The Knowledge Board:
Asthma
Hi I'm Belinda
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The rate of diagnosis of asthma has grown massively in the last few years. Indeed it has been suggested that among American children diagnosis has increased 75% in the last decade. In the UK there are over five million people with asthma both children and adults.
The Patients Voice is running a special patient experience blog about asthma.
• At what age were you first diagnosed with asthma? What were your initial symptoms?
• Have you ever been hospitalized because of asthma? Can you describe the experience?
• What is your current treatment regime? How successful has it been in keeping you episode free?
• Have you ever been given an explanation as to the reason you suffer from asthma? If yes how satisfied are you with the explanation?
• If you had to give any advice to somebody who has just been diagnosed with asthma what would it be?
Thanks very much in advance for your help.
Val
25 June 2008
I was diagnosed with Asthma over 16 years ago. I was getting out of breath just walking up a slight hill, of about 400 yards, so went to the doctor, who did some tests with peak flow readings, and was then diagnosed. I have been on steroid inhalers since then, and it is now under control I still have to have check ups at the doctors and the results are recorded. I cound myself lucky as I am sure there are people worse off than I.
kathleen
25 June 2008
When i was a child every winter i would have a bout of bronchitis which left me with a bark of a cough that would persist until the warmer weather. the dr referred to it as the north east england disease. In my late forties this bronchitis turned into pleurisy and later i had a bout of pneumonia. This left me wheezy when i walked uphill or climbing stairs. Finally i went to the Doctors after a violent bout of coughing left me with the taste of blood. He diagnosed Asthma and put me on steroid tablets for a week and prescribed inhalors. Hayfever aggravates my asthma as do colds. touch wood the flu jab overwinter staves off the colds and i dose myself with haliborange tablets. So far i have only had infrequent asthma attacks and these are usually when it is very warm, after a high pollen count or a thorough house clean!! The worst ones are in the middle of the night and always seem worse than they are. I find myself in the bathroom - where it's coolest - sipping a bottle of iced water and clutching my reliever, doing breathing exercises, till my heart rate slows down and i can breathe without the paroxysm of coughing. It is a dreadful feeling of dry drowning as the tubes close and mucous collects which you can not disperse with coughing. Panic makes your heart beat faster so you have to learn to calm yourself by forcing yourself to breath deeply hold then release. I keep an old inhalor in the bathroom which i now use whereas before, in my panic, i used to keep puffing on my reliever. So the rule now is, its two puffs of the reliever then slow your breathing by using the old empty one whilst occasionally sipping the water. Of course i have the phone nearby just in case i need parameds but so far i have not needed it. I sympathise with those who have chronic asthma and end up in hospital with attacks. Mine are minor hiccoughs and pray they will remain so. My daughter has chronic asthma and although she is now 23 I still listen out for her coughing and am always checking she has her reliever when she goes out at anytime day or night. Thats one thing I stress - Always make sure you take your preventor regularly and have a reliever with you at all times. My husband thinks im crazy because i have them all over the house and even in the car - that is as well as in all my handbags!
Jodie Baker
01 July 2008
I was diagnosed when I was about 10 years old (21 years ago) and it really came into its own when we moved to Norfolk. All the fields and pollen set my hay fever off which then developed into asthma. I found it really hard to breathe up here and so different from Essex air! Since having my son nearly 6 years ago, my hay fever has died a death and so far, taken my asthma with it. Occasionally when I am poorly, I get wheezy and need to borrow my husbands or my sons inhalers (who both have bad asthma). But so far so good, touch wood!
Tim Midgley
05 July 2008
I was 6 when they diagnosed that I had asthma 48 years agolong before modern medications were available that meant more time in hospitals than it would to day moreover asthma to day appears to be a simle remedy by GP's just to get patients parents off their backs.
It is little wonder that the NHS drug budget can not cope as drugs like ventolin are addictive, how many thousands were incorrectly diagnosed and given drugs that were not required had the GP just spent more time investigating the problem.
10 extra mins of a GP's time is cheaper than the cost of a life time of drugs that were/are not needed but ones a patient has become addicted to.
dawn akers
07 July 2008
hi Tim I dont know where you heard it but ventolin is not an addictive drug
Ellie
24 June 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 6 years old. I was wheezy and had difficulty breathing. I have never been in hospital with my asthma. I have a puffer which I use when I feel congested. I think I suffer from asthma because of my family history - my brother and mum also have it. Also I live in London which is very polluted.
If I were to give any advice to someone who thinks they have asthma I would tell them to always carry their inhaler with them.
James
24 June 2008
It is strange writing a bout this. However I was born in 1946 and diagnosed as asthmatic in infancy. Nothing has changed and I am still chronically asthmatic. During my life I have been given many treatments, from breathing exercises, through injections and all kinds of medication. The first real success for me was the Brovon Inhaler, adrenaline based - dangerous but effective. As the years have gone on I have most kinds of inhaler but my current regime consists of Salmeterol 50 micrograms inhalations and flixotide 250 mcg x 2 morning and evening. Extra relief available from Ventaline as necessary. This keeps me stable for everyday activities. There has never been any reason offered for the asthma, just one of those things that "run in the family" I understand now that Asthma is really an umbrella term for a cluster of respiraratory ailments. There is little point in challenging this, what would it change?
I feel more involved in my treatments now than I have ever been and I am not afraid to request modification of the drug regime if it is not working for me. Advice for other - be active, question in a supporitve way. Use your medication religiously but ask for the treatment to be tweaked if it is not working for you. Go to the asthma clinic if your doctor offers one. Enjoy your life.
Lynne
24 June 2008
A mug of black instant coffee will help stave off/relieve an asthma attack. I discovered this by chance but have since read about it somewhere. It works for me, especially in the morning when I am most likely to cough because of my asthma.
Rose
26 June 2008
That's really interseting - could be because of the caffeine which is a stimulant like the steroid medicines?
I was first diagnosed with asthma when I was 8 years old, and have used puffers on and off since then but have actually found that I can control my asthma most effectively through my diet. Cutting out oranges (and orange juice), peanuts and cow's milk/cheese has really helped enormously - I now only need to use a puffer once every couple of years!
SASS
24 June 2008
YES THE COMMENT ABOUT BLACK COFFEE IS CERTAINLY TRUE FOR ME.I ALWAYS WONDERED WHY I GET SO ANXIOUS IF I DON'T HAVE AT LEAST 2 IN THE MORNING AND COINCIDENTLY MY ASTHMA SEEMS TO HAVE ABAITED? IS THERE ANY RESEARCH REGARDING THIS?
John
24 June 2008
I was diagnosed as asthmatic when 8 And living in Surrey where the air was clean. Ventolin worked quite well for several years until, when in late teens started reacting badly was discarded. Now after many years I am using Beclometasone andhave not been hospitalised with long troubles.
danielle
24 June 2008
I had asthma since i was 6, living in warrington in england. It got worse as i grew up, i was on steriods at least twice and in hospital with attacks three or four times. In my late teens my asthma eased off and for the last few years I haven't used inhalers at all. I have one for emergencies but have never used it.
Emma
24 June 2008
I was diagnosed as asthmatic at about age 9 but before that i used to get severe bronchitis a lot which we think now was actually probably undiagnosed asthma.
I'm lucky in that my asthma is pretty mild (and has got even milder since i lost 5 stone!!). I have 2 inhalers - Qvar100 which is the preventer and i take one puff twice a day and Airomir which is the salbutamol based reliever.
Smoke is a definite trigger for me and i'm enjoying life a lot more since the introduction of the ban on smoking in public places.
I used to get a lot of asthma when i did exercise but now unless i've got a cold it only really kicks off when i go running on Sundays and considering i can now do 7 miles with not too severe symptoms i think i'm doing ok!
I get the flu jab every year and one year i was advised to get the pnuemonia jab as well - i was sorry i agreed to that one. I had a bad reaction and anded up ill for 3 weeks after it - one week like a bad cold, one week with bad asthma and one week with a lost voice. Thankfully i've never been hospitalised because of it.
DrMom
02 July 2008
I am sure others will agree with me on this. You can NOT get pneumonia from the shot, as it is a dead virus. It was mearly a coincidence that you had all of the symptoms after getting the shot.
Julie S
24 June 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma at 4 and spent more time at home or in hospital than school as I was so ill. The doctors recommended going abroad and I have to admit my asthma is always better when I am away - even if its humid.
I spent many years having test after test to establish what caused my asthma - this doesnt seem to happen so much now. Doctors seem quick to diagnose asthma without properly establishing the cause. I experienced this with my own son - I found eventually he was not asthmatic - he does however suffer with severve bronchitis.
My asthma seemed to subside from 15 - 21 years old but since then its never gone away and I am in my forties.
I continue to suffer for the reasons I was originally diagonosed with which include dustmites. I have found that environmental changes have had the greatest effect - a walk near a busy road always proves to be a disaster.
I have 3 types of inhaler which I use when necessary. My one piece of advice if I am to offer any is dont let asthma give you reason to not enjoy your life.
sara
25 June 2008
I started presenting with a cough when I was in second grade, I was about 7. I wasn't diagnosed with asthma until I was 12 because of the unusual presentation. In fact I was first told that I only had one part of asthma, constricted airways and not inflamation so I was only prescribed medicines to deal with these symptoms. So I went untreated for awhile, not exactly great. Even when I was treated I was only treated by my family doctor and so I was poorly controlled. When I was 19 I started seeing a pulmanologist on a regular basis. He tried all kinds of medicines until we got the right combination. I unfortunatly cannot take long acting beta agonists, medicines like advair, symbacort, or salumedral(these are the US names) so this complicates my therapy. After a bad attack landed me in the hospital over night and a 3 month course of prednisone I started xolair shots. They are an IgE therapy that seems to be helping greatly. I have been through alot with my asthma and so far it doesn't seem to be getting better. I try not to let it hold me back, I run, dance, and lead a very active life. My asthma is allergen induced asthma so everything from dust, chalk, smoke, and fragrances can set me off.
My advice for asthmatics aside from the always carry your inhaler with you and know your triggers is to be vocal let people know that you are not ok, don't be stubborn and hope your symptoms are going to go away, that has landed me in the hospital more than once
rachael francis
25 June 2008
hi,I was said to have been born with asthma in 76,as a baby and toddler Ispent most of my time ina and out of hospital in an oxygene tent etc,consiquently I hate hospitals now, i wasnt well controlled as a growing child and missed a lot of schooling,I have been given lots of different medication to try over the years but I am currently on a ventalin aquhaler 1 puff twice a day and also when needed throughout,which luckly hasnt been for a while now and seretide 250,twice a day which so far seems to be keeping me stable,my mum and grandad are both asthmatics as is my youngest daughter who had her first attack at just a year old,but is well controlled now,my advice to a newly diagnosed person would be always carry your blue inhaler even if you feel fine as you never know what may trigger an attack off and if you have one try to stay calm,also keep taking your preventative medication even if you are feeling better as you soon will go down hill again once it has worn out your system..and you should be able to live a near normal life especially these days there are somany new drugs on the market to help,Im quite severe and im a martial artist and horse rider,live life to the full....
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maryoneill
25 June 2008
hi , I have had astma ever since i was a child must be 50 years now .i am on 2 inhalers and steriods now i have had hospital addmissions but i seem to do better after the hosp trips must be what they give in the hosp .sometimes i feel that all the meds thet give me is a chore to keep taking and sometimes i forget to take them but i do carry my inhalers with me at all times just in case i need them .i do wish they could find a cure for this maybe they will heres hoping they will .cheers mary
rita
25 June 2008
I'm 56 and have always had slight breathing problems but was only diagnosed with Asthma in 1998 after getting a type of pneumonia while in India on holiday. I was hospitalised for 2 weeks then had several bouts of chest infections due to the same virus recurring. I've tried several types of inhalers but the best ones for me are Symbicort and Tiotropium. Since using the latter once a day, I hardly need to use my reliever inhaler much except on days when the humidity is high. At the moment I am attending a pulmonary rehabilitation course arranged through my asthma nurse/G.P. which is fantastic and has enabled me to cope better with the feelings of panic I get when I can't breathe properly. There is one problem which I think is not being addressed by healthcare professionals is how to deal with the conflict between mind and body. My brain thinks I can do anything but my body says otherwise and it is a constant battle to come to terms with this. I've also been diagnosed with COPD in 2006 and attend a breathe-easy excercise group (through the British Lung Foundation) every week and this helps enormously. My advice is to set realistic goals as each day is different and don't be disheartened if you have bad days.
sara meredith
25 June 2008
I was first diagnosed with asthma when i was pregnant with my first child. To be truthful i had suffered before but i used to really fit so didnt really notice it until i had pushed to far. When pregnant i just couldnt cope with the extra pressure and my asthma became much more apparent. Over the years it has steadily got worse, especially as i could do with losing at least 5 stone. I now have three inhalers as i also have M.E and my body is exhausted most of the time and unwilliing to fight any infection that comes my way. Asthma does change your life, i have to stop laughing at times as i cant breathe, forget blowing ballons up, but hey life is for living as they say.
kathleen
25 June 2008
I know what you mean. I never could blow balloons (and not just
because i am scared of them). When I was expecting my two girls the
doctor said my breathlessness was because i was carrying high and I was
a little overweight, but hey I was eating for two wasn't I, and you do
realise you are a 'late' pregnancy. I was in my late thirties before I
became pregnant the first time and had fell pregnant again a year
later. Thinking back, with all that we know now, that was a stupid
thing for the doctor's to say. I was in my fifties before a doctor
finally diagnosed my problems as asthma so I am recently come to it as
they say. I have struggled all my life with chest infection after
chest infection bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia etc. now the battle is
to stay healthy for as long as i can to see my girls grow up, marry and
have kids of their own and have good lives before i finally give in. I
have read a few articles where it has been said that blowing up b
alloons could improve lung capacity and also swimming. I cant swim and
blowing balloons makes me dizzy so i will leave that to the younger
ones, ha ha.
Kathleen
john power
25 June 2008
i was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis as young child. i had awful pasin in my chest. but with correct drugs it was manageable. i used take drug called 'Frenol' as child. now i take 'Salbutamol' in tablet form 8 m.g. john power
Peter Gallant
25 June 2008
I have had asthma for some years - must be over 10 years now! Diagnosed at over 40 years old!! Persistant cough and wheezing were the initial symptons.
Thankfully, it was treated effectively when diagnosed and as long as I keep up the minimum two puffs twice a day on my steroid inhaler (Tilade), I have no real problems. I have Salbutamol as a backup for immediate relief whihc I use about once a month on average. I get hayfever too so this time of year is often rough but now I get prescription drugs which I take throughout the summer and it's quite manageable. I avoid trigger situations as much as possible and the smoking ban has really helped there - for once, the government did something right!
Thankfully, never been hospitalised - monitored at least once a year by surgery to check if my peak-flow is up or down. Very aware that a severe attack could be a real threat so always carry the Salbutamol.
Never given any explanation of why I developed asthma - just accepted I had got it and dealt with it.
Advice - take your meds - even if you have few symptoms and you are prescribed a daily intake preventer inhaler - use it daily regularly - to wait for symptoms to occur can be too late!
Fiona
25 June 2008
I was only diagnosed when i was 20.Althought during my childhood i had had numerous throat infections.
My doctors surgery has a respiratory clinic -which i go to every 6 months.I use a symbicort turbohaler twice aday and always carry my salamol easi-breathe inhaler everywhere with me.(although since starting to use Symbicort i cannot recall when i last had to use my blue inhaler.)The nurse practitioner also prescribed Singulair 10mg tablets(montelukast sodium)(one at night).These have been great too and i really feel i am breathing better! since i started to take them.
I suffer from allergic rhinitis and had bad eczema throughout my childhood and often think my asthma is connected to my other allergies!
I am allergic to dust mites,cats and dogs-the sneezing is kept undercontrol with a nasal spray and antihistimines!
I too get the flu jab every year and have not had any ill effects with it.
Having an understanding doctor is great ,i try to control the asthma and not let it control me!!
Dave
26 June 2008
I was about 20 when I was told I had asthma. I worked in a flour mill so the dust did not help. At first I was on tablets and inhalers. Over the years (30) I have had lots of different Inhalers and tablets. I left the mill and stopped smoking. Until recently I was using seratide 250 and Combivent Inhalers and Singular (1 at night). For a number of months I have had a bad cough, however I was also under a heart specialist who gave me the all clear for my heart but advised me to see a chest specialist as she thought my asthma might not be under control. I spoke to my doctor who has really been great with me over the years and he reffered me to see a specialist. When I saw him he took me off the Combivent and Seratide. He kept me on Singular and prescribed my Symbicort. I was a little unsure but he told me to use it as a preventative but also as a releiver. I have to say i has really worked for me. I also suffer from hay fever and eczema for which I have treatment when needed.
What I will say if you are not sure about your treatment ask for a refferal, it is your health and the doctor won't think any the less of you; and if he/she does they shoudn't be doctors.
Oonagh
03 July 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 19 years old, but I suffer with quite bad hayfever and also with eczema. I constantly had very bad chest infections and I would be given Prednisolone, I don't have a problem with cat's like some people do so I am very lucky, summer months are the worst because of the pollen, I use Seretide and Ventolin yes it can be very frightening when you have a bad attack but I always make my self stay positive when this happens, I use my inhaler and try to take slow deep breaths. I always carry my inhalers so that if I need to use it when I am out usually in town because of the pollution then I feel safe.
Caroline Wright
03 July 2008
Seems like you have matters under control!
Another thing I find helps is a hot drink. Don't ask me why .... but, unless I have waited too long to do anything about the situation, a hot drink and a few really deep breaths work every time - well, they make me cough like mad so I know I'm still alive!
Spidey
margaret delaney
03 July 2008
At the moment I feel I have things under control. Reading about other people's problem I feel my condition was nothing in comparison. Being allergic like having Allergic Rhinitis and for a while it was thought it was my Sinuses all I really suffered with was the coughing and the sneezing but after the steroid all that went and I was fine for most of the time. I never wanted to be on steroids so after reading I could come off them I took the opportunity and went with that.
Of course I will still attend the nurse for check ups but I have mentioned it to her and she was fine about it.
I stress to the people who are suffering with real asthma DO NOT COME OFF YOUR MEDICATION.
Caroline Wright
03 July 2008
I agree with that sentiment 100% ... DO NOT COME OFF YOUR MEDICATION and, if you think that you might be feeling better, always talk to the professionls BEFORE YOU DO A THING.
After all, that's why they are professionals - it has taken a long time to get where they are and they will probably know more about your condition than you do - so listen to them.
Mind you, I had to laugh when they gave me the results of my lung function test ... my lungs are about twenty years older than I am - but how on earth do they know what the lung function for an 80 year old is? At this rate my lungs will have their telegram from the Queen while I will still have a good while to go!
Keep taking the pills - and smile!
Spidey
Teepee5uk
03 July 2008
Hi, Thank you for your reply to my Email, You're right about a hot drink
helping but its not the drink, its the steam, Steam is a great quick cure for
immediate symptoms, I found this out after my daughter was diagnosed too,
I am glad you found something that helps,
Best of luck to you and i hope you find more things that help.
Patricia
25 June 2008
I first had symptoms of asthma when I moved into a new flat. This was an old property and I had brand new carpets fitted throughout. Every morning I used to cough for about half an hour and did not know what it was. The doctor diagnosed asthma. I thought it was an allergy problem from the carpet, as I also had rhinitis for many years before. I have had a few times when I literally cannot get my breath, but I control my asthma with the purple steroid spray twice daily and never have to use the blue one in the day. I had a very bad experience when I lived in Malaysia years ago. I used to live near a paddy field and it is thought the spores activated the attack. I awoke around 2 am and could not breath properly. I used my spray, but still could not get breathing properly. I then made the mistake of taking a shower, guiding the cold spray onto my back area and lungs. This was a bad mistake as I then went into a spasm and could not get any air into myself. I was trying to keep calm, but also panicking as I literally could not get any air in. I was praying outloud and counting slowly to get my breathing slow. My partner was banging my back to get some air. I then had to be carried to the car and taken to the local hospital and given air. I was in hospital for 2 days on steroid treatment. Luckily I have never had this again, but the doctor did say that the spores and also sudden change in temperature could have been the cause. I moved house after. I never want to experience this again as I thought I was going to die. I now know how a fish feels out of water!
gill
25 June 2008
I was diagnosed at the age of 36 when pregnant with my fourth child. The shock lasted a good few years,as did the denial. As all 3 of my sisters have it in some form or another I shouldn't really have been surprised. I was on one preventor and one reliever for years and found some times of the year hard to cope with. My preventor was changed about rwo years ago and I cope much better. The asthma nurse at our doctors practice is very informative and I am glad I persevered with finding a solution which suited me, encouraged and helped by her. It's far harder for me watchig my daughter, who's symptoms are worse than mine. At 20 she doesn't look after herself regarding her asthma and that is the one thing I have learnt you have to do. I can't help feeling central heating has a lot to answer for. It may only be a coincidence but I was ok when in houses with no heating but after a few months in a centrally heated house and I'm diagnosed with asthma!
Lisa
26 June 2008
I have been formerly diagnosed for the last 2 years, having 'struggled' for about 10 prior to this. Pollen and dust make sypmtoms worse, but now that I have a steroid inhaler and reliever for the not so good days, I manage a lot better- walking up stairs at 42 is no longer an issue! I think my GP was surprised that I hadn't been diagnosed earlier, but that would be me putting hayfever as a label on any shortness of breath I ever had and never seeing anyone about it.
I have had the flu jab once, and it made me feel unwell for a number of weeks and less likely to have it again despite being advised by the asthma nurse on several occasions. Perhaps I will do alternate years!
shirley
25 July 2008
Just read your blog at the age of 47 i have just been diagnoised also with asthma after suffering for about 10 years with hey fever pollen house dust mould spores the lot ,not got my head around the amount of and different inhalers i need to get through the day. I was admitted to A,E a couple of weeks ago via ambulance as i was home alone family away for the weekend very scarey. Ihad been packing up to move house a week later bang in the local A.E dept.
I was thinking of having the flu jab reading your blog i have changed my mind
Caroline Wright
25 July 2008
I don't think I said anything that would deter anyone from having the flu jab - and, if I did, I retract that at once.
As for being afraid - it is easily said ( and so hard to do!) but that is the last thing you want to happen! Make a cup of tea or coffee, sit somewhere quietly and, if really necessary, call for help.
I suppose my attitude would be totally different had I just developed the problem - but, having had it all my life and lived this long - I guess it never was that frightening really!
Relax and try not to let the ailment have any impact on your life at all. Keep taking the medication as advised and it won't. And have that flu jab!
Spidey
Tracey Killigrew
26 June 2008
I was first diagnosed with mild asthma about 15 years ago which coincided with my taking up horseriding so initially I thought it was an allergy. It started with wheezing and tightness. Unthil this year - all I have needed was the occasional puff on a reliever. However, this year I have had two major attacks where I could not breathe so am now on the preventer and reliever puffers having just finsihed a course of steroids. Although I can breathe, my chest is still a bit tight and wheezy. The feeling of panic when you are trying to breath but not getting any oxygen is difficult to explain and no doubt exacerbates the problem! There have been a couple of occasions this year when my husband has begged me to attend A&E in the middle of the night but I have never been hospitalised. My doctor is now monitoring my "peak flow" so who knows what will happen? My advice to anyone suffering any symptoms is to see your doctor immediately. Symptoms can go from uncomfortable to extremely bad very quickly and before you know it - it is an emergency.
Richard
26 June 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 40, and it commenced during an annual bout of hay fever. Ventolin disks were recommended, and they have been very effective.
Some time later, I was asked to undergo a lung function test, the first part of which was a peak flow test. The scale went up to 650. I blew it against the stop. I was connected up to a computer peak flow meter, and I achieved 823.
I still have asthma associated with hay fever, but it is much less troublesome now, and I usually only get it when I use anti-histamine eye drops excessively.
Elaine
26 June 2008
I have has asthma since about 16 months old which means I have been on medication for now over 33 years. I have never been told why I have it and my brothers and sisters don't. I also suffer the allergic reactions to practically everything and ezcema too.
I am constantly taking antihistamines. I also take seretide twice a day, salbutamol as and when required and now the tablet singulair. When I was younger I had a regular Thursday morning slot at the drs and my poor mother spent many a nights sat up with me. I hate having to take all of these medications I feel like a walking pharmacy. I wish they could find some injection that you could have twice a year to relieve it. I would even remortgage my house to pay for it if there was such a thing.
It does impact your life as much as try for it not too. Just the same things like popping to someones for Coffee can be a nightmare for me if they have animals, cats, dogs, birds.
I have been hospitalised with my asthma once was when I was on holiday in the new forest with my friends, hence, New forest in June/July is now avoided as the trigger was apparently pine trees. I remember people rushing round but feeling just as if I wasn't really there thinking this is it. I am not coming out of this one as they finally gave me THE INJECTION! The one that seems to work really well but i think from what I remember they only give it as a last bid attempt to stop the attack. I remember them saying and asking for my next of kin! Besides that I came out bruise and battered as all my veins were shutting down. Thank god I pulled out of that one it was the most terrifying night of my life! Then I had an asthma attack 7 years ago I remember them taking blood from my wrist. I was obviously not as Ill as I had been before as Idid not remember that happening of feel that happening last time but that was horrendous but apparently the best place to check oxygen levels or something in your blood whilst having an attack so I was told.
I now have two sons neither (so far) have presented any asthma symptoms but one does have the ezcema.
I will have to remember the black coffee thing as never heard that. I used to get in the car and drive when I felt an attack coming on I think it was the fact I had to concentrate on something else that worked THOUGH I realise this was very stupid indeed. But some how rational thoughts seem to disappear at times of crisis!
Tony Callender
26 June 2008
In answer to the various questions:
• At what age were you first diagnosed with asthma? What were your initial symptoms?
My early recollections go back to when I was around 4 or 5 years old when I had extreme difficulty in breathing during an episode of asthma - I remember lying on the floor struggling with my breath.
Have you ever been hospitalized because of asthma? Can you describe the experience?
Yes, once (several years ago), when in the USA in the late evening after a long and tiring day and after consuming a small bottle of local beer and a sandwich with salad - it was later assumed that a preservative, sodium bisulphite, used in preserving salads and in beer was likely to be the cause. Anyway, I was really struggling to breath at all and was whisked to the local hospital with antihistamine and other medication applied using a nebuliser.
The ambulance and hospital staff were really switched on and couldn't have been more sympathetic or helpful; I was discharged around 2 hours later.
It was only frightening after the event when I realised what could have happened. I did not have my ventolin inhaler with me at the time...I had left it in the hotel that we were staying at. The outcome being that I NEVER now go anywhere without an inhaler!
What is your current treatment regime? How successful has it been in keeping you episode free?
Seretide 125 - 2 puffs twice a day with ventolin as a backup - this has proved to be pretty effective and only when I have a cold or similar do I need to use the ventolin more than perhaps once a day
Have you ever been given an explanation as to the reason you suffer from asthma? If yes how satisfied are you with the explanation?
Not really - only a general explanation as to what asthma (and hayfever) is; I have had skin tests that indicate allergies to things like pollen and house-dust.
If you had to give any advice to somebody who has just been diagnosed with asthma what would it be?
Not to panic, to take one's prescribed medicine regularly and carry your inhaler wherever you go. Avoid any obvious allergens that could spark off an episode.
rosie
26 June 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma in my 40's after a bad dose of bronchitis. I was told that my sometimes persistent "tickly cough" (which no cough medicine had helped) was due to asthma. i have had this cough since childhood, so presumably I've had asthma since then. Since I have disciplined myself to take my preventer regularly I rarely need my reliever, except when I have a cold.
Kath
26 June 2008
First remember being carried up the hill to doctors in the middle of the night at 2yrs old frightened as I didn't know why I couldn't breathe! I've always been a wheezer with the usual alergies i.e. hayfever, exzema etc. Actually spent most of my first 15yrs regularly being one of my poor doctors regular patients! Did get hospitalitised 2 yrs ago while I was out as I had passed a fire display and it started an attack and yes I didn't have my inhaler! I had actually spent the last 30yrs hardly needing my inhaler and the only difference is that I went from a size 6 to size 14!!! Ended up in ambulance and A & E for major steriods etc and was by all accounts very lucky to be alive which frightened me as my brother actually died 15yrs ago under similar circumstances. I still only take my inhaler whenever I need it which is not very often really. I was the first one in our family to have it and it was very different from my brother who got it later on as I was bronchial and he was brittle. My boys have it too and one is brittle and the other is the coughing ashmatic but not much bother with them although yellow fields sends everyone into the doctors/hospital for the boys!
I have 2 cups of black coffee every day and have done for 30yrs so who knows!
]
Lez
27 June 2008
I have had asthma since I was 4 or 5, I am now 46. It was really bad when I was a child and I remember having to stay in hospital once because of it. I take a brown inhaler 3 times in the morning and 3 times at night at the moment, it has recently been increased because I have been suffering from hayfever, which has been affecting my asthma, making me more breathless than usual. I am usually okay with my asthma, and don't have to take my blue inhaler much, except when I have a bad cold, or the hayfever gets bad. I am allergic to cats, and get really bad asthma when I have been with one after about half an hour. I did suddenly become allergic to one of my brother's dogs about 10 years ago, which was strange as I had been with that dog for years before anything happened. I have had my own dog for 9 years and have been okay with her. I am usually okay with exercise, and although I get slightly out of breath after running around, it doesn't last long and I don't usually have to take my inhaler. The only real problem I have had with asthma is that when I was a child and had it bad, I had to take steriods, and because of that I put on a lot of weight, which I have never been able to get rid of. Before I started the steroids I was a very skinny child.
kathleen
28 June 2008
my daughter was a very lean child also and very active. she did suffer
dreadfully from colds, bronchitis etc it seemed as though she
continually had a cold. It was not until her teens that she was
diagnosed as asthmatic and because of the steroid tablets and inhalors
she began to put on weight. She is now on an exercise regime and diet
and is gradually getting down to the prescribed weight. Swimming is
also helpful for asthmatics as it regulates the breathing as well as
expands the lungs. Great for keeping the weight down as it is good
exercise.
dorothy
27 June 2008
hi i was diagnosed with asthma when i was 30 years old and also it is a bad illness to have,i have to use 2 inhalators to help me and i get breathless and also it can be severe more at times on exercise and the cold air,asthma is a bad thing to have and also i know it can restrict you from doing more exercise and things like that,to me they are trying to find good ways of helping us sufferers and i hope that one day they will get the breakthrough for all of us to be cured alot easier,i have not been able to get rid of my asthma and i have now had this for 12 years,it is a prolonging illness and does affect your life in alot of ways
Jill
28 June 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma when I was about 13. As a child I was always wheezy after running round, or (bizarrely!) after I'd been laughing hard, but nobody thought it could be asthma as nobody else in the family had it. At 13 I ended up going to the GP and was diagnosed. I was given a brown and a blue inhaler. I'm still on a brown and blue inhaler and my asthma is really well controlled. I'm a mad keen runner who can run marathons no problems, so I think that would be classed as well controlled :)
I did have to have hospital treament once. It was following the birth of my daughter. She had major cardiac problems and was admitted to Alder Hey for surgery. I'd stopped taking my brown inhaler when I was pregnant as I was worried about having things going round my system that might have affected my pregnancy, and I seeemd to be fine without it. But following her surgery, we were in this one hospital room all day every day for weeks and I think something (probably not getting any fresh air) triggered my asthma. It started as a constant dry cough that I couldn't shake then a couple of days later I started wheezing and couldn't breathe. They had to wheel me down to the A&E department of Alder Hey children's hospital! The doctor was quite surprised to open the cubicle curtain and find a 28 year old woman sat there wheezing rather than a child! I was put on a nebuliser and was soon OK again. I've never stopped my brown inhaler since.
My GP surgery is very good at keeping tabs on my asthma, they send for me to attend a check up with the asthma nurse every year and check my medication is right for me. I think if your asthma is well controlled then there's no reason why it should stop you doing anything (like running marathons!)
John Walton
28 June 2008
I was diagnosed wit asthma when I was in my 40's I now use 2 inhalers a preventer and a reliever.
The preventer I never miss I use it in the morning as soon as I get up and before I go to bed at night.
The reliever I try to use it as little as possible as I dont want to be come dependant on it.
I have been told by my GP that that doesnt happen.
I try to keep active as this also helps to keep the lungs working better. John:-)
Jill
28 June 2008
I definitely agree that keeping active helps keep the lungs working better.
I feel my lungs work so much better since I started running five years ago -
at my last asthma check up they said I had the lungs of a 21 year old! (I'm
36 this year)
Simon
30 June 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma as a child but in my early 40's have practically outgrown it. My most recent breath-test persuaded the local GP nurse to advise me to stop using my inhalers forthwith. And I've not needed my preventer since.
It always helps to avoid trigger situations like stress, dust/mites, excess alcohol too.
So there is life after asthma!
30 June 2008
I was diagnosed when i was 12 i woz diagnosed after havin constant chest infections and bronchitus. I was put on 2 inhalers to start off wiv but durin winter my asthma became worse so i used to have a oral course of steroids plus a extra steroid inhaler. when i turned about 20 my asthma seemed to disappear and i was taken off all my medication but when i fell pregnant in 2003 my asthma returned i had to go back on my 2 normal inhalers again and that winter ended up havin more oral steroids and a steroid inhaler but after my daughter was born in 2004 i was taken off the medication again and i am now ok except i do spmetimes get a bit breathless and still have a blue inhaler just incase. My daughter is now 4 and she has been on 2 inhalers since she was 2 1/2 im hopin she will b lucky like me and come off her inhalers in the future.
Was diagnosed as having asthma at 24 years old after moving to a more industrial area. My asthma is mainly brought on when I am suffering with hayfever. My quality of life became so bad arund the time of being diagnosed that I was willing to try anything. Chinese herbs were successful but a faff to keep heating and waiting to reduce plus they tasted disgusting. Then tried acupuncture which was a life saver. Brought my asthma and hayfever down to a bearable level. At 30 I had my first child and have found that ever since (I am now 40) the asthma has never been anywhere as severe. I always ensure I have my ventolin inhaler with me whereever I go. Not sure if it is partly psychological but hardly ever need to use it. Can on occasion get bad chest infections in winter and then usually need a month on the brown inhaler to get rid of it. Never been hospitalised. Never been told why I suffer with asthma other than my own connection with hayfever/allergies but do believe it is linked with pollution.
Lizzie
01 July 2008
In September 2004 (aged 39) I was hospitalised and diagnosed with Asthma. Initially I was on all sorts of inhalers and steroids to bring it under control. After a week in hospital I was discharged. My first winter was dreadful, despite having the flu jab, I spent most of the winter really ill with chest infections and breathing difficulties.
I suffer from hay fever and diabetes and a whole host of other conditions, but as the years went by it settled and we got the medication combination correct as I was only using my preventer, and on rare occasions the ventolin inhaler (although I never leave home without it). In December of last year I was admitted to hospital for a total hysterectomy. Needless to say everything that could go wrong did go wrong (but that’s me all over). I ended up spending just under 3 weeks in hospital. Purely by accident, on the day I was discharged I was upstairs at home and my inhalers were down stairs and I didn’t have the energy to go and get them, I had no breathing problems so I thought I would get them in the morning and take it then. Since my discharge (with a complete new range of drugs!!!!) I have not used any of my inhalers at all and so far to date I have had no breathing problems, even with my hay fever and the recent warm weather.
I have spoken to my GP about this sudden miraculous recovery and she is at a loss to explain how suddenly I seem to be free of all signs of asthma.
Have I been lulled into a false sense of freedom and it is just a matter of time before the breathing problems return. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Gail Palmer
01 July 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma around 14 years ago when I was 38 after having a persistent dry cough for a couple of years. I have had many combinations of inhalers over the years but none of them have worked. I have a persistent cough triggered by anything and everything, scents and smells, changes in temperature, animals, cigarette smoke, talking, walking up hills or stairs, in fact anything that causes a change in my breathing. Trying to record Peak Flows is a nightmare as soon as I inhale deeply I cough. Sex is virtually nonexistant. I am 51 and have no quality of life. I can't even laugh without having paroxisms of coughing. I only get breathless due to the cough never before. I am under a consultant at our local hospital but am not happy with him I feel that he doesn't take my condition seriously. I am on ventolin and seretide 250 inhalers at the moment which do no good whatsoever. Nothing seems to help and I am getting so desperate, I would do almost anything to get rid of this cough. The only time I have been hospitalised was in 2000 when I had biopsies taken from my right lung, I was in hospital for 3 days but off work for nearly 3 months.
Elsie
01 July 2008
I have ahd asthma from birth, my mother had it all her life too. I am now in my late 60's and have over the years found that modern preventatives are great.
About 15 years ago I took up serious exercise as I was also diagnosed with the onset of Ostoeperosis ( something else my mother had badly) and discovered that weight bearing exercise would help that.
I have never looked back as far as the asthma is concerned. I still take preventatives but only half the amount. I take part in 5 gym classes a week including high impact aerobics. I began running 4 years ago. I always carry my inhaler with me but have not used it for years. The one thing that will affect me is breathing in someone elses cigarette smoke. so I keep well away from any human chimneys I see!
I truly believe that exercise has made me truly healthy, I would advise anyone with asthma to seek the advice of their doctor and give exercise a try. i know it will not be the answer for everyone but there must be many people like me who will benefit .
brenda heaps
01 July 2008
Ihave had asthma for about 9yrs. I've had to have steroids twice which did help for a while but after the weeks course was back to my usual of shortness of breath and of constant wheezing. My two inhalers i take , sometimes don't feel to be working properly. Iwalk my dog alot but still get breathless . I also tend to have a permanant tickly cough. With having type 2 diabeties causes problems too.
Glo
01 July 2008
I have had severe asthma since I was a baby. I now have brittle asthma and been in ITU and intubated three times. Yes it is a horrible illness but we have to live with it as best as we can. I try to enjoy my life when i am well enough although my quality of life is not as I would wish I try to work around my problem. I joke that my visits to hosp are my little holiday breaks. If there is one thing I would like to change it is actually the side effects of the high doeses of steroids i take, I try so hard to losed weight and just as I begin to see daylight my old friend Prednisolone decides to visit and I am back where I started. Although I am disabled and use crutches i am still vain enough to care what I look like. So if anyone out there can tell my how to lose weight and keep it off feel free. Personally I think the only way would be to tape my mouth. I know.. eat less and you will lose weight but it is so hard.It's like a switch in my head, when I take steroids i can't seem to get full. I try to eat sensibly. I can't exercise but I bought a tredmill and try to walk when I can. I don't need my crutches as I can hold on. If only there was a slimming tablet that worked and my GP would give it to me, I could face everything else. I've done it all my life. I can pick myself up and start over again but being overweight makes me miserable.
Sue
01 July 2008
I was always a wheezy child, was in and out of hospital from 4 until 11 (twice a year) for nasal washouts and removal of tonsils & adonoids, missed loads of school but managed to catch up through hard work etc. I am now 59 and was diagnosed with asthma in my late 30's. It is a pain when I get a cold as it always ends up with a chest infection followed by steroids etc and earlier this year had two severe infection within weeks. My GP is good and I attend the asthma clinic every few months for a check up. My husband of 40 years have learnt not to panic if I go into an attack and luckily have never had to stay in hospital due to my asthma, but make a point of never having loads of cut flowers or using air freshners in the house. Fly spray is the worst, one spray I'm on the floor and the fly is still flying!!!
Mick
01 July 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma some 15 yeas ago in my early fiftys.At first I thought it was as a result of smoking in my early years (though I packed up nearly 30yrs ago) together with regular episodes of bronchitis which eventually caused emphysema.These illnesses being common when I was very young due to the pollution caused by nearby industry. My first severe symptons were the inability to breathe in as my bronchial tubes wouldnt open, much like being suffocated. this immediately caused panic and my heart to race which exacerbated the inability to breathe. I noticed that my attacks usually happened in summer when pollen was high or it was humid or if I was in a city or similar place where there were plenty of vehicle fumes.Those plug in electric air fresheners they have in restaurants etc are also particularly irritating. At its peak I was carrying 4 aerosol inhalers around with me. However one summers evening about 5 years ago whilst in my garden, not only did I suffer a particularly bad asthma attack but I noticed that all my exposed skin itched badly. Later on after the attack subsided I noticed that the fumes from a local factory chimney were drifting across my garden (I live on a hill to the east of the chimney). From that time on I never went out without first checking which way the chimney smoke was blowing, this in itself reduced the number of attacks. Soime 3 years ago the chimney was demolished and I have not had another asthma attack. I dont even need to carry my inhalors everywhere with me. The only time I sometimes feel a bit wheezy I now know to get myself away from the cause before it brings on an attack.
Simon Murphy
01 July 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma from the age of two. I don't really remeber much about the early days apart from it knocked me for six at times-I tried to be a normal kid just having fun. Initial symptoms are tightness followed by wheezing and a struggle to get air in. I adopt a arms up in the air approach to stretch the diaghram and aid air intake-this sometimes helps but no always. I have been hospitalized a few times due to my asthma as a child and adult and although it's a pain I try to calm myself. I take Ventolin, when needed, Serevent, Becloforte n inhaler form and Montelukast pills on an evening. I cannot remember actually having an explantation for why I had it, I'm now 37. It was just a thing I had...deal with it. I am my own worse enemy as I do smoke. I started at 20, moved away from home and didn't want to be left out with my friends. I stopped for three years and thought I had kicked it-but alas I started again-I am trying to deal with this and stop via my asthma nurse who is really supportive. I also ended up with pneumonia a couple of years back and although this was bad and left me with a colapsed lover lung on one side-the oain was unbearable! It didn't affect my asthma, much to the relief of the doctors. I will kick the smoking, down to between 5 and 10 a day, as I know it is killing me and I am already disadvantaged via my asthma...idiot I know. To somebody who had just been diagnosed with asthma I would say that you need to know what your triggers are and unfortunately you will not know until you come in contact with something that does set off. Smoke, doesn't set me off-strange that one. Dust, pollen, sprays, car fumes, fire smoke-that one does set me off! Even foods. Sneezing cripples me sometimes, my back cracks and then my chest goes tight-wierd. Don't panic, take your medication DON'T SMOKE! Unlike the idiot writing this. Keep warm and make sure you visit your asthma nurse, don't be afraid to tell him/her if you think your medication isn't working!
andrew
01 July 2008
i was 7 when developed symptoms took a year for dr to diagnose asthma despite a strong family history of asthma. been in hospital twice due to servere attacks, thought i was going to die waiting for an ambulance, unfotunately my asthma got worse unable to get my lung function test above 49%, tho got referred to a professor who does research and trial treatment, thankfully he started me on low does aminophyllin, as low dose no side effects and they think aminophyllin increases the uptake and efficiency of inhaled steriods
Ali
01 July 2008
Ashma seems to run in my family, and it came as no surprise that I was diagnosed as being asthmatic in 2003.#
When I was first diagnosed I was rushed to hospital from my doctors surgery, and I remained in hospital for a week until my breathing was stable.
My asthma tends to rear its ugly head when I've had a heavy cold/ chest infection or if the weather is hot and humid.
I have been taking prednisolone for the past year, due to a spell in ITU. I also take salamol easi breathe and Seretide.
In the last few months I've been going to a practitioners once a week to learn Buteyko breathing excercises.
This has been extremely beneficial, and since learning the excercises I feel more in control of my asthma, and I've not needed to use my reliever inhalers at all.
My peak flow has increased massively, and I'm able to walk faster and do a lot more excercise than I used to do.
I know for certain Buteyko works, as the results from this are backed up by my regular hospital lung function tests , and visits to my hospital chest consultant.
Pamela
01 July 2008
Having read so many comments, I feel uncomfortable at being asked to write at all as my asthma has been intermittent & not terribly bad. I had pneumonia at 9 & double pneumonia at about 11, followed my many wintery years of bronchitis, sore throats, etc. I was diagnosed with asthma many years ago, (I am over 80 now), & given Ventolin & Salbutamol inhalers. After a while I ceased to use them as both myself & GP agreed that the asthma had gone. Later, in my late 60's, it came back. I had the Peak Flow tests & started on the same inhalers again. I just use the Ventolin now & again because, as I said, I am not really ILL with it, thankfully. However, I did want to write to tell those of you who really suffer how lucky you are to live now - our next door neighbour died in 1945 because there was no really good remedy. I was there & felt so helpless - we live in wonderful medical times.
Caroline Thom
01 July 2008
I discovered I had 'acute' asthma when I was about 11 years old. I would do P.E. at school and suddenley started to have very very bad coughing fits, where I would go bright red, sweat and become out of breath, until I managed to calm down then I could resume the sports. I remeber it happening mostly when I played netball ?? strange. Anyway, I went to docs and they they made me do one of those 'blow' tests and said I had acute asthma. I had never had an 'official' attack luckily but the coughing fits were bad. I was given a 'salbutomer' inhaler which I used to releive and unblock my tubes to my lungs. It worked really well. There were periods of time where I would be OK and wouldn't need the onhaler then times when my chest would just become bad and I would need it again. I'm 32 now and its pretty rare that I ever use an inhaler and rare my chest goes bad at all. But I never rule out the fact I may need to get one again...just in case.......
Norah
01 July 2008
I got asthma as an adult, symptoms appeared when I was at my caravan, which sometimes was a bit damp and maybe spores in the air, or in the bed. Also got it when visiting houses where there were dogs cats or horses. Was given inhalers and seemed to need them more and more, even using preventers. then I read an article in the Daily Mail, suggesting the more you use inhalers the more you need them. So I just weaned myself off them and it worked. I now only need inhalers at the caravan or if I go to a house where there are animals, but I can prevent the symptoms coming if I take an antihistamine. So do I have asthma or not? Is it just an allergic reaction?
Aileen Blackley
01 July 2008
Diagnosed when I was in my early 60's - late onset. Have suffered from Hay Fever for many years. Since starting inhalers have never had any further episodes of bronchitis/chest infections etc - I increase the doses when I get wheezy. The trick is not to stop taking your inhalers even when you feel really good and to exercise as much as you can
Sarah
01 July 2008
Diagnosed when I was 7. Only one in family until my grandfather developed it in his 70's! Had to take a pill with each attack until I was 12 and allowed a blue reliever. I started smoking when I was 19, stupid I know and had bouts of being on various brown inhalers too and various chest infections to boot in my 20's. My triggers are exercise and changes in air temperatures. Also aerosol cans with strong pungent smells and allergic reactions to some types of animals if I don't take an antihistimine. Even sudden bursts of laughter! About 8 years ago, I started taking multi vitamins evey day. After 6 months I realised that I had gone from using the inhaler every other day to never using it, In fact, it was out of date and that was when I was still smoking. I gave up 3 years ago and have had no chect infections since. Nor do I use the inhaler much. I know I still have it as when I breath out I still sound dick dastardly's dog!! I attend asthma clinic every year at the doc's and the nurse is always amazed at just how much puff my once crappy lungs now have. I still have to have the odd puff of the old blue stuff when a bug is trying to lodge in my lungs. It is in my family, with the other half of the gene, the one that causes excema (can't spell it!) Am hoping it misses my son. I know that cows milk does increase the amount of mucus you produce, which is why singers don't drink much milk, but I've carried on regardless. I also had to cut right back on caffiene as I was hyper all the time and that's not had an affect either.
My advice is simple: don't let it rule your life. Keep your reliever inhaler with you at all times, make it a habit to have it. Don't smoke. eat a good diet and take multi-vits. My GP wondered if it was related to an excess of vit C and I would love to know if there is a link here! More than anything, accept it and move on, be repsonsible for your lungs and look after them. You can't escape asthma, but you can live a perfectly normal life with it.
PS. I found giving up smoking easy, once I had made up my mind and I used gum and lozenges as they give you a burst of nicotine rather than patches that don't. this also means you can't eat loads of food or drink lots of beer as alreay chewing a gum!!!
ps again. there is research that suggests that the rise in asthma in th elast 50 years is directly related to the reduction in cases of intestinal worms in children! Worms depress your bodies allergic reaction so that the body does not attack them! The theory is that no worms means more asthma. Personally I think having worms is a bit too far!!!
andrew
01 July 2008
i was 7 when developed symptoms took a year for dr to diagnose asthma despite a strong family history of asthma. been in hospital twice due to servere attacks, thought i was going to die waiting for an ambulance, unfotunately my asthma got worse unable to get my lung function test above 49%, tho got referred to a professor who does research and trial treatment, thankfully he started me on low does aminophyllin, as low dose no side effects and they think aminophyllin increases the uptake and efficiency of inhaled steriods
Caroline Wright
01 July 2008
I was first diagnosed with asthma as a child (about 3 years old I think). That was almost 60 years ago!
I have been hospitalised twice in the last four years and found that it was a great way to jump the queue! On the first occassion I was dealt with fairly quickly and, although the test to try to acertain the amount of oxygen in the blood is far from pleasant, I was on a ward within two hours. The second time was late at night. I had driven myself to the hospital (it is a ten minute walk away - but I knew I couldn't walk there) and they left me in a side room in casuality until 7.30am before 'finding' me! I was in hispital for twelve days!
My current medication is:
Salbutamol 2 puffs as required.
Seretide 1 puff twice a day
Tiotropium 1 Capsual a day.
I have never been told why I have asthma. I always thought it was because I was just unlucky!!
My advice to the newly diagnosed? Relax. Things can only get better! Keep taking the medication as advised and, if you have a problem ....ASK!
Gwen Puckrin
01 July 2008
As far as I can remember I was about 5 years old when my asthma was diagnosed, in those far and distant days, I was prescribed Frammel Tablets, which tasted disgusting if they got stuck in my throat - which happened quite frequently as a small child! As far as i could work out, the Frammel only prevented an attack, it didn't stop one. I was also dosed with benylyn if i coughed, it was equally revolting and I was frequently found hiding behind the sofa when a dose was due. My asthma became considerably worse after I had Scarlett Fever at the age of 10.
My sister, who until retirement was a nurse dealing with Asthma, told me, children today are frequently admitted to hospital with lesser symptoms than I had.
My asthma disappeared when I was seventeen, but re-appeared about 10 years ago when I only occasionally needed a puff of Ventolin. Over the years, that has now become two puffs of Seretide morning and evening, with the occasional puff of Ventolin if a boost is required. So far, no attacks this time round.
One of my observations - if i was free of asthma as a child, then I would have severe eczema, so by surpressing one and the other would rear it's ugly head!
margaret delaney
02 July 2008
I worked in an airconditioned office and ended up with a cough. Had to go for a major op and cough persisted so doctor sent me for an asthma test in hospital. I did not have asthma but severe breathing problems and given ventolin. Back home my doctor decided it was asthma and gave me steroids. After a few years I read an Atkins book and he said you could be allergic to the food you eat!!! I cut the carbs and sugar and I no longer needed the sprays after weaning myself off the sreroid. When I change the food I get the asthma back SO I am off the sprays again and hope to continue with the diet. I am now 67 and was probably in my late 50's when I started. Yes it was bad at times and I have been hospitalised. It is only a few weeks since I had to have a heavy dose of steroids to control my breathing so it made me get back on the diet.
Caroline Wright
02 July 2008
An interesting comment!
However, I do feel that your treatment for asthma was somewhat strange - were you given a lung assessment test? Were you tested at all? Steroids should, in my candid opinion, only be given as a last resort, not, as your email suggests, as a first port of call!
There is no doubt that what you eat can and does effect the way our bodies react. After all, diet has been used in the US for the control of epilepsy - with amazing results. However, this does NOT work for everyone, unfortunately.
Good luck with your diet - now that you know you must stick to it, it whacks pills any day!
Take care,
Caroline Wright.
Spidey
margaret delaney
02 July 2008
At the time in hospital yes my lungs were tested and I did not have asthma. It was when I returned home and my doctor said "classic signs of asthma" and I was put on the steroids. At that time all I wanted was to get rid of the cough so I went ahead taking the steroids and the cough went.
Yes my diet works for me so I will continue as long as it does.
Thanks for comments
Pam
02 July 2008
I wasn't diagnosed with asthma until 1992 when I went to live in the USA at the age of 46. I had had pleurisy, bronchitus, catarrh etc since childhood but was only treated with conventional medicines. I was told that I was allergic to almost everything especially grass and animals. As I am a fanatical animal lover and have 4 cats I was determined that I was going to overcome this and to a certain extent I have, I think sometimes the more exposed to things you are the more your body combats them. I have two inhalers, Ventolin and Beslosamine which I take only when necessary and although I find climbing steep hills or stairs a nuisance I can get by. I think that you also have to be sensible and let others know you suffer from asthma and not try to prove that you are as capable doing some things that they might be. Always carry at least 1 inhaler for emergencies but don't let asthma blight your life. I am lucky that I have never been hospitalised and when an attack hits I try to keep calm and stop doing things until my deep breathing (or as deep as it gets) helps my heartbeat return to normal. I am determined to beat this with as little help from inhalers and drugs as possible! I have a daughter who suffers badly from Rhinitis and hayfever and feel sorry for anyone who is severely afflicted. I do drink coffee but have to take it white as I suffer from severe reflux which black coffee aggravates.
Maggie Tandy
02 July 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma just 4 years ago when I was 44 years old. I had just got over pneumonia and was still having problems breathing so went back to see my gp.
I have always had trouble with getting out of breath most of my life but I thought it was normal for my body.
My chest becomes very tight and wheezy it feels like even though I take a breath no air is getting into my lungs.
I have been hospitalised but initially it was an epileptic seizure then an asthma attack immediately following the fit.
I have a nebuliser so by the time the ambulance got here it was under control, even so they still put me on oxygen on route to hospital.
After tests which are normally done after a seizure and the doctor listening to my chest I was allowed home.
At the moment I take
Salamol Easi Breath Inhalor Reliever
Salmeterol with Fluticasone cfc free inhaler
Salbutamol Steripules 5mg/ 2.5ml
I take the Salmeterol with fluticasone one every night and morning, but often forget the morning one.
If I have a seizure asthma attacks normally follow.
Sometimes if I am walking up the stairs I can get so out of breath and wheezy, I need my inhalor (Salamol)
If I get even the slightest of colds it goes for my chest and makes the asthma worse and nearly always need antibiotics, steroids, and my nebuliser is used several times a day.
I have never been given a reason for getting asthma. My GP said there are many reasons for getting it. My peak flow stays around 250 and rarely rises above that.
I attend the asthma clinic every 3 months and all they do is check that I am taking my inhalor properly and my peak flow is measured.
Certain aerosols especially men's deodorants, room air fresheners can contribute to an asthma attack. I also have hayfever which doesn't help my asthma.
The best advice I can give to anyone just diagnosed with asthma is to ensure they take the preventer as instructed, don't panis as it makes the attack worse. Always carry your inhalors with you as you never know when an attack will come on.
Maggie Tandy
02 July 2008
Hi Caroline
Thank you for your reply, I didn't explain myself very well, if I get a small cold it always attacks my chest and my chest ends up getting infected and thats why I have to get antibiotics and steroids. I try very hard to avoid colds.
Yes I have had lung tests etc and they all confirmed asthma. I do watch my diet mainly because I suffere from migraines and certain foods have to be avoided. I was not aware that diet could also affect asthma or epilepsy.
My husband was diagnosed as having asthma just last year but he is quite lucky and does not have it as severely as I do. He is lucky to get 2 0r 3 attacks during the year.
My epilepsy medication has just been increased and at the moment I am only having very small seizures which don't really have a huge affect on my life. It is only if I have a huge seizure or a few one after the other that the asthma is extreme.
I do feel we are not given the degree of information that other countries give. If it were not for the Internet I would not have know half of what I know now.
Maggie
Maggie Tandy
04 July 2008
I am lucky if I have 2 colds per year so I am not having constant steroids. The 2 colds I do get per year really do floor me.
I am not overweight so that problem does not come into it. But I do have 2 cats and I know when they have been on my lap for a short time or even in the room when they are molting, my chest is wheezy, but how can anyone say get rid of your cats (Which is what one doctor told me to do)
I am very lucky having a nebuliser this I feel has saved my life on several occasions. I have the flu injection and because I have had pneumonia in the past I have had that injection too.
I suffer more with my asthma if I have had a seizure, I dont quite know why it can bring on an asthma attack or if there is any connection.
I would never stop taking my medication as I know this would be detrimental to my health. Because of my epilepsy I have bad memory problems so the morning preventer can be forgotten.
Even the people I know around me, I would say more than half of them have asthma which is worrying.
It is becomming so commonplace these days.
One thing I did not know is that when you have a cold you can double up on your preventor, so this blog has been of a great use for information.
I would like to ask Pat what breathing exercises you do? I have not heard of this before.
Maggie Tandy
04 July 2008
DrMom
I wrote "I am very lucky having a nebuliser this I feel has saved my life on several occasions. I have the flu injection and because I have had pneumonia in the past I have had that injection too. "
The injection I had a few years ago is one that you get for life to try and prevent pneumonia. I was told it doesn't stop you getting pnuemonia but it does mean it should not be as severe. I never said the injection caused my pneumonia.
We seem to have our wires crossed here haha.
Maggie
]
DrMom
04 July 2008
Maggie,
Sorry about my mistake on reading it incorrectly. My wires were probably crossed by my fibromyalgia. It causes brain fog, and that make me have brain farts. (hehehe)
I wonder how many here have had the shingles vaccine. My PCP says it is not worth it as it only protects about 1/2 of the people that take it. So think I will pass on that one. But I re-do my pneumonia one every 5 or 6 years when I remember it.
DrMom
Pat Smith
02 July 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma aged 61 I have never been hospitalised my doctor said it was due to smoking so I promptly gave up but thinking it was like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, but that proved wrong because my cough disappeared which is (I was told) unusual. so it proves no matter how old you are giving up smoking is benificial. If your symptoms worsen eg flu, cold etc double up on your preventer and I have found that breathing excersizes is beneficial too.
becca
02 July 2008
i was diagnosed with asthma when i was about 13, it runs in my family so it was no great suprise that i had it!
its taken a few years to sort out the right medication for me! but im now on symbicort and ventolin and both work well together! my asthma was fine until i got my kitty cats then it went hay wire! but now im all back to normal! lol! (well as normal as i get!)
i dont really sufer with it too much, and i always take it 10 mins beofre doing exercise etc (handy tip from the doc) stops me getting so breathless!!
Caroline Wright
02 July 2008
Well, it seems as if you have things well under control and your doctor is doing his job!
Allergies to cats (I have one, too - and two or more cats to go with it!) is common. Has your doctor suggested an antihistamine? If not, there are herbal ones you can get without prescription that work just as well. I only suggest this as it might relieve some of the symptoms. However, do NOT stop your medication - even if you feel better! If you want to cut back and feel that you can, always ASK THE DOC FIRST! That way he knows what is happening and is not left thinking 'what the heck went wrong there?' if something does.
Look after yourself and who knows - one day you might be able to say 'I have slight asthma - but it's a lot better now!'
I hope you still have the cats!
Spidey
Mark
02 July 2008
At what age were you first diagnosed with asthma? What were your initial symptoms?I first had asthma when I was only about 6 months old. At that time i had a lot of wheezing. Then as a grew uo the wheezing went away but I had bouts of bronchitis every winter that would last for a couple of months. Often it would turn into pnuemonia. It then developed into a cough that lasted all year long.
Have you ever been hospitalized because of asthma? Can you describe the experience? I have never been hospitalized because of the asthma but have had treatments many times in the doctors office when my regular medicines did not help.
What is your current treatment regime? How successful has it been in keeping you episode free? I am on Advair 500/50 twice a day. Spiriva once a day, Zyflo twice a day, Combivent as needed. As well of taking allergy medications which include Clarantin once a day, Nasonex twice a day and Astiline twice a day. Plus I get allergy shots. The medications I take greatly decreases the asthma. I do not cough as much, Have very little wheezing, but still have a lot of shortness of breath.
Have you ever been given an explanation as to the reason you suffer from asthma? If yes how satisfied are you with the explanation? My Asthma is caused be three things. Severe allergies, environmental sensitivities and Ankylosising Spondylitis which has fused my ribs causing lung restriction.
If you had to give any advice to somebody who has just been diagnosed with asthma what would it be? Take the medications as prescribed. Do not skip doses because you are feeling better.
Teepee5uk
03 July 2008
Hi, I was being treeated for 5 years for many chest infections from the age of 20, After changing doctors i found out i was being wrongly treated, I was infact asthmatic, I was given 3 inhalers, i get a flu jab yearly and have recently had a pnemonia jab and have never looked back since, I now get 6 monthly check ups at my Dr's Surgery and on the odd occassion when it does get worse i have them whenever i need them, Please if you have any doubts about your treatment tell someone, Asthma is a killer if not treated properly. If you are worried you have been diagnosed wrongly or are not getting right treatment dont be afraid to speak to your doctor or practice nurse, they are accountable for the decisions made about your personal curcumstances. good luck to everyone who has asthma and dont forget the families of astmatics, sometimes they need to talk too..
Sandra D
03 July 2008
My asthma is not as bad as the others I have read. My asthma is controlled but it is worsened by a cold which invariably means a chest infection every time, drives me mad. I get a hot drink with a little lemon which I find helps me regardless if I have a cold or not, but of course if I do have a cold the lemon drink with honey does it two-fold for me. Thought I would share that with you guys.
Kate
03 July 2008
I self diagnosed with asthma at the age of12. I went to see my doctor and he agreed and ever since have been on the disease roller coaster. The worst thing I find, is that being treated with steriods affects my ability to stave off illnesses, such as sore throats and coughs and colds. I am sure that even though the dose of steroid is low it still has a pretty major impact upon the immune system. I personally think that over years and years of use, the steriods build up in the body and can affect other organs such as the kidneys and pancreas. I have always struggled with my weight, and constant chest infections and treatment with prednisolone every other month was pretty horrific. I had these bouts until my tonsills were removed, this has helped a little, but if I get sick, I really seem to do it with style! Last chest infection landed me in hospital with lower lobular pneumonia! After a 3 day stay, treatment with Clarythromycin, Prednisolone (again!), Iprotropium/Salbutamol nebulisers and another antibiotic from the fluroquinolone family I was well enough to be discharged. I am currently being treated with Salbutamol (Ventolin)200mg, Seretide (Fluticasone/Salmeterol) 250mg and have Singulair (Montelukast Sodium) 10mg tablets daily. I am still not being controlled well and am now due to go back for a second chest x ray to find out if I am fully recovered from the pneumonia attack!
I hope all goes well, but honestly wish for there to be a cure or at least for someone to get to the bottom of why so many people have asthma and why there is such an increase. Can't all be blamed on global warming and car fumes you know! I think that there could be some correlation with dairy proucts, because in the UK farmers are allowed to treat cattle with antibiotics, they are supposed to be safe, but why then is there more incidence of antibiotic resistance??
Caroline Wright
03 July 2008
Interesting to read your story - sorry you are having such a rough time.
However, the recurring chest infections would seem to imply a deeper problem than asthma. What you say about steroids is true and it is also worth noting that, if given too frequently, steroids loose some of their impact - so I would be concerned if my doctor suggested that I took one course after another.
The weight problem is not going to go away with constant use of steroids, either. I had a friend who seemed to go from one course to another - and he was huge!
I also feel that the weight will just add to the problem with the lungs - most people I know who have a weight problem are also constantly short of breath without being thought of as being asthmatic!
When I was young I used to have to do breathing exercises every day and, if I start to feel a little tight chested, I still do them now. They help enormously and they are totally drug free!
I love cheese and have never had a problem after eating it - but then, who eats a mountain of cheese? I very rarely drink milk which I believe people use in greater quantities. However, it is worth noting that constant use of antibiotics also makes them less effective. I realise that doctors are very busy these days - but I do think that it might be worth while training them to stop throwing a pill or an inhaler at everything that comes along! Sometimes people with recurring problems like yourself need a little something extra - like proper investigation.
I am glad to hear that you seem to be getting something at last - and trust that all will be well with you in the future.
Spidey
DrMom 04 July 2008
I would like to remind folks that the pneumonia vaccine is only good for about 6 years. "They" used to say it lasted 10 years, then changed that. It supposedly covers about 32 types of pneumonia. WOW, didn't even know there were that many types.
Please check with your PCP as to how often you need to take it.
DrMom
dawn akers 07 July 2008
I was first diagnosed with asthma when I was 25yrs old and pregnant, so its been about 23yrs, my condition has ranged from mild to very severe and having to be hospitalised many many times.In 2005 my husband and I went to Canada I took my medication every day without fail (its secound nature ) then towards the end of our holiday I became unwell I always carry steroids and anti-biotics as a back up. Started taking them and got on with things I felt unwell on the flight home it was perhaps because my immunity was a bit low from taking the steroids that i thought I might of picked up a virus.About 2-3 weeks after returning my chest had got decidedly worst I had been to my GP several times he kept giving me different antibiotics nothing seemed to work. I became worried as in 1996 I was extreemly ill and was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis which is a very nasty systemic lung disease, the symptoms were very similar to what I was having so I thought it had returned I asked my GP for a chest clinic referral and was informed he didn't think it was nesscaery, I asked if sputom could be sent off he didn't do that either my symptoms went on for another 11months, at the time I was seeing another consultant for somthing else I told him about things and asked for him to refer me and he did.My diagnosis was chronic asthma, with anbacteriol infection called Haemophilus Influenza (it has nothing to do with the flu). and I had also become antibiotic ressistant because of all the drugs I had been given by my GP. It is 3yrs on and I have now been told the bacteria have become collonised in my lungs which means basically they have set up home and have developed into a thriving community and nothing is going to shift them, I have also been told I have enfisema. My condition cannot ever be cured it has to be managed, I have to nebulise twice a day first with ventolin then with an antibiotic called colomycin, I take carbocistine everyday to remove the mucous from my lungs I take ventolin, seratide and atrovent inhalers every day and I have to take steroids on a very regular basis I also take extra oral antibiotics when I have a bad flareup. my immunity is very low which means that family and friends cant come and visit if they have bugs because I will get them, so I do spend alot of time on my own, even though I am very ill all the time I do not let it get me down I ALWAYS SMILE THROUGH NO MATTER WHAT, laughter is a brilliant cure for things. I also go to the gym as much as possible on a rehab exersise programme I am very slow somedays I can only manage a few minutes but I still try because if I do not what is the alternative, I am only 48yrs old. Everyday of my life i wheeze very badly and my lungs are painfull somtimes it feels like my lungs will just stop working but I have to take charge of my life and get on with things its all about taking control. I am never episode free.
Howard Pinkus 12 July 2008
I was diagnosed with asthma about 15 years ago. Was struggling with breathlessness etc. Couldn't go to pubs or anywhere anyone smoked! Windy and cold conditions also aggravated symptoms. As a child I had suffered double pneumonia and had a lot of bronchitis attacks. Did smoke cigarettes from about 14, but stopped in 1971. Then smoked cigars until my daughter was born in 1986. Started on Ventolin and was regularly checked by nurse and Allen and Hanbury rep. (Guinea Pig?) Had to keep chart of Peak Flows and use of puffer for many months. Adjustments made and went through various medication. For some years now I have been on Seretide 500, plus Salbutamol when necessary. My new GP surgery, moved 2006, believe I have COPD as well, but are keeping my medication the same. As I lived in London suburb, and am now in countryside, my control is 100% better. Only problem I really have is because of the steroids, I cannot take any anti-inflammatories for my osteo-arthritis. Cannot take anything for a headache too as I am on max. medication! ;-(
Naveed Masood 05 September 2008
I discovered I have asthma when I was 5-years old. Since then my asthma has been somewhat controlled where the odd allergen would stimulate it (e.g., grass, smoke). I am 35 years old now and have noticed in the past 5 years a signficant dependence on the meds, and have been on and off inhaled steroids (flovent, advair, and symbicort most recently). To be honest, I have noticed it gets really bad in the August to September timeframe. Perhaps living in between Toronto and Chicago has contributed to those seasons being the worst. That said, I am truly uncomfortable with the steroid and fast acting relievers. I have things about developing a dependency on them, as well as, if you watch the commercial for Symbicort it also makes a statement about how use of Symbicort might increase the risk of asthma-related death. That alarms me considerably.What I would like to throw out to the forum is a plea for you to share any other remedies you have explored - anywhere from swimming, diet, exercise, yoga, pilates that has helped you control chronic asthma. Remember, I have suffered for 30 years and want to remedy this. Thank you.!
Tom10 September 2008
I was diagnosed when I was 58 following an upper respiratory infection. I have the intrinsic cough variant asthma. When I run into an irritant it can be miserable.
I take symbicort 160/4.5, zyfloCr, zyrtec, flonase, protonix and of course albuterol as needed.
After struggling with trying to work for a year after I was diagnosed, I found that I could not continue and had to retire. I worked in a large correctional institution and between the incidents with combative inmates, the fumes from the heavy duty cleaners and the occasional deployment of pepper spary it was just too much. I was sent to the ER 4 times from work.
Since I have been retired I have only had to go to the ER once due to a flareup caused by being active outside on a very hot day. (You live and learn)
I have not been hospitalized yet but they nearly kept me this last time because my oxygen level dropped. They gave me oxygen and discharged me after my O2 level returned to 92%.
My control is a work in progress.
Donna W19 September 2008
I have been a brittle asthmatic for over 17yrs now and it is hell on earth !! Meeting other brittle asthmatics is rare and its scarey to think any attack is going to put me in hospital with a central line in my neck as I have no iv access now. Does anyone have a dual lumenun poarta catch at all??
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