Asthmatics...needs some BTDTs (Read 769 times)

I went through a phase a few years ago where I kept getting bronchitis every time I caught the slightest cold. The was no real secret to getting over it other than seeing the doc. I take Singulair and Advair for my asthma. The Singulair works well for my allergies. I only take the Advair in the morning. I've tried taking it twice a day, but it just made me moody and jittery. I usually take both in the morning before I brush my teeth. My doc recommended I rinse well after taking the Advair. I still swear by my allergy specialist (Rubs arm from shot this morning ). They always give me a lung function test when I see that doc. It seems to be a more objective way of seeing if the meds are working for me.

You know, that's interesting, b/c my kids get croup every time they get a cold, which is an inflammation of their upper airways. And every time it happens, what do we do? Albuterol in the nebulizer. Any relationship to future asthma? I don't know. The 4yo has already been diagnosed with allergies, which the dr has told me may actually be allergy-triggered asthma, and the 2yo may be on the way. Sorry. Didn't mean to threadjack. Just find it interesting. The 4yo takes Singulair in the morning, BTW, b/c whether it's allergies or asthma, it's treating both. Doesn't seem to impact her mood or her sleep. She still has to take Zytec at night, too. Yeah, we'll probably do shots as soon as the doc says it's okay.

Back in my teens and early 20's, I had exercise-induced asthma. A puff or two of my Proventil inhaler was all it took to make a run (or marching band practice) wheeze free for me.

Interesting...I was just reading about albuterol and found that a side-effect can be nausea/upset stomach (not sure why they differentiate). Well, I guess I know why I was having tummy troubles during my race. My lungs had me hitting the inhaler more, which helped the breathing some, but then I had to slow down to keep from needing to puke. Nice.

Using albuterol every day means your wheezing is out of control. This is especially worrisome if you are already taking nasal steroids and singulair. This is an indication for oral steroids. Immediately. Get thee to the doc. Now.

I have an appt. Weds. AM with my PCP. I'm guessing that he will be prescribing Advair or another inhaled steroid, since that sounds like the next step whenever oral meds and inhaler bronchodilators don't do the trick. I REALLY hope that I will soon get better relief, especially since I know once it gets humid I'm really going to be miserable, if last Summer's symptoms are any indication of how this year might be.

I had to switch to Symbicort, one of the inhaled steroids, to control my asthma. It has been the greatest improvement in my breathing and running EVER. I hardly use my albuterol at all. It did not have the weight gain side effects of oral steroids, and I am one of those people who can gain weight from smelling cookies! LOL! And there is some medical association between GERD and asthma. (Check webmd.) Personally, I was really frustrated when my running was finally part of my life (after 3 years of training), and my flab was under control, and THEN my asthma decided to worsen, but the new med made the world of difference. I didn't realize how much I was using the Albuterol until I didn't need it any more (hardly--still carry it just in case).

I had to switch to Symbicort, one of the inhaled steroids, to control my asthma. It has been the greatest improvement in my breathing and running EVER. I hardly use my albuterol at all. It did not have the weight gain side effects of oral steroids, and I am one of those people who can gain weight from smelling cookies! LOL! And there is some medical association between GERD and asthma. (Check webmd.) Personally, I was really frustrated when my running was finally part of my life (after 3 years of training), and my flab was under control, and THEN my asthma decided to worsen, but the new med made the world of difference. I didn't realize how much I was using the Albuterol until I didn't need it any more (hardly--still carry it just in case).

Oh, that gives me such hope...especially anything that doesn't have any side-effects that involve weight gain...I don't need any assistance in that dept.

You currently have "moderate persistent" asthma, or so it sounds. Prednisone, in short duration, usually has limited side effects, including insomnia, moodiness, increased appetite and fluid retention. Which are typically better than not breathing.

Ha, I have ALL of those things already...I wouldn't even notice the difference!