies and sinus problems to the point that I can live with them. But I really believe the allergy is in my lungs. Does that sound crazy? Thanks in advance for your input. Chester I was almost about to die from my asthma. According to doctors in my

country it was one of the worst cases they’ve ever seen. Steroids were in my daily diet on very great doses. Now I found a doctor that with only one injection every 30 days (which is definitely not steroid) makes me breath like a normal person. I’m about to forget what asthma means (this is joke). The only problem is that this doctor lives in Greece. Every injection costs about $100. Actually I have seen many patients visiting him from other countries such as Italy, France and Switzerland. Don’t hesitate to conduct me for further information. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)? My asthma started as a result of allergies and chronic bronchitis. I was given the typical cortisteriod inhalers and the rescue inhalers. To no avail. I still cough a lot and have attacks daily due to the sensitivity of my airways to perfume, dust and smoke. Regardless of how faithful I take the steroids I don’t receive daily relief for asthma attacks. Antihistamines control my allergies and sinus problems to the point that I can live with them.   But I really believe the allergy is in my lungs. Does that sound crazy? Thanks in advance for your input. Chester

Response:

Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)?

I wouldn’t go to a doctor who wouldn’t use steroids.  That’s because they are, bar none, the very best defense against asthma.  Inhaled steroids mean that it is now possible for an asthmatic child to grow up without the expected loss of lung function typical of previous generations.  Adult asthmatics can stop the progression of scarring and airways remodelling by using inhaled steroids.  I can think of no reason, absent drug sensitivities, that an asthmatic would not consider the payoff worth the risk. My asthma started as a result of allergies and chronic bronchitis. I was given the typical cortisteriod inhalers and the rescue inhalers. To no avail. I still cough a lot and have attacks daily due to the sensitivity of my airways to perfume, dust and smoke. Regardless of how faithful I take the steroids I don’t receive daily relief for asthma attacks.

And you won’t as long as you are continually exposed to triggers.  It just isn’t possible.  You HAVE to reduce your exposure. Chris Owens

Response:

Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)?

If you don’t want to use steroids to prevent asthma, there are other options. Tilade and Intal (inhalers), Accolate and Singulair (pills). Go ask a doctor (allergist or lung specialist, preferably) about these. Joan

Response:

Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)? If you don’t want to use steroids to prevent asthma, there are other options. Tilade and Intal (inhalers), Accolate and Singulair (pills). Go ask a doctor (allergist or lung specialist, preferably) about these.

IMHO, people are over-reacting and don’t understand inhaled steroids.  They hear the word ’steroid’, remember all the hoopla about athletes using steroids and think it’s the same thing.  It Is NOT The Same Thing At All.  The athletes are using anabolic steroids, a totally different chemical than prednisone which is commonly used as an oral tablet.   Also, inhaled steroids are an outstanding improvement that has saved the lungs of many people.  I was on oral steroids for several years and had increasing lung damage due to repeated bouts of asthma and pneumonia.   I’m now on FloVent and cannot say enough good things about it.  I’ve managed to go TWO years without a hospitalization for an asthma attack, a miracle as far as I’m concerned since before that, I was repeatedly admitted with asthma and pneumonia.  My lungs are also actually healing, with improved lung function and reversal of damage.   Inhaled steroids go directly to the lungs, minimal amounts are used, in comparison to oral steroids which must travel through the digestive system into the blood stream before they can start to work on the lungs.   Don’t refuse inhaled steroids due to mis-information or mistaken ideas.   IMHO, they are THE wonder drug and I’m devoutly thankful for them. Joan

Sue Smoke Often. Die Young.

Response:

Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)?

I can’t use steroids because I’m a speedskater and have to comply with USOC drug control rules. Although inhaled seroids are ostensibly permitted, they can cause a positive drug test and if they do you are deemed to have a systemic dose and you’re disqualified. I use Intal instead of steroids. It works ok, but I might try Accolate or Singulair to see if that’s better. Annette

Response:

Carr) writes: Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)? I can’t use steroids because I’m a speedskater and have to comply with USOC drug control rules. Although inhaled seroids are ostensibly permitted, they can cause a positive drug test and if they do you are deemed to have a systemic dose and you’re disqualified.

Are you SURE they can cause a positive drug test?  What evidence do you have of that? I use Intal instead of steroids. It works ok, but I might try Accolate or Singulair to see if that’s better. Annette

Sue Smoke Often. Die Young.

Response:

Inhaled steroids go directly to the lungs, minimal amounts are used, in comparison to oral steroids which must travel through the digestive system into the blood stream before they can start to work on the lungs. Don’t refuse inhaled steroids due to mis-information or mistaken ideas. IMHO, they are THE wonder drug and I’m devoutly thankful for them.

I am aware that steriods for asthmatics aren’t the same as anabolic steroids that athletes use to build muscle. However, while inhaled steriods may work well for the average asthmatic, there are indeed some of us for whom steroids do not work, or for whom steroids have nasty side effects. It is even possible to have an anaphylactic reaction to steriods. I cannot use them because I have very nasty adverse reactions to steroids (oral or inhaled). I’m glad that they worked for you, but that doesn’t mean they’re appropriate for everybody. Joan

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You are misinformed. The way the IOC tests for steroids is to use gas chromatography to detect "steroid-like" substances. Inhaled corticosteroids may show up on this (unlikely). The suspect chemical is then tested with nuclear magnetic resonance to determine exactly which compound it is. The inhaled steroids would be shown to not be any of the drugs on the banned list. This test could also distinguish between a corticosteroid  and an anabolic steroid if they bothered to look, but since they only test for specific "known" anabolic steroids this point is mute. . As a safeguard against taking testosterone, which would register in all those tested (unless deficient), a testosterone:epitestosterone ratio is done. Epitestosterone is a precursor to testosterone and the normal ratio is 1:1. A result of 6:1 is consistent with taking exogenous testosterone for the purposes of IOC testing. Inhaled steroids, and even oral prednisone, would not provide an unfair advantage and would not trigger a positive test. Reference: Drug Use and Detection In Sports and several other books by Mauro D. Pasquale, M.D. — Good Luck, CBI, M.D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)? I can’t use steroids because I’m a speedskater and have to comply with USOC drug control rules. Although inhaled seroids are ostensibly permitted, they can cause a positive drug test and if they do you are deemed to have a systemic dose and you’re disqualified. I use Intal instead of steroids. It works ok, but I might try Accolate or Singulair to see if that’s better. Annette

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Inhaled steroids go directly to the lungs, minimal amounts are used, in comparison to oral steroids which must travel through the digestive system into the blood stream before they can start to work on the lungs. Don’t refuse inhaled steroids due to mis-information or mistaken ideas. IMHO, they are THE wonder drug and I’m devoutly thankful for them. I am aware that steriods for asthmatics aren’t the same as anabolic steroids that athletes use to build muscle. However, while inhaled steriods may work well for the average asthmatic, there are indeed some of us for whom steroids do not work, or for whom steroids have nasty side effects. It is even possible to have an anaphylactic reaction to steriods. I cannot use them because I have very nasty adverse reactions to steroids (oral or inhaled).

I am quite aware some people have side-effects.  I had them with the oral, none with the inhaled.   But the alternative isn’t pleasant either…..  (i.e. Death) I’m glad that they worked for you, but that doesn’t mean they’re appropriate for everybody.

However, I hate to see people decide not to try them, when they CAN help. IF you know you have very bad problems with them, and you CAN survive without them, Okay….  But I’ve seen people refuse them without knowing if they will cause problems. Joan

Sue Smoke Often. Die Young.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)? If you don’t want to use steroids to prevent asthma, there are other options. Tilade and Intal (inhalers), Accolate and Singulair (pills). Go ask a doctor (allergist or lung specialist, preferably) about these. IMHO, people are over-reacting and don’t understand inhaled steroids.  They hear the word ’steroid’, remember all the hoopla about athletes using steroids and think it’s the same thing.  It Is NOT The Same Thing At All.  The athletes are using anabolic steroids, a totally different chemical than prednisone which is commonly used as an oral tablet.  

Could somebody please convince the U.S. Olympic Committee of this? They steadfastly will not remove prednisone from the "banned" list, and this could have a seriously detrimental effect on a lot of asthmatic athletes. Annette

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Carr) writes: Has anyone encounter an asthma specialist who has a medical plan for asthmatics that DO NOT include steroids? What other options are available in regards to medication to prevent asthma attacks besides this drug (and the many forms it comes in. . .pill, inhalers)? I can’t use steroids because I’m a speedskater and have to comply with USOC drug control rules. Although inhaled seroids are ostensibly permitted, they can cause a positive drug test and if they do you are deemed to have a systemic dose and you’re disqualified. Are you SURE they can cause a positive drug test?  What evidence do you have of that?

Somebody on my high school track team was on azmacort. She came up positive and got DQ’d. I was also on azmacort at the time but was not tested. I got my doctor to run the same test on me and I came up positive. It actually makes perfect sense. A very tiny amount of the steroid is swallowed, and some more is absorbed through the lungs. It’s not enough to have any systemic effects, but enough to set off a supersensitive drug test. And the phreaking stuff isn’t even anabolic – at ANY dose! The whole deal is just arbitrary rules, and does more to prevent athletes from getting proper treatment than to prevent doping. Annette

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Chester,Just read your post and I understand where you are comming from.,from 1960 to 1990 I was always diagnoised with URI and given antibiotics, During those years I was a light smoker, usually never smoked before noon and mostly after 3;00p.m.  Then I became allergic to perfume and popcorn,(oil) and the coughing began to be a constant. I too never have a day without coughing and it is very discouraging,I no longersmoke, I take albuterol 2 puffs four times a day. I use flo-nase 2 puffs 2 times a day, and singular at bed time.   Also I take Levbid twice a day for abdominal cramping that is a real PAIN , these occur almost daily also. If I am out of control this is the ninth year and the forth doctor and the results are as you say, you live with it   I am 65 years old and have a limited life but it is a life full of family and I love it, as far as medical help, they like my insurance very much but I don’t think they know what to do  and I am tired of being there experimental what ever.  I live in the heart of the wheat belt and the unused grain elevators are all around this city.  my four grand kids moved here nine years ago and two of them are afflicted with asthma also and it developed here. I really think the  mold from those old elevators are part of the problem here, and the city is full of asthmatics and the number here is increasing steadly.  If the EPA would really earn there keep this would be a da—good place to clean the enviorment, also this city has the old champlin bone yard of the large oil refinery. that closed down. , the tanks are mostly gone but the ground residue is still there..

FRAN’SHOME

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Question:

I could be wrong, but I think the asthma nurce told me that if your asthma is out of control, taking a peak flow reading can cause an attack. Carolyn "My dog thinks he’s human, my cat thinks she’s god."

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I’ve noticed your list of medications.  My allergist is big on Singulair and its the first pill medication that actually control my asthma.  If your doctor hasn’t mentioned about Singulair, I would.  While I was on Singulair, I had two chest colds and usually chest colds causes me an over 30% reduction in peak flow triggering a mandatory round of Predisone or Medrol. This time, I only had peak flow reductions no more than 10%.  No Predisone! Bottom line: I would ask your doctor if there are better asthma medicines out there.  If you are not seeing a specialist known for solving problem asthma cases and aggressive preventive regimens, go to one that does. I’m not a doctor, I’m a long time asthmatic, but I’ve had to fight a few general practice ones to get beyond the "it’s just simple asthma" phase and get a referral to an aggressive allergist known for successes with problem cases like mine.  Some GP doctors sometimes don’t like them because they tend to have very large practices (word gets around fast) and can be less personal, but I don’t think that’s a real minus.  If the doctor has personally hundreds of asthmatics under his/her care, a good portion problems cases, then the last thing this doctor wants is getting calls at 3 AM for any patient showing up in ER due to an asthma attack.  That could potentially be one or two patients most every night!  The more aggressive this doctor is in preventive treatment for asthma, the more he/she can sleep at night.  Simple as that. Good luck, Rob (rcsteinbach—at—yahoo–dot-com)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Very often when I use my Peak low Meter the action of blowing out forcefully will aggravate my asthma.  I don’t know yet but maybe it’s because I’m not very well controlled with my medications. I’ve been taking Flovent, Flonaise, Proventil,Theodur and Zithromax (long term to cover a possible  infectious cause for the asthma.) I did follow the instructions when I first got the Peak Flow Meter for figuring out my personal range., which runs from 250 to 450 for the high end. Marilyn

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I am oon a peak flo meter, adn when I use it it triggers more asthma. THe hard blow into the meter will leave me gasping a bit. Anyone else have this problem? I get from 450 to 550 on a peak flow meter, how does this compare to people who frequent this group and use pfms?

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James, a peak flow reading is an individual measurement.  While there are averages (based on height, age and sex),  your optimal peak flow measurement should be based on having your asthma in good control.  One man’s green zone is another man’s red zone.  Niasha James Widmark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am oon a peak flo meter, I get from 450 to 550 on a peak flow meter, how does this compare to people who frequent this group and use pfms?

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Very often when I use my Peak low Meter the action of blowing out forcefully will aggravate my asthma.  I don’t know yet but maybe it’s because I’m not very well controlled with my medications. I’ve been taking Flovent, Flonaise, Proventil,Theodur and Zithromax (long term to cover a possible  infectious cause for the asthma.) I did follow the instructions when I first got the Peak Flow Meter for figuring out my personal range., which runs from 250 to 450 for the high end.   Marilyn

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If I have asthmatic symptoms I often find that my 2nd PF is 50 less than my first (and 3rd even less again), otherwise I don’t see this effect. Norman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Very often when I use my Peak low Meter the action of blowing out forcefully will aggravate my asthma.  I don’t know yet but maybe it’s because I’m not very well controlled with my medications. I’ve been taking Flovent, Flonaise, Proventil,Theodur and Zithromax (long term to cover a possible  infectious cause for the asthma.) I did follow the instructions when I first got the Peak Flow Meter for figuring out my personal range., which runs from 250 to 450 for the high end. Marilyn

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Question:

Panic attacks can often be reduced. Try to get a copy of Coping With Asthma this month’s edition. I have an article in there are how to reduce anxiety attacks for asthmatics. Basically you use a mirror as a biofeedback device, practice breathing so that you SEE the face relax. Also at my web site http://www.ent-consult.com Murray Grossan, M.D. Murray Grossan, M.D. http://www.ent-consult.com

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Anne, I think steroids work differently on women than on men, who they have traditionally been tested on.  I think your assumption of the effects of cortisol may be correct, even tho it is said the inhaled steroids don’t go systemic.  I have found symptoms that they do to a certain degree.  Sometimes you have to keep looking to put your particular priorities in order.

This may have been true 20 years ago, but currently researchers are required to make sure that the test subjects accurately reflect the makeup of the ‘community’ the product is intended to treat. "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." Einstein

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Ellis, thanks for your info re Pulmicort. I found it very interesting. As I understand it, Pulmi stands for pulmonary and cort  for cortisone. I have been reading up on the hormones released during panic attack and find adrenalin and cortisol. Everything I read about cortisone suggests a lot of negatives, and I am wondering about a link between the onset of panic attack or hyperventilation syndrome and cortisone based drugs. Bear in mind that I am not a doctor, just a woman with a lot of questions and no satisfactory answers. Thank you for your input. Anne

Adrenaline type drugs (andrenergic agents) are the ‘rescue’ drug for asthma attacks because they are fast acting. In cases of anaphylaxis or severe asthma attack, adrenaline (epinephrine) may be injected. [Happened to me once as a reaction from an allergy shot, peak flow dropped to 20% personal best, got 2 shots of epinephrine]. More commonly the beta2-agonist adrenergic drug albuterol/salbutamol is administered by inhaler. However adrenaline type drugs can exacerbate or cause panic attack in those suscetible. [and psychotic drugs to treat panic attack can cause asthma] Cortisone is a slower acting agent. Cortisone type drugs (corticosteroids) are the primary long-acting preventor meds for controlling asthma. Oral steroids like prednisone do have serious side effects when used long term. Inhaled steroids are taken in a much lower dose, typically 1/30, since they go directly to the lungs. Low to Low-Medium doses of inhaled steroids are considered quite safe. Higher doses may start to have some side effects for some patients. Steroid reducing drugs can be used to minimize the amount of steroid needed. Theophylline has been shown to reduce the need for inhaled steroids by a factor of 2. Other drugs like Singulair may also work. [I take both] You can see the side effects of oral steroids by going to www.rxlist.com and looking up prednisone. Some patients do experience psychological effects, along with osteoporosis, high BP, diabetes, etc. I’m not aware of a link between panic attack syndrome/hyperventilation and use of inhaled steroids. Ellis

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Ellis, thanks for your info re Pulmicort. I found it very interesting. As I understand it, Pulmi stands for pulmonary and cort  for cortisone. I have been reading up on the hormones released during panic attack and find adrenalin and cortisol. Everything I read about cortisone suggests a lot of negatives, and I am wondering about a link between the onset of panic attack or hyperventilation syndrome and cortisone based drugs. Bear in mind that I am not a doctor, just a woman with a lot of questions and no satisfactory answers. Thank you for your input. Anne

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Anne, I think steroids work differently on women than on men, who they have traditionally been tested on.  I think your assumption of the effects of cortisol may be correct, even tho it is said the inhaled steroids don’t go systemic.  I have found symptoms that they do to a certain degree.  Sometimes you have to keep looking to put your particular priorities in order. Good luck with your research, you’re going in the right direction. Ellis, thanks for your info re Pulmicort. I found it very interesting. As I

understand it, Pulmi stands for pulmonary and cort  for cortisone. I have been reading up on the hormones released during panic attack and find adrenalin and cortisol. Everything I read about cortisone suggests a lot of negatives, and I am wondering about a link between the onset of panic attack or hyperventilation syndrome and cortisone based drugs. Bear in mind that I am not a doctor, just a woman with a lot of questions and no satisfactory answers. Thank you for your input. Anne<< Sue M.

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