Re: (unknown)

April 1, 2008

I amend my previous post, seek immediate help. Tell the doctor this

can't wait. It's an emergency. Do you have a pulmonologist?

besides a humidifier, if you don't have one, I believe you also need a

nebulizer at home with the meds for it.

jose vargas

>

> > I have allergies and was diagnosed with asthma less than one year ago.

> > Over the past couple of weeks my allergies have become less managable

> > as the weather changes and, as a result, I have been having trouble

> > with my asthma. I am waking up in the night either coughing a very

> > dry cough that only gets better when I use my Albuterol inhaler or I

> > wake up feeling like I am gasping for air. I am also having trouble

> > during the day feeling short of breath and a lot of wheezing. Today I

> > called my doctor's office and was told by the doctor to use my rescue

> > inhaler at scheduled times twice a day and to come in for an

> > appointment next Monday. Does this sound right? I am so new to all

> > of this and want to feel better so badly I will try anything.

> > Thanks everyone.

> > a

> >

>

> Fredd Fishman

> freddiemac@...

>

April 2, 2008

I also agree. I was only diagnosed a few weeks ago, and for the first week was told to use a blue inhaler 4 times a day whether I needed it or not, then when I needed it the following week, then go back. I didn't really feel like the blue inhaler was making much of a difference (though it is one of the new HFAs - I was talking to a friend who also has this one, and she's had to start taking an extra puff when she takes it), so was also prescribed a brown one. Unfortunately, the way the prescriptions were spread out (the blue then the brown inhaler, and firstly the peak flow meter wehn I first went to the doctors) cost me quite a bit in NHS prescription charges. And now, a few weeks on, the NHS in Scotland (where I am at uni), is reducing the price of the charges... Typical! Jenn Hill wrote: Hi a,You need maintenance meds-I agree with the previous posters. Needing touse your rescue inhaler frequently and waking up at night with asthmaare indications of poor asthma control. Your doctor will probably startyou on a steroid inhaler to reduce the inflammation in your lungs, ormaybe even a short course of oral steroids to quickly get control ofyour symptoms. Then you should start feeling better and not be needingyou rescue inhaler all the time.Allergies and weather changes are triggers for many of us, so you haveour sympathy. Try to do everything you can to reduce your allergyexposure (hard if it's something outside!). If you get worse, call thedoctor's office and tell them you must be seen immediately. Waiting toolong for treatment can cause you to wind up in the emergency room in acrisis.Hope you are able to feel better

soon,>> I have allergies and was diagnosed with asthma less than one year ago.> Over the past couple of weeks my allergies have become less managable> as the weather changes and, as a result, I have been having trouble> with my asthma. I am waking up in the night either coughing a very> dry cough that only gets better when I use my Albuterol inhaler or I> wake up feeling like I am gasping for air. I am also having trouble> during the day feeling short of breath and a lot of wheezing. Today I> called my doctor's office and was told by the doctor to use my rescue> inhaler at scheduled times twice a day and to come in for an> appointment next Monday. Does this sound right? I am so new to all> of this and want to feel better so badly I will try anything.> Thanks everyone.>

a>------------------------------------

April 2, 2008

Thanks everyone for the helpful information. I was told by a nurse

with my insurance company yesterday that humidity / humidifiers are

bad for asthma. I have used a humidifier with some eucalyptus oil

and it does seem to help.

I feel better today after using my albuterol inhaler and I'm going

to my appointment Monday and am planning on asking my doctor about

seeing a pulmonologist.

> >

> > I have allergies and was diagnosed with asthma less than one

year ago.

> > Over the past couple of weeks my allergies have become less

managable

> > as the weather changes and, as a result, I have been having

trouble

> > with my asthma. I am waking up in the night either coughing a

very

> > dry cough that only gets better when I use my Albuterol inhaler

or I

> > wake up feeling like I am gasping for air. I am also having

trouble

> > during the day feeling short of breath and a lot of wheezing.

Today I

> > called my doctor's office and was told by the doctor to use my

rescue

> > inhaler at scheduled times twice a day and to come in for an

> > appointment next Monday. Does this sound right? I am so new to

all

> > of this and want to feel better so badly I will try anything.

> > Thanks everyone.

> > a

> >

>

> ------------------------------------

>

April 2, 2008

Thanks everyone for the helpful information. I was told by a nurse

with my insurance company yesterday that humidity / humidifiers are

bad for asthma. I have used a humidifier with some eucalyptus oil

and it does seem to help.

I feel better today after using my albuterol inhaler and I'm going

to my appointment Monday and am planning on asking my doctor about

seeing a pulmonologist.

> >

> > I have allergies and was diagnosed with asthma less than one

year ago.

> > Over the past couple of weeks my allergies have become less

managable

> > as the weather changes and, as a result, I have been having

trouble

> > with my asthma. I am waking up in the night either coughing a

very

> > dry cough that only gets better when I use my Albuterol inhaler

or I

> > wake up feeling like I am gasping for air. I am also having

trouble

> > during the day feeling short of breath and a lot of wheezing.

Today I

> > called my doctor's office and was told by the doctor to use my

rescue

> > inhaler at scheduled times twice a day and to come in for an

> > appointment next Monday. Does this sound right? I am so new to

all

> > of this and want to feel better so badly I will try anything.

> > Thanks everyone.

> > a

> >

>

> ------------------------------------

>

April 2, 2008

What are your pulmonologists for? We don't have anything like that here - we get adequate treatment just from seeing the doctor, and also the asthma nurse. The nurses are often the better ones to speak to with concerns etc, as they hvae more time to chat to you, and although they can't actually issure repeat prescriptions, they can get the doctor to prescribe a different inhaler if they don;t think you have the one that is right for you - my flatmate hated the one that the doctor had prescribed, so when she ahd to see the nurse, teh nurse got it changed for her. Jenn Hillalexanderkristina wrote: Thanks everyone for the helpful information. I was told by a nurse with my insurance company yesterday that humidity / humidifiers are bad for asthma. I have used a humidifier

with some eucalyptus oil and it does seem to help. I feel better today after using my albuterol inhaler and I'm going to my appointment Monday and am planning on asking my doctor about seeing a pulmonologist.> >> > I have allergies and was diagnosed with asthma less than one year ago.> > Over the past couple of weeks my allergies have become less managable> > as the weather changes and, as a result, I have been having trouble> > with my asthma. I am waking up in the night either coughing a very> > dry cough that only gets better when I use my Albuterol inhaler or I> > wake up feeling like I am gasping for air. I am also having trouble> >

during the day feeling short of breath and a lot of wheezing. Today I> > called my doctor's office and was told by the doctor to use my rescue> > inhaler at scheduled times twice a day and to come in for an> > appointment next Monday. Does this sound right? I am so new to all> > of this and want to feel better so badly I will try anything.> > Thanks everyone.> > a> >> > > > > ------------------------------------> >

April 2, 2008

As far as advice on helping with allergies. I took down my curtains and am going to put up blinds...At least wash your curtains frequently if you can. I wash my sheets and blanket in hot, bleachy water once a week. If you have a comforter that you can't wash regularly, get a duvet - and wash it instead. I got mattress and pillow covers - they are supposed to help with dust mites. If I could rip out the carpet and put down hard flooring and throw rugs I would. I just have to clean the rugs regularly. Where a face mask when you dust. I am looking into a air purifier, but haven't actually gotten one yet ...so I can't say how it helps. Also, if I am having trouble breathing, sometimes elevating my head with pillows helps. If it is something outside that makes you allergic, make sure to keep your windows closed. Make sure your heating and cooling system filters are cleaned.

Also...some people have mentioned a humidifier...I have also heard that if you live in a really damp area a dehumidifier can prevent mold which can help people who are allergic. I have no experience with either humidifiers or dehumidifiers so I can't vouch for either. Someone mentioned sleep apnea. I just got back from my second sleep study. My Mom has sleep apnea and has been on a cpap for a couple of years. Sleep apnea on its own is a life threatening condition. I have allergies, asthma and sleep apnea...It is a rotten combination. If you do have sleep apnea you want it treated as soon as possible. When you find a good doctor ask her about it. If she has no experience have her refer you to someone who does so that you can find out one way or another. A Hill wrote: I also agree. I was only diagnosed a few weeks ago, and for the first week was told to use a blue inhaler 4 times a day whether I needed it or not, then when I needed it the following week, then go back. I didn't really feel like the blue inhaler was making much of a difference (though it is one of the new HFAs - I was talking to a friend who also has this one, and she's had to start taking an extra puff when she takes it), so was also prescribed a brown one. Unfortunately, the way the prescriptions were spread out (the blue then the brown inhaler, and firstly the peak

flow meter wehn I first went to the doctors) cost me quite a bit in NHS prescription charges. And now, a few weeks on, the NHS in Scotland (where I am at uni), is reducing the price of the charges... Typical! Jenn Hill <mshutts@....com> wrote: Hi a,You need maintenance meds-I agree with the previous posters. Needing touse your rescue inhaler frequently and waking up at night with asthmaare indications of poor asthma control. Your doctor will probably startyou on a steroid inhaler to reduce the inflammation in your lungs, ormaybe even a short course of oral steroids to quickly get control ofyour symptoms. Then you should start feeling better and not be needingyou rescue inhaler all the time.Allergies and weather changes are triggers for many of us, so you haveour sympathy. Try

to do everything you can to reduce your allergyexposure (hard if it's something outside!). If you get worse, call thedoctor's office and tell them you must be seen immediately. Waiting toolong for treatment can cause you to wind up in the emergency room in acrisis.Hope you are able to feel better soon,>> I have allergies and was diagnosed with asthma less than one year ago.> Over the past couple of weeks my allergies have become less managable> as the weather changes and, as a result, I have been having trouble> with my asthma. I am waking up in the night either coughing a very> dry cough that only gets better when I use my Albuterol inhaler or I> wake up feeling like I am gasping for air. I am also having trouble> during the day feeling short of breath and a lot of wheezing. Today I>

called my doctor's office and was told by the doctor to use my rescue> inhaler at scheduled times twice a day and to come in for an> appointment next Monday. Does this sound right? I am so new to all> of this and want to feel better so badly I will try anything.> Thanks everyone.> a>------------------------------------

April 2, 2008

As far as advice on helping with allergies. I took down my curtains and am going to put up blinds...At least wash your curtains frequently if you can. I wash my sheets and blanket in hot, bleachy water once a week. If you have a comforter that you can't wash regularly, get a duvet - and wash it instead. I got mattress and pillow covers - they are supposed to help with dust mites. If I could rip out the carpet and put down hard flooring and throw rugs I would. I just have to clean the rugs regularly. Where a face mask when you dust. I am looking into a air purifier, but haven't actually gotten one yet ...so I can't say how it helps. Also, if I am having trouble breathing, sometimes elevating my head with pillows helps. If it is something outside that makes you allergic, make sure to keep your windows closed. Make sure your heating and cooling system filters are cleaned.

Also...some people have mentioned a humidifier...I have also heard that if you live in a really damp area a dehumidifier can prevent mold which can help people who are allergic. I have no experience with either humidifiers or dehumidifiers so I can't vouch for either. Someone mentioned sleep apnea. I just got back from my second sleep study. My Mom has sleep apnea and has been on a cpap for a couple of years. Sleep apnea on its own is a life threatening condition. I have allergies, asthma and sleep apnea...It is a rotten combination. If you do have sleep apnea you want it treated as soon as possible. When you find a good doctor ask her about it. If she has no experience have her refer you to someone who does so that you can find out one way or another. A Hill wrote: I also agree. I was only diagnosed a few weeks ago, and for the first week was told to use a blue inhaler 4 times a day whether I needed it or not, then when I needed it the following week, then go back. I didn't really feel like the blue inhaler was making much of a difference (though it is one of the new HFAs - I was talking to a friend who also has this one, and she's had to start taking an extra puff when she takes it), so was also prescribed a brown one. Unfortunately, the way the prescriptions were spread out (the blue then the brown inhaler, and firstly the peak

flow meter wehn I first went to the doctors) cost me quite a bit in NHS prescription charges. And now, a few weeks on, the NHS in Scotland (where I am at uni), is reducing the price of the charges... Typical! Jenn Hill <mshutts@....com> wrote: Hi a,You need maintenance meds-I agree with the previous posters. Needing touse your rescue inhaler frequently and waking up at night with asthmaare indications of poor asthma control. Your doctor will probably startyou on a steroid inhaler to reduce the inflammation in your lungs, ormaybe even a short course of oral steroids to quickly get control ofyour symptoms. Then you should start feeling better and not be needingyou rescue inhaler all the time.Allergies and weather changes are triggers for many of us, so you haveour sympathy. Try

to do everything you can to reduce your allergyexposure (hard if it's something outside!). If you get worse, call thedoctor's office and tell them you must be seen immediately. Waiting toolong for treatment can cause you to wind up in the emergency room in acrisis.Hope you are able to feel better soon,>> I have allergies and was diagnosed with asthma less than one year ago.> Over the past couple of weeks my allergies have become less managable> as the weather changes and, as a result, I have been having trouble> with my asthma. I am waking up in the night either coughing a very> dry cough that only gets better when I use my Albuterol inhaler or I> wake up feeling like I am gasping for air. I am also having trouble> during the day feeling short of breath and a lot of wheezing. Today I>

called my doctor's office and was told by the doctor to use my rescue> inhaler at scheduled times twice a day and to come in for an> appointment next Monday. Does this sound right? I am so new to all> of this and want to feel better so badly I will try anything.> Thanks everyone.> a>------------------------------------

April 2, 2008

Nurses are great. But you still need a good doctor. I was seeing

the same doctor for five years becaue my Mom has multiple health

concerns and I thought it would help him treat me. I went with her

to all of the appointments. He knew we were related and how. Guess

what? It didn't. After my mom was diagnosed with sleep apnea by an

er doctor. He never once considered that I might have the same

thing - just gave me antidepressants. I changed doctors and the

first time she saw me...without even knowing my family history she

set me up for a sleep test. If we hadn't been seen by different

doctors - the two of us might have ever been diagnosed - and his

nurse couldn't have done a thing.

> > >

> > > I have allergies and was diagnosed with asthma less than one

> year ago.

> > > Over the past couple of weeks my allergies have become less

> managable

> > > as the weather changes and, as a result, I have been having

> trouble

> > > with my asthma. I am waking up in the night either coughing a

> very

> > > dry cough that only gets better when I use my Albuterol inhaler

> or I

> > > wake up feeling like I am gasping for air. I am also having

> trouble

> > > during the day feeling short of breath and a lot of wheezing.

> Today I

> > > called my doctor's office and was told by the doctor to use my

> rescue

> > > inhaler at scheduled times twice a day and to come in for an

> > > appointment next Monday. Does this sound right? I am so new to

> all

> > > of this and want to feel better so badly I will try anything.

> > > Thanks everyone.

> > > a

> > >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

April 2, 2008

for a,

Your dr shouldn't be making you wait until monday if you are having these

problems. Call him back and see if he can get you in sooner. If he isnt

willing to see you change drs. if your symptoms get worse go to the er. Did I

understand right that your dr told you to use the rescue inhaler just twice a

day? I know with me when I am really bad my dr. has me use my inhaler every 4

hrs for the first 24 hrs and than after that as needed(with me it is usually

every 4 hrs and than tapering off) my daughters dr has her do the same thing. (

I am talking just about the rescue inhaler not a prevenative one) but dont go by

me you need to get this advice from a dr. because everyone is different and if

you have any other health issues it could be dangerous. You also might need

predisone for a few days. Please don't wait call or see someone today if you

are still wheezing or short of breath. it could be nothing but a dr should

determine that. let us know how you are doing. ill keep you in my thoughts.

jean

-

--- Fredd Fishman wrote:

> No, Change doctors!

> You should seek immediate help. You need to be aseced as to the

> severity of your current attack.

> If you feel worse go to the ER for a Nebulizer treatment.