Asthmatics Unite!'s topics - tribe.net

HFA conversion (from MDIs) doesn't work for everyone

2007-12-15T15:20:40Z

The National Campaign to Save CFC Medical Inhalers

The petition
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveCFCinhalers/

I've also written new letters to my district Senators
United States Senate
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

References on why CFC medical inhalers should not be banned

My Story:
The first time I tried the new “environmentally friendly” inhalers it didn’t work well. I kept having breathing problems and called my doctor several times. Finally she said since the dosage was smaller than the MDI (banned CFC) she told me to double the dosage… which I did since she was a doctor and must know right? Within seconds I was grabbing my chest and fell to the floor. Luckily I was able to call for an ambulance. In the emergency room the doctors did not want to classify it as a heart attack. Instead they called it over dosage. Off the record the respiratory therapist told me I wasn’t the only one who had responded the way I did to the new formula. Since than I’m using any MDI I can find and just waiting until they run out.

Didn’t want to bring anyone down but this is really important to me and I appreciate if you have a few minutes.

Other stories

Albuterol HFA - What the hell?

Comment:

Toni Smith:
I am right there with you. I have COPD. I have been on albuteral for 16 years. Recently they switched me to ProAir HFA. They say it's the same thing! Bull Shit!!! I pay 40.99 with my insurance for this piece of shit. My albuteral was 7.00. If the albuteral is bad for the environment, doesn't it make sense it's bad for your lungs as well. I think we should sue the pants off the makers of this. It does not work!!!

Nancy:
We need a choice!! I tried the new HFA inhaler and am still having problems from only five days of miserable use. It also tastes like hell and I had to use Prednisone from the breathing problems Proventil HFA caused me - it is toxic and this is bull....! When is the class action suit going to be filed because there needs to be one and I want to join. People will die from this new one and we need to cause enough pressure to bring the old one back!! The only thing cared about is the money here, not our lives!!
Nancy

There are dozens of other links but I hate extensive drama :P

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 2 replies

cough - barf-cough - barf...sorry

2007-11-07T02:12:42Z

IT's gross!

Newly diagnosed here.
I have been coughing so violently - well now its calmer - but I tend to barf as well - it get's quite scary!

Now the throat is overly sensitive because of the acid that it has made it almost a given that if I cough I barf.

Anyone else been through this?

help?

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 5 replies

Flare up! Help!

2007-10-28T03:25:15Z

I am currently experiencing a terrible flare up! My fast acting inhaler only gives me relief for about an hour. The last time this has happened I was 17 and my folks took me into the emergency room only to dope me up on so many steroids that i was bed ridden for 3 weeks.
While i feel that this paticular flare up is due to my environment (Davis, Ca) in combination with a virus, I feel somewhat locked into my location at the present time even though i wish more than anything to be in the desert or the mountains.
Does anyone have any suggestions for relief other than going to the ER?

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 0 replies

420 peakflow

2007-10-09T04:28:25Z

I woke up this AM with my chest tight and kinda itchy. My peak flow read 420, 400, 400. I'm trying to manage it without using my inhaler. I'm drinking a cup of tea.

Anyway, what are your peakflow readings, green and red? I think my green is around 460, but I'll have to look up my chart.

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 5 replies

Infonaut to the Fray

2007-10-09T04:21:43Z

Found this on an herbal tribe in tribe.net.. thought it should be shared

"Asthma is a disease in which the airways of the lungs swell and tighten, restricting airflow and making it hard to breathe. During an asthma attack, the smallest airways (the bronchioles) constrict. This causes the release of chemicals such as histamine and leukotrienes that increase inflammation and swelling and produce excess mucus. Though many asthma attacks are mild and easily controlled at home, severe ones can cause sufferers to begin to suffocate.

External or internal factors can provoke asthma attacks, and some people are sensitive to both. Outside triggers usually involve an allergen, such as pet dander, a food, dust and dust mites, insects, pollen, and many environmental pollutants. Internal triggers, which are usually less obvious and can be harder to avoid, include stress, anxiety, temperature changes, exercise, and respiratory infections such as bronchitis. If you develop asthma symptoms for the first time, call your doctor for proper advice.

Supplements and herbs

The supplements are meant to complement conventional asthma therapy. Never stop taking medication prescribed for asthma without consulting your doctor. People with asthma are often deficient in key nutrients, especially vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Vitamin C, the major antioxidant present in the lining of the respiratory tract, appears to act immediately to combat inhaled oxidants. In addition, it may halt an allergic reaction by preventing the cells from releasing histamine. Furthermore, vitamin C is very effective for exercise induced asthma; according to various studies, taking 2,000 mg before a workout may even thwart an asthma attack. As for the mineral magnesium, it can prevent attacks by inhibiting the contraction of the bronchial muscles. Other studies have shown that vitamin B6 supplements reduce wheezing and other asthma symptoms.

The flavonoid quercetin has two main effects: If inhibits the release of histamine, and as an antioxidant, it neutralizes unstable oxygen molecules, which can cause bronchial inflammation. The herb ephedra (also called Ma huang) can widen respiratory passages. It appears to work best when used with herbal products that bring up phlegm, such as licorice or horehound. (Don't use licorice for longer than a month.) But ephedra has many side effects; for asthma, it is best taken under a doctor's care.
More useful herbs

Acorus, Agrimony, American Spikenard, Anise, Baical Skullcap, Balsam Fir, Basil, Benzoin Gum, Bittersweet, Black Cohosh, Bloodroot, Butterbur, Cabbage, Camphor, Cardamom, Catnip, Cat's Claw, Celery, Chamomile, Coca, Codonopsis, Cocoa, Coleus, Coltsfoot, Cowslip, Crampbark, Echinacea, Elder, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Evening Primrose, Feverfew, Fireweed, Garlic, Ginkgo, Gotu Kola, Grindelia, Ground Ivy, Henbane, Holly, Honeysuckle, Hops, Hyssop, Kava Kava, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lobelia, Lungwort, Maidenhair Fern, Marijuana, Marshmallow, Mormon Tea, Mouse-ear, Mulberry, Mullein, Myrrh, Nettle, Opium Poppy, Oregano, Osha, Passion Flower, Pau d'Arco, Peony, Peppermint, Peruvian Balsam, Pill-Bearing Spurge, Plantain, Prickly Poppy, Red Clover, Red Poppy, Reishi, Rosemary, Sage, Saw Palmetto, Scotch Pine, Senega Root, Soapwort, Squill, Sundew, Thorn Apple, Thyme, Turmeric, Valerian, Vervain, Visnaga, Watercress, Wild Black Cherry, Wormseed, Yarrow, Yellow Dock, Yellow Jessamine, Yerba Santa.
Homeopathy

Depending on the intensity of symptoms, remedies can be taken every half hour initially, cutting back to hourly, then every two hours or less. If the remedy is correct, results should be seen within 30 minutes. For longer term management, remedies may be used one to three times daily.

* Arsenicum album
Asthma after colds, bronchitis or allergy to dust, smoke, animals, etc.
Wheezing, tightness of chest. Short of breath, with sweating. Very chilly.
Thirst for small sips. Burning in chest. Anxious, restless, fear of death.
Worse: after midnight or 1-2 a.m., lying, cold, motion, every 2 weeks.
Better: sitting upright or bent forward, heat, warm drinks, hot compress.
* Ipecac
Rattling cough, hard to hawk up mucus. Retching or vomiting. Bronchitis.
Wheezing, heavy and constricted chest. Short of breath, suffocation.
Anxious, pale; cold and clammy. No thirst. Nausea-but clean tongue.
Worse: heat, damp, humidity, motion or exertion, night, overeating, lying, rich food. Better: open air, rest, sitting up, standing, expectoration.
* Kall carb
Difficult, wheezing breathing. Stitching pains in chest, through to back.
Asthma with nausea or headache. Sweaty, weak. Children or elderly.
Asthma alternates with diarrhea or vertigo. Aversion to solitude.
Worse: 2-4 a.m., cold air, drafts, least motion, walking, at menses, lying, open air, touch Better: sitting up or bending forward, rocking, warmth.
* Lobelia
Constricted chest, short of breath. Hyperventilation. Much rattling mucus.
Attacks with faint feeling in pit of stomach, prickling allover. Yawning.
Nausea, constant salivation, faintness, cold sweats. Extremely fearful.
Worse: exertion, after sleep, tobacco, touch, cold bathing, alcohol, tea.
Better: warmth, towards evening, eating a little, rapid walking, beer.
* Nat sulph
Wheezing, shortness of breath, heavy pressure in chest. Sore, raw chest.
Cough with thick yellow-green mucus, rattling in chest. Empty feeling.
Stitching chest pains. Diarrhea with asthma. Depressed, suicidal moods.
Worse: damp in all forms (weather, houses, locations), slight exertion 4-5 a.m., pressure. Better: dry, open air, sitting up, holding chest, rest.

What else you can do

* Keep your home clear of dust and pollen. Avoid cigarette smoke.
* Stay away from cats; their dander is highly allergenic.
* Remain calm. Managing stress helps fight asthma.
* Treat colds and the flu promptly to reduce the chances of an attack.
* Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm the cold winter air.
* Keep an asthma diary to help you determine your asthma triggers.
* Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep mucus loose.

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 1 reply

What are you ON?!

2007-08-19T18:34:26Z

New to tribe not to asthma. Wondering what all the other asthmatics are taking. Actually my doctor diagnosed me with COPD. Here is what I take every day:
Spiriva 10 mg/once day
Advair 250mg/twice daily
Singulair 10 mg/once daily before bed

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 9 replies

ADVAIR/SERETIDE

2007-03-20T08:18:59Z

Hi, I take a Seretide accuhaler 500 two times a day. Does anyone know of people who have been able to be weened off of it? If you can't stop right away, is there a way to do it gradually? I'm asking here because the allopathic doctors won't give me an answer....... Thanks!

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 0 replies

Asthma and eczema?

2006-12-18T01:55:54Z

How many of you have eczema with you asthma?

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 5 replies

Question

2006-12-14T00:35:39Z

I just recently moved to Sherman Oaks, CA from Chicago. There was all this talk before I moved...people warning me about the air quality in the Valley. Is there anything to this? As of now, I haven't had too many breathing problems while I've been here. Anyone else live in the Los Angeles? Have you noticed any impairments to your breathing??

Your Long Lost Moderator

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 0 replies

Alternative/naturopathic/homeopathic treatment for asthma in Seattle?

2006-12-04T20:56:20Z

I just got new health insurance (Premera) and am looking for a new, Seattle-based doctor, preferably one with an alternative/naturopathic/homeopathic focus, to help me with ashtma and overall health. Suggestions?

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 2 replies

My favorite inhalers

2006-08-25T10:25:39Z

1. Albuterol
2. Flovent
3. Serevent
4. Azmacort
5. Vanceril

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 11 replies

toothpaste?

2006-03-31T18:28:21Z

OK, is this weird? Some toothpastes that I use make my chest tight and make me cough. I'm not sure if it's the cool air hitting my lungs or some ingredient that bothers me. I've used everything from Tom's to Sensadine. I never have a problem with mint tea or other mint or spearmint stuff.

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 1 reply

Advair vs. Qvar

2006-03-29T18:43:13Z

Hi folks. New here. I've had mild asthma since I was a kid. A while ago, I was prescribed Qvar to help me get over a cough. Has anyone done any research about the 2? Do you they do the same thing?

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 8 replies

Advair Users

2006-03-17T07:50:42Z

Hi, folks. I'm a new asthmatic, recently diagnosed. I use an Advair thingie and Albuterol inhaler. I've noticed that certain foods taste different to me since using the Advair. Anyone else experience this? It's not a bad taste, just different.

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 18 replies

Herpes virus & Breath

2006-03-14T17:51:45Z

I don't know if any one else here also has any Herpes virus' but I have had Hv1 since childhood & about 8 yrs ago due to some larger than my usual trauma & stress had it go into full blown Shingles {oucH!!
2+ yrs ago I got to jump to the major leagues with what was diagnosed as RAS Major; basically like those little tongue cold sores but huge giant the most painful thing in the world sores on my tongue!!!!! Fortunately for every one else evidently the major is the 'rare' form & only us lucky?? ones get to experience the chilling pain>>>> sorry I digress>>>>>>

Well I've noticed that if & when I get a Shingles outbreak (fortunately less painful but more irritating all over) that the 'Virus' seems to follow the Neural pathways upward towards my Throat, Neck, cheeks & horribly the Eye (which scares me Bad!).
Now here's the breathing connection - I swear, if possible, that i feel like the 'shingles' have also gone into my Lungs. It is ephemeral, & could be the chest in general feeling, but I wondered as I sit here trying not to itch, if anyone else has had any experience with this sensation?? Or with Herpes virus parallel with difficult breathing?

Also I am thinking that the RAS (tongue problem) has a connect with 'mouth breathing' in that doing so increases Acidity of the mouth & those lil buggers love that acid {{{{{{{{

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 0 replies

COPD?

2006-03-01T17:20:29Z

Peace, all.
Anyone on here ever been diagnosed with COPD or at least told that there was a possibility that you have it? Doctors just told me that they think that I have it, although they haven't done any of the preliminary tests. Would be really helped by talking with someone that might have dealt with something like this. Thanks in advance!
Baha

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 3 replies

warm air vaporizer

2005-12-13T21:38:18Z

I have asthma and got a wicked cold. For the past few days I've been using a vaporizer when I sleep. Am I royally messing myself up? Should I avoid adding moisture to my environment as a rule? How dry to we need to be, if dry at all?

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 1 reply

calcium

2005-10-11T06:48:34Z

An asthma buddy i know was recommended to take calcium supplements. Does anyone know why this would be recommended? Does it have to do with the preventative inhaler effects?

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 0 replies

Symbicort

2005-09-29T17:41:59Z

Wondering if anyone here has been using Symbicort or any of the half bronchio-dialator/half preventative prescriptions? I've been using it every now and then finding it is reducing my asthma dramatically and useful for emergencies. I have heard on the adverse side that this stuff weakens your bones(!) which i'm hoping to hear more about if its true.

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 0 replies

Asthma Walk

2005-08-26T18:30:21Z

Dear Friend,

Asthma is the leading chronic illness among children and the cause of more than 5,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. I'm sure there are many more people who are unaware of the devastating effects of this chronic lung disease.

Therefore, I have signed up as a participant in the American Lung Association of the East Bay 2005 Blow the Whistle on Asthma Walk, scheduled for Saturday, September 24, 2005 at Lake Merritt in Oakland. I have set a personal fundraising goal of $1,000.00 to help the Lung Association in its fight against asthma, and I would appreciate a pledge of support to help me reach this goal.

Please visit my personal web page and follow the instructions to pledge your support of this worthy cause. I would appreciate any contribution you decide to make. http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e01/part.jsp?rid=341782&id=702&acct=0013014412

Thanks in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
Barron

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 0 replies

Kaiser re herbal treatment

2005-08-14T01:04:15Z

Thus far, I have received very little specialized care from my providers at Kaiser. Despite numerous hospitalizations, I've had more than one crucial prescription over riden by a bureaucracy apparently made up of "extremely rude telephone operators."

My question is this, since acupunture is supposedly covered under Kaiser, will that include herbalist treatment? Are the independent herbalists any better than the ones I will be sent to by Kaiser (in the event they do approve the referral)?

Anyone know anything at all about insurance coverage for acupuncture? Is it true what I have heard that acupuncturists can do herbal remedies as well?

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 0 replies

YOGA BABY!

2005-08-06T07:58:18Z

Ever since I started practicing yoga five years ago, i run, I am around allergens, and I have no asthma. I occassionally get a little goup in my lungs, but I just cough it up (gently, using my diaphragm)..

Before, I had pretty severe and debilitating excercise enduced (and allegen enduced) asthma. turns out my lungs were hypersensitive due the congestion in the upper back. My ribcage was shaped in a way that my inhalations would press the muscles between the ribs (intercostals) TOGETHER on each inhale. Obviously, they would get tired, chronically tight, the nerves the run between them (that relate to the lungs) would be irritated if not pinched, AND the vertebrae (where the nerves that GO to the lungs are located) would close up, and loose freedom.

Yoga has helped me open all this up, by opening ALL of it up, while consciously breathing.. and I have learned how to breathe into my abdomen, such that the ribcage can relax instead of having to WORK to PULL air in. Instead of the ribs lifting, the belly moves OUT, and air goes into the chest effortlessly. Learn it in yoga, and you learn it for LIFE!

Check it out, and get back to me.

P.S. I teach yoga now.. so if you're in the bay area and are curious.. HIT ME UP!

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 1 reply

Status Asthmaticus

2005-07-25T09:05:11Z

Anyone ever entubated? Does asthma ever get out of control of meds?

-New to this tribe
Melinda

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 0 replies

anyone tried to get rid of asthma..

2005-07-15T03:49:59Z

..with some alternative medicine methods? any succes story? (will i be the first one? ;))

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 7 replies

New to Asthma

2005-07-12T04:13:23Z

Hi all,

I'm new here and happy to find this tribe. I've had allergies my whole life: hay fever, dust, pollen and dander are the primary culprits. I take anti-histamine regularly and that has kept the problem at bay.

A few weeks ago I started having a chronic dry cough. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with asthma. Apparently this is less severe type of asthma that is not life threatening, just coughing and mild wheezing. The doctor prescribed an Advair inhaler and another type as well.

I've been using the Advair for a week or so, the coughing has resided some, but I am feeling wheezy in the chest. Also, when I work out, I can't do nearly as much as I could before.

Does anyone have experience with this type of allergy induced coughing asthma? What have you done to lesson the symptons?

The first thing I am going to do a thorough room cleaning to get rid of any dust and mold that my have accumulated...

Thanks for helping a newbie,

H

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 1 reply

OTC side effects

2005-06-29T17:45:39Z

Hi all,

I'm 26, have been an asthmatic since I was a child, and have never had a job which gave me health insurance. So, since I became an adult (abruptly at 16 when kicked out of my house), I've had to make do with Primatine. Now, has anyone been on this stuff for a long time? I have been on it for 10 years now(!) and I worry about the long term effects it may have. I realize that while epinephrine is merely adrenaline, it may have adverse effects in the long run. At the moment I am semi-employed (I work as a DJ, so work is... spotty, shall we say? Not a 9-5 gig) but with no access to health care there is no way that I know of that I can get prescription medication (or afford it, if going thru grey channels). I am a smoker (gave it up for a long time but started smoking again after the death of my girlfriend by suicide two years ago - so I have a pretty good excuse) but strangely, smoking or not smoking doesn't affect my asthma attacks - they just come when they come (luckily not as often as they used to, but if I am without an inhaler I will have a crippling attack within 2-3 weeks without fail, whether I am smoking or not).

So, any horror stories to relate? I sometimes wonder if my repeated use of epinephrine is what keeps my metabolism running so well, but I also wonder if it's gonna fuck up my heart or other organs later in life.

thoughts?

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 6 replies

help!

2005-05-08T07:40:34Z

Hi all, i'm new here and in need of some support! I was told I have asthma when I was a kid. It didn't last long, I "grew" out of it and I only have a hard time when it is really hot and humid in the summer. I had a bad chest cold over the winter and it set me off again. I don't have any insurance so I got an albuterol inhaler from a clinic and it is not helping at all! I am planning to go bask on monday, but I am starting to wonder if I can make it that long. It feels like there is a band of steel around my chest and I can't stop yawning to try to get a deep breath. My 5 year old son has asthma and his doctor gave him some samples of Orapred. I was thinking about self-medicating, anyone out there have any sugestions?

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 1 reply

Building Endurance

2005-03-31T20:27:49Z

I'm asthmatic but first and foremost i'm a performer. I do physical theater, juggling , and poi spinning. Sometimes after i perform- even a short pice liek a 5 min fire spin- i get winded. I need to be able to get more breath control so i'm not huffing and puffing after a performance. Any advice on building my endurance?

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 1 reply

Any prednisone takers out there?

2004-02-07T23:44:16Z

I'm coming off a 10 day spurt of prednisone...I've been sick since the end of October!
Has anyone been on a maintenance dosage of this stuff? If so, what has your experience been with it?
Posey

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 4 replies

when to start maintenance?

2004-02-07T05:39:35Z

At what point do I need to make an appointment with my pulmonologist to go back on Advair or something similar? How often is it acceptable to use your rescue inhaler? I've been going from about 4xs a week all the way up to 2 or 3 times a day.

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 4 replies

Herbal teas

2004-01-23T16:41:16Z

I've been drinking a quart of tea made with Mullen, Red Clover Blossoms and Nettle for about a year.
(Okay, and I still take Singulair....which by the way is better than sliced bread could ever hope to be)...anyway, the tea really helps. Just thought I'd offer :) Kathleen

But if you're not into tea, get the Singulair, it's expensive, but if you are poor, student, underpaid whatever--sign up for the Community Health network by calling SF General, they can refer you to the local network clinic. Tell them you have "exercise induced asthma" and they will pay for the prescription, 100%. Without the insurance, it's at least $110.00/month. Ouch!

posted in Asthmatics Unite! - 1 reply