Questions for those with asthma

[BlackSpinner]

You may want to consider a full face mask. I feel so secure with it on.

[elg5cats]

9 days of prednisone but said he couldn't keep doing that because it wasn't meant to be used long term. My question is even if they figure out what I am allergic to, how will that help me? Are there specific meds for certain allergies? .Missy(who just wants to feel well again)

Eleena, did you ever discuss the preventive inhaler medications with your doctor? The approach to moderate/severe asthma typically includes a preventive medication which is an inhaled steroid for daily use which does not have the systemic effects of steroids such as prednisone. Second, rescue inhaler/nebulizer for asthma flares. Predisone is typically used for flares which need additional invention, such as an illness which is causing an increase of asthma symptoms. Some asthmatic have been treated with longer term steroids. It's my understanding longer term steroid use is minimized because of side effects of predisone. Also effective management of asthma, has an asthma plan and peak flow management at home.

Allergics can be a factor in asthma symptoms. If you have allergies which are aggravating your asthma lifestyle changes, medications can help with allergy management thus improved control of asthma symptoms.

I personally find my asthma which has had periods of serious exacerbations is best controlled when I used all aspects of my treatment plan.....preventive meds, rescue meds (nebs for me), and occassional steroid use. I swim. Chlorine is a trigger for my asthma. If the pool has been shocked within a few days of my swim, I can get into trouble with my asthma quickly. I use my rescue inhaler prior to swimming at every swim. I do not swim if I have had any cold symptoms lingering. If the chlorine is overwhelming, I don't swim. I go home and snuggle with the cats who DO NOT aggravate my asthma.

If you don't have an asthma plan which includes peak flow monitoring, preventive medication, rescue medication. I would question if your uncontolled asthma is a result of an incomplete treatment plan. An allergist may also be skillful in asthma and be able to help with this. If there is an asthma, allergy and sinus speciality center in your area, you may want to consult with them. Your posts makes me think there is something amiss in the management of your asthma......Uncontrolled asthma is dangerous and can be life threatening.

Best Regards,
elk5cats

[Muse-Inc]

...completely forgot...

I swear by colored 4x6 index cards to help me keep track of 'stuff' as my mind's sorta like a sieve . I just got results of my quarterly blood tests and my thyroid is acting wonky again only now I can't use Cytomel , but that plus apnea explains the whole memory issue as this was my main complaint other than losing what's left of my hair .

[kopoloff]

I have been asthmatic since I was a child, although it has always been mild and controlled. Mostly allergy and/or exercise induced, which is a bit of a problem since I live in the pollen capital of the world and play sport.

I'm not even sure if its relevant, but my experience is completely contradictory to the experiences noted in this thread

Anyway, since starting CPAP about 9 months ago, my usage of the inhaler has gone down to maybe 1 or 2 episodes a month, rather than 2-3 per week.

K