Can't breathe

[cherinyc]

Hi - I have read that some of you have "Exercise Induced Asthma" on this forum, and I am not sure if that's what I have. I don't want to run to the doctor telling him I have something wrong with me if what I am suffering from is normal.
Sometimes when I am riding, I will feel fine with my legs feeling strong, pacing myself on the gears, then I will feel like I am starting to get short of breath - and before I can even think to slow down, I am having an attack of some kind. It comes on fast - like within a 30 sec period of when I start to feel it. I can recover in a couple minutes though which doesn't sound like asthma.
When it hits, I can't get a full breath in - like I need to yawn really bad. My breaths are super short and I can't exhale well. I really try to breathe in through my nose, out through my mouth - I flatten out my back and try to give my lungs room to expand, etc. But when it happens I get super scared. I am afraid that there will be a time when I CAN'T catch my breath.
Am I just psyching myself out? and hyperventilating? that's not really like me, but.......
I have no idea how I would explain these symptoms to the doctor - or what doctor to go to.
Any ideas?

[maillotpois]

Start with your GP/internist and tell her you think you may have exercise induced asthma because you have difficulty breathing when you're riding - describe the symptoms, but leave out the hyperventilation speculation. :) Ask for a referral for a pulmonary function test.

It's possible you may have EIA and a "rescue inhaler" like albuterol may do the trick. But they should do a test and make sure there's nothing else going on. (Says the person who struggled for months with "asthma" only to find out she also had pulmonary emboli....)

[tulip]

If you can't breathe easily, it's best to get things checked out right away. I had similar experiences when I was racing, and turns out I had asthma related to allergies. It was just more noticeable when I was exerting myself. Albuterol was my solution, but yours may be different.

Doctor time! That's what they're there for!

[mary9761]

from someone who has asthma that it not only exercise induced but with trigger allergies etc, the symptoms you describe sound very familiar. I would definitely have a doctor check to see what is going on. sometimes, when you start to have an asthma attack, most of the time they are sudden, you can get a sudden panic attack along with it due to the fact you can't get a breath. your mind focuses on the fact you can't breath and you panic that you don't know if it will ever stop (been there, done that)
first things first though, set up an appointment with your doc to be check for exercise induced asthma to rule out anything else and as others have said, you will likely be given an albuterol inhaler for rescue (attacks) and possibly a second inhaler of some sort (I use Qvar) as a preventative to heal the lungs. My asthma has been acting up quite a bit lately as well, but if it continues to get worse instead of better, I'll be having it checked as well to make sure I haven't got something else other than my asthma going on as well (like maillotpois)
Asthma can be a scary thing because it's like you're trying to breath through a straw, but it can be managed.
Good Luck and keep us up to date,
Mary

[Bikingmomof3]

I figure it is best to error on the side of caution. Call your doctor's office and describe your symptoms. Keep us posted.

[chickwhorips]

i use to have asthma really bad as a kid then it got better. only needed meds every once in a while. a few years ago i had an asthma attack for 2 weeks straight. couldn't sleep or lay down or anything. had to do with nail products that leaked in my bathroom. i finially broke down and went to the dr and got in big trouble (good thing my dr was use to me showing up a few weeks later when things were pretty bad, did it once with a malconcussion.) so she gave me an strict regimine of drugs. felt much better.

since moving to cleaner air i have no problmes at all, except once when i first started cycling, but that had to do with a number of things.

moral of my story: don't do what i do and get it checked out if your worried about it. better safe than sorry.

[pooks]

A friend with asthma told me that contrary to expectation, asthma sufferers don't have trouble breathing in -- they can't exhale. At least that's what she suffered with as a kid. Does it vary from person to person?

[makbike]

cherinyc, please get this check out by your doctor. As an asthma suffer it sure sounds like your lungs are having a tough time and need some help. My asthma went undiagnosed for the first 30 years of my life and I can remember struggling through P.E. class, bike rides, raquetball games, etc. Sometimes my lungs, like yours, would recover quickly and other times it was pretty darn scary. Once I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma and given my inhaler things did improve. However, my exercise induced asthma has progressed. I like Mary use QVAR and albuterol to control my asthma as well as singulaire and allegra and these drugs seems to be working well for I've not had an asthma attack on my bike for the past two years.

Best of luck to you and keep us posted.

[eclectic]

Cherinyc I am quadupling the suggestion you go to the doctor.

I have had exercised induced asthma since I was a kid but it was controllable

2 summers ago it became constant. I finally went to the allergist last summer because "I WANTED TO RIDE MY BIKE UP HILLS ! ! ! "

Like you I would have trouble breathing (do you wheeze?) I couldn't get enough air in because I couldn't blow enough of the old air out. I could still slow pedal and recover at the top and keep on going.

For a long time I just used the albuterol 1/2 before going out and that took care of everything.

I'm now with makbike and Mary and take a lot more stuff: Advair, clariton, supposed to take Nasonex - hate it and don't see any change AND it's expensive so I don't take it. Went to the doc yesterday and he added Singulair. I think that w/the advair may be the miracle drug of choice, went 25.6 miles today at a pace of 15 mph and talked the whole time

Get to the Doc and have it checked you could have a lot more to lose if you don't

[MomOnBike]

Has anyone mentioned that you should get yourself to a doctor? :rolleyes:

[cherinyc]

so....I'm wondering. Do you guys think I should go see a doctor?:rolleyes:

JK - I am going to look for one in my insurance network today.

[eclectic]

so....I'm wondering. Do you guys think I should go see a doctor?:rolleyes:

JK - I am going to look for one in my insurance network today.


Keep us posted :)

[cherinyc]

Seriously.....I am not sure what doctor to go to. Someone mentioned to start w/ my GP or internist. I don't really have one that I go to. I have a PPO and usually go straight to the specialist. I don't see Respiratory Doctor on the list of choices.
Can a regular general practitioner help me? or will they just send me to someone else anyway?
There is an option for "Pulmonary Diseases" but that seems extreme.

[mimitabby]

yes, go to your GP! Talk to his nurse asap..
good luck.
Your GP probably has all the equipment he needs to test your breathing.
An Internist would be good too.

[maillotpois]

If all you have are specialists, then an allergist or pulmonologist would be what you want. In the last few months, I've seen both.

Hey - if you are in NYC - see if there is a Dr. Bernard Feigenbaum on your list. He's an old roommate of mine and a fantastic allergy/asthma guy.

Edit: Here's his info: http://www.med.nyu.edu/medicine/dgim/education/bio.html?bio=feigeb01.html

He's super funny and a good doctor. I'd go to him for my issues if he weren't on the wrong side of the country.

[cherinyc]

Hey - if you are in NYC - see if there is a Dr. Bernard Feigenbaum on your list. He's an old roommate of mine and a fantastic allergy/asthma guy.

Edit: Here's his info: http://www.med.nyu.edu/medicine/dgim/education/bio.html?bio=feigeb01.html

He's super funny and a good doctor. I'd go to him for my issues if he weren't on the wrong side of the country.

maillotpois - you are too funny. I wish I had friends who were doctors. I am guilty of always self-diagnosing based on info from the internet. Would certainly help to know someone in the biz.

I have an appt at 5:30 today with a GP. I will let everyone know how it goes.

[tulip]

Yay! We are all awaiting the diagnosis!

It is a great thing to be able to breathe freely.

My asthma went away when I moved out of ratty old apartments with carpeting into my house with wood floors and no carpeting. I have not had to use albuterol for two years.

So if you have carpeting, it may be a good idea to look for a place without it when you move to Colorado (or am I getting you confused with someone else?)

[maillotpois]

Seriously, get your primary doc to refer you to my friend - he would be great. He was the first person I called when I started coughing up blood because it was 7 am here and I knew no one else would be awake!

[cherinyc]

Yay! We are all awaiting the diagnosis!

It is a great thing to be able to breathe freely.

My asthma went away when I moved out of ratty old apartments with carpeting into my house with wood floors and no carpeting. I have not had to use albuterol for two years.

So if you have carpeting, it may be a good idea to look for a place without it when you move to Colorado (or am I getting you confused with someone else?)

Tulip - you have it right. BTW - when ya coming to Princeton?
I am moving to Colorado in the fall (november-ish) and both my bf and I hate having carpet - but here in NJ, since we are renting, no choice.

I really think there is a mold problem around here. Maybe that's getting to me. I have never seen mold grow so quickly in a toilet that gets used regularly. Seriously, after only 1 week, this black fuzzy stuff is growing, and we have those clorox tablets in the tank too. This mold or mildew is impermeable to it. A lot of the riding I do is along the road, so maybe automobile exhaust is getting to me. (I have so many theories)

On a positive note, I have only been cycling for about a month, and went on a 15 mile ride this morning with my boyfriend. My lungs struggled a couple times, but my AVG mph w/ the hills was ~15. So I am getting better. My bf, who has been riding for years, says he thinks once I get my lungs figured out, I will probably start to kick his @$$. :D
That's what I'm talking about ladies!!!!

[cherinyc]

So - I am still not completely clear what's wrong with me, and the doctor has prescribed a bunch more tests.
The first thing I did was breathe into this machine - which gave me a "Spirometry Report" I asked for a photocopy (like I actually understand anything on it), so if anyone wants to know anything about my breathing - I have all the report data in front of me.
Anyway - the # that the Doctor was concerned about was my lung exhaling output (or something) which was only 55%.
He also heard a heart murmer - and wondered why no one had told me that I had it until now (I'm 31).
So he wrote Rx's for Albuterol, Asmanex, and a Peak Flow meter.
He wants a chest X-ray, an echograph test, and a halter test done.

That's it. I took a couple puffs of the albuterol before my ride this morning, and had a lot of phlegm and mucus - which I don't usually have. Does that mean the albuterol is working?

[Bron]

Sounds like he's taking you seriously then. That's good. Fingers crossed that it's not anything serious.



He also heard a heart murmer - and wondered why no one had told me that I had it until now (I'm 31).

I had this too. Apparently some doctors are better at picking these things up than others. If nobody has noticed it before, the chances are that it won't be anything too bad (in my case it's a slight mitral prolapse which, according to the cardiologist is nothing to worry about, won't make me ill, slow me down on my bike or affect me in any other way).
I hope it all works out well for you too.
Bron

[maillotpois]

That "lung exhaling output" thing - is that what was measured with the peak flow meter in the office?? Mine is also very low, and it seems they're still trying to figure out why. (The doctor does not believe my pulmonary emboli would affect that.)

I'm interested to hear if the treatment helps.

Glad you went ot a doctor!

[Bikingmomof3]

Continue to keep us postd. It sounds as though your doctor is being very thourough,. I had a Holten test about a year ago, when I began seriously exercising I started to feel an occassional flutter near my breast bone-it was weird. We discovered I had Exercise Induced Cardiac Arrhythmia.

[cherinyc]

I had a Holten test about a year ago, when I began seriously exercising I started to feel an occassional flutter near my breast bone-it was weird. We discovered I had Exercise Induced Cardiac Arrhythmia.

Gosh - and I thought all this cycling was going to make me healthier. Why do I feel like I am falling apart all of a sudden.:(

[Bikingmomof3]

Oh try not to think that way. I cannot speak on your breathing issues as I do not have them. As for my Exercise Induced Cardiac Arrhythmia, I was told by the cardiologist that is is extremely common and I do not worry now that I know what I have. It worried me prior to finding out and when I was sent to the Dayton heaert Hospital for testing I totally freaked out. For about 2 weeks after diagnosis I only exercised when someone else was home, you know, just in case (yes I was paranoid). Now It only bothers me when I really exerct myself, but knowing what it is, I no longer freak out.

Your doctor sounds like a great doctor, covering all basis. Once you know what you have, you can take the appropriate measures and will feel so much better.

[eclectic]

Gosh - and I thought all this cycling was going to make me healthier. Why do I feel like I am falling apart all of a sudden.:(

Have faith you are not falling apart :) Just think you have been running around w/ 55% output. You will feel so much better w/ proper treatment.

I was at 65% and did not realize how bad I was, you just get used to not being able to breathe. I told my riding partners "lookout if I ever am able to breathe!" (the last 2 days on new meds have been great and now they are looking out!)
My peak flow on Sunday was 380 - 400 where it always has been for the last year on a good day, today it is 430, best it has been in years Yippee :D :D :D I know it will just get better and better now !

The albuterol is doing its job if it is loosening everything up.
Albuterol is not to be over used so be sure to take the other med as prescribe I assume it is some type of preventative but I really don't know.

I ran the full gamut of tests last summer, allergy test both prick and blood, lung xrays, cat scan, a breathing test where I sat in a bubble like machine then another that measured specific output using some type of gas.
Glad I had good insurance!

The verdict "yup you have allergies and asthma". I knew that from the get go:( To be fair the doc was ruling out any other more serious lung diseases.

I feel so much better now and although the meds are about $120 per month after insurance it is worth it! AND I can ride up hills faster than I have ever done :D

Side benefit, I no longer get heartburn. Apparently heartburn is a side effect of asthma, go figure :confused:

Thanks for updating us and let us know what else you find out :)

[Denise223]

Hi Cheri!

The good thing is you have a doctor who is taking your symptoms seriously. That's exactly what you want!

There are some doctor's who will just prescribe meds & say they'll see you in six months time.


Originally posted by CHERINYC: Anyway - the # that the Doctor was concerned about was my lung exhaling output (or something) which was only 55%.
He also heard a heart murmer - and wondered why no one had told me that I had it until now (I'm 31).
So he wrote Rx's for Albuterol, Asmanex, and a Peak Flow meter.
He wants a chest X-ray, an echograph test, and a halter test done.

Your exhaling output was low @ 55%.
When you did that, did the doctor (or nurse) "cheer you on", saying, "blow, blow, blow..."?
I've seen doctor's with their patients doing the peak flow test, (I've had them too), and they usually stand right there cheering you on so that you get ALL OF THE AIR out of your lungs. The "cheering" will help you to get your best reading.

A 24-48 hour holter monitor test is a wonderful non-invasive study. That will give your doctor a 24-48 hour EKG (electrocardiogram) reading, while you go about your day & night. (they usually want you to do everything that you normally do, while you have the monitor on -- and, you are given a sheet of paper to document everything that you are doing.)
Example: say if you're going on bike ride from 10am-11am, and from 10:20 - 10:30 you had a little chest pain or lots of difficulty breathing, you would document that on paper -- and when the physician reads your study, they will find that exact time, and see what (if anything) is going on with your heart.

An echocardiogram will be good to see what's going on with your murmur. Did you hear, or did your doctor say what "grade" your murmur was? Some murmur's that are small - some doctor's will be able to hear them and some won't.
I have a very small heart murmur (grade I/VI), which doesn't cause any problems for me.


Originally posted by CHERINYC: Gosh - and I thought all this cycling was going to make me healthier. Why do I feel like I am falling apart all of a sudden.

When we start new activites, our bodies will respond, whether favorably or not. And, all of what's going on here with your symptoms, might actually be a good thing, Cheri. Perhaps there is some underlying problem that you wouldn't have known, unless you started up with cycling?? (I'm just guessing).

With the Albuterol, (which I take before exercise, and as my "relief" inhalor), that you started. Have you had any cough symptoms before you started the Albuterol? Perhaps you had an upper respiratory infection (viral/bacterial), OR some bronchitis - and that's why you're coughing up some phlegm.

Please keep us posted, Cheri! When are you scheduled to have your echo & holter monitor?

Just remember, things will get better :)!

Have a peaceful day.

Denise

[cherinyc]

Your exhaling output was low @ 55%.

With the Albuterol, (which I take before exercise, and as my "relief" inhalor), that you started. Have you had any cough symptoms before you started the Albuterol? Perhaps you had an upper respiratory infection (viral/bacterial), OR some bronchitis - and that's why you're coughing up some phlegm.

Please keep us posted, Cheri! When are you scheduled to have your echo & holter monitor?

Just remember, things will get better :)!


Hi Denise - thank you for taking the time to post such a throrough response. It is good to hear positive comments. It's scary to me - to think that there could be something really wrong. My grandma died of lung cancer (she never smoked, but my grandpa did) and I, unfortunately was a social smoker for about 10 years. I quit completely about 3 months ago - and even though I never even came CLOSE to being a pack-a-day smoker - I am worried "Uh Oh - what've I done? - what if, what if."
At 31, I feel very young still - and the breathing thing has been a problem as long as I can remember. I was a competetive gymnast, and certain things just got to me, but I thought it was normal. Guess not.

Re: the 55% - I am finding out that it IS pretty low. Below 50 is supposed to be REALLY dangerous, and I am so close to that. Scary. It will be great to be able to breathe better though.

When I quit smoking entirely, I was expecting to have to cough up tar or something (probably just a nasty rumor) but nothing ever happened. I was wondering if the albuterol is making that happen, though everything is clear.

I am trying to schedule all my tests on the same day - so will let you all know when I get some results.
BTW - anyone ever heard of ASMANEX?

[mimitabby]

Hi Cheri!


Your exhaling output was low @ 55%.
When you did that, did the doctor (or nurse) "cheer you on", saying, "blow, blow, blow..."?
I've seen doctor's with their patients doing the peak flow test, (I've had them too), and they usually stand right there cheering you on so that you get ALL OF THE AIR out of your lungs. The "cheering" will help you to get your best reading.

Denise

Oh Denise, that's right! The one time i had this test done, when i was through blowing, the nurse looked at me funny and said; "I don't believe you blew all your air out... you got a reading like someone with no lungs.. try again"
and the second time she cheered me on.
Oh, that's better, i got a 90 or 95 the second time.

[cherinyc]

My peak flow on Sunday was 380 - 400 where it always has been for the last year on a good day, today it is 430, best it has been in years Yippee :D :D :D I know it will just get better and better now !


I just got the peak flow meter gizmo - and so far the highest I can get it is ~350. My bf wanted to try - and he got to like 620. I'm really jealous. No wonder he always drops me when we go up hills.
I started the ASMANEX this afternoon. Denise mentioned it might take a couple weks to kick in. Can't wait!

[eclectic]

Hooray for starting to cycle and coming on TE! just think you were wandering around w/ a peak flow of 350 and didn't even suspect anything was amiss.

620 WOW I can only imagine numbers like that. My doc said for women it should be 5 to 600 I'll be excited when I hit 450!

Once again thanks for keeping us posted :)

[emily_in_nc]

I just got the peak flow meter gizmo - and so far the highest I can get it is ~350. My bf wanted to try - and he got to like 620. I'm really jealous. No wonder he always drops me when we go up hills.
I started the ASMANEX this afternoon. Denise mentioned it might take a couple weks to kick in. Can't wait!

I also blow ~350 on my peak flow meter. I feel fine on the bike except when I climb a longer endurance-type hill (not a short jammer), and then, watch out. Huff-puff, high heart rate, breath breath breath, and fall way back. The friend (female) I ride with is way ahead of me, and never seems to be breathing hard at all. I have been blaming being small (5'2.5") and having small lungs, and I guess that is part of it, but not all of it, in all likelihood.

My husband blows a huge number on the peak flow meter (he does not have asthma), so I had the same realization as you - no wonder he is such a mountain-goat climber (climbing is actually his strength and my biggest weakness). Anyway, I go to my doc later this month and am going to definately bring this up. Albuterol doesn't seem to make much difference for me on rides (it helps if I wake up coughing in the night). It does increase phlegm production also, as you noticed!

Emily

[btchance]

It sounds like your doc is covering everything, and hopefully everything will straighten out. For what it's worth, your symptoms sound exactly like mine started out. For me, it's more air quality and allergies, and I can tell you that having a doctor who pays attention to your symptoms is invaluable. For the first year, my doctor just went with the "albuterol helps, you have asthma" method. No lung function tests, no maintenance therapy, no nothing except for the albuterol.

Then I had a period this may where I could not walk without getting extremely short of breath and had difficulty breathing at rest which the albuterol wasn't getting rid of, and after arguing with him, I finally was given Advair (I was freaking out b/c I had a tri coming up in one week). Then he gave me instructions on how to use it in a way that was completely different from how it is supossed to be used, probably because he didn't think I had a problem as my lungs sounded normal. Well, I went ahead and used it according to the regular dosing, got cleared up by my tri, and after it ran out, he refused to refill it because "I didn't need it." Well, after I moved I switched to a family doc who had done a fellowship in sports medicine and is a triathlete. I was immediately put back on Advair, had PFTs done (the values were low normal, but she was concerned because they weren't as high as they should be with someone who is fit). She then put me on a treadmill, did more PFTs, then gave me the albuterol, did another PFT, and surprise, suprise, confirmed that I did have asthma.

Aaahhh, some doctors are great, some are frustrating, but it sounds like you found a good one. Let us know how everything else goes. (and sorry this is so long, I just feel like talking (or typing :D ) today.

[chickwhorips]

I'm really jealous. No wonder he always drops me when we go up hills.

hmmm... i wonder if this is part of my problem with the bf (besides he's in much better shape) i never see him out of breath, yet i die.

[emily_in_nc]

I had my doctor's appointment last week and discussed asthma and my peak flow with her. She thinks that for my age, height, and activity level, my peak flow could easily be in the 370-400 range instead of my usual 320-350 range. She has written me an Rx for Advair to try which I'll fill tomorrow.

So, I'll be interested to see if this helps and will report back. I wonder how long it might take to see any difference? I am mountain biking tomorrow night and Wed. night, but that might be too early to tell anything. Anyone know??

Thanks!
Emily

[mary9761]

you might be surprised how quickly you'll notice a difference once you start using you inhaler.

[Denise223]

Hi Emily!

I'm on Advair too, and have been since it came out..... (I think it has been for at least 2+/- years....) Here's the link to their website:

http://www.advair.com/

I really think it's going to be approximately 10 days (to 2 weeks) before you feel any relief. (if I can remember way back when....)

One thing I will stress is using an inhalor the proper way.
Did your doctor's office (? nurse, medical asst.), show you how to use an inhalor with a 'dummy inhalor'? (perhaps you are also on Albuterol as well, and know how to do this?)

There are so many elderly people I see that just open their mouths & press on the inhalor - I can't imagine that any medication is getting into their lungs :( ! I feel so badly for them. If they are shown how to do it, they soon forget. (this goes for people even in my age group as well).

What dose did your doctor start you on? (I know there are 3 strengths for Advair). I really hope that you improve greatly with Advair :) !

If you want any help at all on how to properly use your inhalor, please feel free to PM or e-mail me, Emily.

Have a peaceful evening.

Denise

[laughlaugh18]

So, I'll be interested to see if this helps and will report back. I wonder how long it might take to see any difference?

I noticed results with Advair immediately. I had exercise induced asthma as a kid that went away and then very kindly showed back up again when I hit my mid 40s:mad: When I started riding about a year ago, I was triggering an asthma attack pretty much every time I went out to ride. I've had an albuterol rescue inhaler for years (which I previously only had to use 2-3 times a year; my asthma was pretty mild), which I started using regularly because of my bike rides. My doc didn't like me using the rescue inhaler as a regular preventative, so he prescribed Advair for me. I find it makes a big difference. My lungs don't start going haywire nearly as quickly. Per my doc, I try to take a puff about 1/2 an hour before I ride.

As with all medical stuff, your mileage may vary ;)

[ACG]

I've been reading this thread with some interest. I have noticed that I become winded. It is sort of like I'm pedaling at a good rate, maybe 18mph, but when I stop pedaling I am able to catch my breath. When I am pedaling I'm slightly winded, could this be asthma? I was thinking of getting a HRM, thinking I could use it to my advantage. After reading this thread I may just call my doctor.

[chickwhorips]

i always called my advair inhalor my purple bubble tape inhalor. :rolleyes:

[eclectic]

i always called my advair inhalor my purple bubble tape inhalor. :rolleyes:

That is exactly what they are like :)

I thought I was regressing on my new meds :mad: went for a ride last Wed and was exhausted, and couldn't breathe. After not being able to talk for 3 days and sleeping constantly for 5, I decided I probably had a virus of some type. Finally went for a 25 mile ride today. Went up my measuring stick hill to see how I am doing. Beginning of the summer 6.5 mph, 3 weeks ago 7 mph - today 8.2 Mph! ! ! :D :D :D Hooray I think the meds are really working

[chickwhorips]

eclectic good job! glad your feeling better also.

[emily_in_nc]

I got my Rx for Advair filled today. My doctor did not have a sample to show me how to use it, but the box came with a very detailed insert that I followed to the letter. Being an engineer, I'm big on details, so I made sure I did it right! I have used albuterol for years as a rescue inhaler, but this was definitely a little different! I certainly made sure to breathe in, very deeply, to actually get the medicine into my lungs!

I don't know if I just got lucky, but on my trail ride tonight, I definitely felt like my breathing was better. My average and max. heart rate were lower than the last time I did this same route, so I felt less taxed, and I felt really strong. It's possible that I had just had a good ride, but it's also possible that that Advair helped a little even with just one dose!

I had been using albuterol before every ride, but I skipped it tonight. My asthma is mild, but it definitely seems to come into play when I do intense exercise. I don't have asthma attacks per se, but I just huff and puff way more than anyone else, even on slight inclines -- and I am a very active person; I hike, jog, walk, kayak, lift weights, and ride, so I should not huff and puff quite as much as a complete novice, especially since I am not carrying excess body weight around. Tonight I finally didn't huff and puff more than a "normal" person. :-)

My doctor started me on the lowest dosage Advair: 100/50. Hopefully I can stay on this one as I want to use the least amount of medication necessary. I have been taking Accolate, a leukotriene inhibitor (pill), but it didn't seem to have any effect on me whatsoever. Albuterol helps, but it makes my heart race and makes me jittery, like too much coffee, so I am not crazy about using it. I didn't sense any of that with the Advair.

So, after just one ride, it's way too early to tell, but I am cautiously optimistic.

For those of you on Advair, have you had any side effects from it?

Thanks!
Emily

[Pedal Wench]

Were you told to gargle after you use the Advair? I heard that you have to gargle for 30-seconds to get the meds out of your throat. Is this true?

[chickwhorips]

i was never told about the gargling so i don't know. seemed to work fine without that.

[Cindyloo]

When I was given one of the inhalers like Advair I was advised to gargle after using it to clear it out of my mouth and throat. In some people it causes them to have thrush (overgrowth of yeast) in their mouth.

[eclectic]

When I was given one of the inhalers like Advair I was advised to gargle after using it to clear it out of my mouth and throat. In some people it causes them to have thrush (overgrowth of yeast) in their mouth.

Ditto on that. I was talking to someone recently that did get a yeast infection in their mouth from it.

Rinsing - a small price to pay for breathing :D

[mary9761]

most of your inhalers have those warnings now. I know that I was told to rinse after using my Qvar as well. Believe me mouth sores from inhalers is NO fun. :eek: I don't always pay for forgetting to rinse, but there are times I do.

[emily_in_nc]

The instructions just say to rinse your mouth out after use, not gargle, but maybe I should do that. I do not want a yeast infection in my mouth or anywhere else!!! :eek:

Some great news: About 30 mins. after my dose of Advair this morning, I tried my peak flow meter. I blew a 390, my highest ever!!!! I blew 320 this weekend, and my norm is around 350. Wow wow wow! My doctor was right, and I am loving this already!

I can hardly wait to go mountain biking tomorrow night!!!

I find it makes me feel a tiny bit jittery, though. Anyone else?

Emily

[eclectic]

The instructions just say to rinse your mouth out after use, not gargle, but maybe I should do that. I do not want a yeast infection in my mouth or anywhere else!!! :eek:

Some great news: About 30 mins. after my dose of Advair this morning, I tried my peak flow meter. I blew a 390, my highest ever!!!! I blew 320 this weekend, and my norm is around 350. Wow wow wow! My doctor was right, and I am loving this already!

I can hardly wait to go mountain biking tomorrow night!!!

I find it makes me feel a tiny bit jittery, though. Anyone else?

Emily
Hooray - it feels great to breath doesn't it ? ? ?

I don't notice anything w/ my advair and he jumped my dose to 500/50 but I do notice it quite often on Albuterol.

Also I just rinse I don't gargle and haven't had any problems but again each mouth is different and sensitive to different things

[GulfCoastSwim]

Side benefit, I no longer get heartburn. Apparently heartburn is a side effect of asthma, go figure :confused:


I think it's the other way around...the acid gets into your throat and irritates your upper respiratory system, causing asthma. I'm getting checked for EIA in a couple of weeks, and I'm thinking that my years of reflux aren't helping!

[eclectic]

I think it's the other way around...the acid gets into your throat and irritates your upper respiratory system, causing asthma. I'm getting checked for EIA in a couple of weeks, and I'm thinking that my years of reflux aren't helping!

since I have started on my asthma meds I haven't had any heartburn and I never had heartburn prior to my asthma flaring up again a couple of years ago, in fact I didn't even know what heartburn was 'til I got pregnancy induced asthma
but in that case was the heartburn caused by the asthma, or was it being pregnant? all I know is I was miserable for 8 months and had to sleep sitting up in the recliner :(

A tough pregnancy - the best type of birth control :D

[Bikology]

Hi. I have a different idea that might be worth looking into. This might sound strange... but I experienced something similar in the spring and early summer. I really thought I was getting asthma, especially since I also seemed to suddenly develop allergies (the two can often start at the same time). I have since realized that the allergies and breathing problems are probably completely unrelated. When I tried to exert myself too much I would hit this point where I just felt like I could not get enough oxygen. I would try to gulp back air as fast as I could, but my whole body just felt like it couldn't get enough. Do you have any other symptoms when this happens? I would get this feeling of breathlessness not just in my lungs, but in my leg muscles too (hard to describe). And my heart rate would be up at 197 bpm. And this was happening at a level of exertion that I didn't think was THAT intense. What I finally found out was that I was very iron deficient and very anemic. I always thought iron deficiency was no big deal really. But if you think about it, when you exercise your muscles rely on oxygen that is being delivered via red blood cells (with iron). So really, my muscles really couldn't get the amount of oxygen that they needed and so I was getting really out of breath... the bodies response when it needs more oxygen. This problem has gotten SO much better after a few months of iron supplementation. I can ride at levels that I used to be able to ride at. Does this sound like a possibility for you? Do you have any other symptoms of anemia? Just an idea.

[eclectic]

Hi. I have a different idea that might be worth looking into. When I tried to exert myself too much I would hit this point where I just felt like I could not get enough oxygen. I would try to gulp back air as fast as I could, but my whole body just felt like it couldn't get enough.

Do you have any other symptoms when this happens?

I would get this feeling of breathlessness not just in my lungs, but in my leg muscles too (hard to describe). And my heart rate would be up at 197 bpm. And this was happening at a level of exertion that I didn't think was THAT intense. What I finally found out was that I was very iron deficient and very anemic. .


This is very interesting.

When I get short of breath because of asthma my legs start to give out very quickly also

How anemic were you? I don't think I am anemic - I give blood on a regular basis and have never been refused because of low iron - but maybe this not a good measure (also the doc checked it and I was very good)

interesting interesting interesting hmmmmm

[Pedal Wench]

I've just started a whole new round of treatments for my asthma, and I'm noticing that now that my breathing is getting better, my legs hurt more. I'm not sure if it's the medicine causing it, or if I'm just able to push my legs more now that my lungs aren't limiting me.

[ReneeLynne]

I have asthma, both allergy and exercise-induced, and use Advair.

Yes, it is the Reflux that exacerbates the asthma. But if you have allergies, a cold or sinus infection or whatever that causes a bad post-nasal drip (as I do), that continuous drainage down your throat can cause the reflux that makes the asthma worse...so it can be a big bad cycle!

As far as the ADVAIR is concerned, I tend to rinse after use and spit out, then gargle, then drink a glass of water. My logic behind this is that I want to rinse out whatever powder is in my mouth without swallowing it if possible, but then I also want to cleanse the back of my throat of whatever's gone down there when I inhaled that the gargling won't get out...

[cherinyc]

So - I am still not completely clear what's wrong with me, and the doctor has prescribed a bunch more tests.
The first thing I did was breathe into this machine - which gave me a "Spirometry Report". The # that the Doctor was concerned about was my lung exhaling output (or something) which was only 55%.
He also heard a heart murmer - and wondered why no one had told me that I had it until now (I'm 31).
So he wrote Rx's for Albuterol, Asmanex, and a Peak Flow meter.
He wants a chest X-ray, an echograph test, and a halter test done.


I quoted the above, just as a refresher, and 1 1/2 mths later, here's my report. The Asmanex seems to doing what it's supposed to for me. My lungs seem to be healing, I guess. I can blow up to 430 on my peak flow meter (w/o any Albuterol). I went back to the doc last week to take that Spirometry test thing - and the report showed an overall improvement. One of the lung power measurements actually went from a 55% before up to 99%. Basically doc said he was happy that I could begin treating somethimg that has been slowing me down for a long time (without me realizing it). I was a competitive gymnast growing up, and have always had this problem, I just thought it meant I needed to train harder. I paced myself according to my breathing. Doc said he is upset that no one ever caught this with me, or tested for it. It's a simple test to do but not all doctors find it necessary, so....he said it would've really made a difference in my athletic ability and most likely held me back.
As far as the tests though, clear chest x ray, and I have some kind of tricuspid regurg in my heart (no big deal - small murmer) and one of the ratio's w/in the cardiopulmonary tests was way off. Something to do with the pressure in my lungs and how the blood flows into the small chamber of the heart? I think. Doc says possibly off due to damge in my lungs caused from untreated prolonged asthma. Hmmmm. vicious cycle.
I am to stay on the Amanex. Blood work came back fine except for raised cholesterol.
Anyone out there have a really high HDL? I read that the avg HDL for women is about 50-60, yet mine is 91. The doc said my LDL was too high, 114, but I thought that the HDL's were supposed to be pushing the LDL's out. I seem to have some HDL to spare, how do I get them to go to work?

Yes - I am hoping to learn 12 yrs of medical training through sporadic websurfing and forum threads. Is that bad?:D

[Duck on Wheels]

The instructions just say to rinse your mouth out after use, not gargle, but maybe I should do that. I do not want a yeast infection in my mouth or anywhere else!!! :eek:

Some great news: About 30 mins. after my dose of Advair this morning, I tried my peak flow meter. I blew a 390, my highest ever!!!! I blew 320 this weekend, and my norm is around 350. Wow wow wow! My doctor was right, and I am loving this already!

I can hardly wait to go mountain biking tomorrow night!!!

I find it makes me feel a tiny bit jittery, though. Anyone else?

Emily

Yes, whenever I've needed an inhaler, it does make me a bit jittery and sends my heart racing shortly after. As I recall, though, the jitters pass after a few more minutes.

[Kano]

Anyone out there have a really high HDL? I read that the avg HDL for women is about 50-60, yet mine is 91. The doc said my LDL was too high, 114, but I thought that the HDL's were supposed to be pushing the LDL's out. I seem to have some HDL to spare, how do I get them to go to work?


I don't know much of anything about it, but as I recall, my father-in-law was once in some sort of research thing for high cholesteral. Nothing could ever bring it down, and apparently it's a family thing -- turns out his whole family has higher than normal numbers, but apparently the doctors eventually determined that in them, it's not something to worry about. Maybe you're one of that sort of person? It will be interesting to learn what happens with this too!

Good to hear the rest of it all!

KAren in Boise

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Blood work came back fine except for raised cholesterol.
Anyone out there have a really high HDL? I read that the avg HDL for women is about 50-60, yet mine is 91. The doc said my LDL was too high, 114, but I thought that the HDL's were supposed to be pushing the LDL's out. I seem to have some HDL to spare, how do I get them to go to work?

I had my cholesterol checked recently. It's a bit complex to understand.
My overall chol. count was 263...my husband said "That's TERRIBLE! Call your doctor!!".
But my doctor said no it's FINE, because:
My GOOD HDL was 108 (desirable= more than >60, borderline=40-59, At risk= <40)
My BAD LDL was 115 (desirable= <100, border line=130-159, and High risk= >160.
Thus, my bad LDL was not even in the borderline area, and yet my good HDL was sky high, that is what made my overall chol. count so high. My doctor said the higher your HDL, the better protection it gives you against heart disease. She said whatever I was doing, to keep doing it!

So perhaps that will lessen your fears over your test results.

[emily_in_nc]

I've just started a whole new round of treatments for my asthma, and I'm noticing that now that my breathing is getting better, my legs hurt more. I'm not sure if it's the medicine causing it, or if I'm just able to push my legs more now that my lungs aren't limiting me.

Me too me too!!!

I just started Advair about 28 days ago, and it's been a miracle for me. I am climbing hills much, much easier than ever before (and I've been riding for years). Tonight I noticed my heart rate was in the 150s going up a hill that it used to be in the 170s on just a month ago!! Some of this is training effect, but most is the Advair, since I've trained hard for years and never felt this good on hills. I finally realize now what "normal" people must feel like once they've trained and can finally improve on hills. It's truly a miracle.

But yes, like you, I've noticed my legs burning a lot more than they used to. I think before the Advair, my lungs would give out so quickly that I had to be in such an easy gear, my legs hardly ever got sore or felt anything. Now, I notice quad soreness nearly every time I ride, from a previous ride, run, hike, or whatever. I am using higher gears on climbs now since I can breathe, so I guess I'm finally really working my legs.

Cool!!! :cool:

Emily

[emily_in_nc]

o really, my muscles really couldn't get the amount of oxygen that they needed and so I was getting really out of breath... the bodies response when it needs more oxygen. This problem has gotten SO much better after a few months of iron supplementation. I can ride at levels that I used to be able to ride at. Does this sound like a possibility for you? Do you have any other symptoms of anemia? Just an idea.

Not sure who you were directing your question too, but if it was me, my doctor tested my hematocrit level right away (while also prescribing Advair), and it was normal. So that wasn't the problem in my case, but it's a good thing to have checked for anyone who is huffing/puffing and feeling weak on hills.

Emily

[emily_in_nc]

Anyone out there have a really high HDL? I read that the avg HDL for women is about 50-60, yet mine is 91. The doc said my LDL was too high, 114, but I thought that the HDL's were supposed to be pushing the LDL's out. I seem to have some HDL to spare, how do I get them to go to work?

I can't answer your second question, but my last cholesterol test showed something crazy like 103 HDL, 70 LDL, which my doc said was the best cholesterol profile she'd ever seen! The HDL is pretty much off the charts, but she was thrilled with it. It's been three years (I'm 45 now) so likely isn't quite as good now, but I was pretty happy about it. The HDL is supposed to protect against the bad effects of LDL.

Congrats on your collosal improvement in lung function! I'm still blowing no higher than 390 on the peak flow meter (but that's better than a 350 max pre-Advair), but I can breathe much better on hills, so I'm very pleased.

Emily

[Pedal Wench]

Emily, so glad you're on the road again too!

I'm so glad that it's not just me! I've been riding for two years now too, and I feel like I can finally start training. My legs just need to catch up to my new lung capacity. I wonder how long it's gonna take!

[eclectic]

Yes, it is the Reflux that exacerbates the asthma. But if you have allergies, a cold or sinus infection or whatever that causes a bad post-nasal drip (as I do), that continuous drainage down your throat can cause the reflux that makes the asthma worse...so it can be a big bad cycle!
.

that is exactly the problem my son has and it is miserable - I am blessed that I am not bothered by it.

When my asthma is under control I am fine, when I have an attack I eventually get heartburn

THANKS for the great report Cheri and glad you are feeling better- just think it took cycling up hills and coming to TE to get something very important treated

Once I started on Singular and got my bronchi working better also I noticed my right LUNG hurting (not my left). I asked the Doctor if this was normal and he emphatically said NO.

I always told him "it is right here" and patted where my right bronchi is. CAT scans, xrays etc don't show individual lung inflation (you can't exactly shut off one lung to check the other :) and I think my left lung was doing all the work. When my right lung finally got air into and had to expand it went WHOAAAAAA - now I need to get both lungs into working condition

[bmccasland]

Along with the exercise induced asthma (I take flovent and seravent), how much does the weather affect you? Today was warm and extrmemely muggy, and I was coughing to clear my lungs when I hit rest-stop one (mile 15). Decided to bail and ride back to the start - OK the pending thunderstorm also weighed in on the decision. This isn't the first time I've had lots of trouble breathing when it's very muggy out. So now, hours later I still feel whoped.

[emily_in_nc]

Along with the exercise induced asthma (I take flovent and seravent), how much does the weather affect you? Today was warm and extrmemely muggy, and I was coughing to clear my lungs when I hit rest-stop one (mile 15). Decided to bail and ride back to the start - OK the pending thunderstorm also weighed in on the decision. This isn't the first time I've had lots of trouble breathing when it's very muggy out. So now, hours later I still feel whoped.

I have most breathing problems on hot, humid days (pretty much describes all of summer here in NC), and on cold, dry winter days. Fortunately, Advair seems to be helping a lot - just started it a month ago, and my breathing while riding has improved noticeably. However, I have mild asthma - yours may be a worse case if you're still having problems despite your meds.

Hopefully it will cool down for you soon!

Emily

[sallyjg]

I have the same symptons occasionally ..can't catch my breathe, yawning..generally a tough time breathing for a period of time. My Dr called it MVP..mitral valve prolaspe. Quit common but scary nonetheless. Google it and check it out. good luck

[eclectic]

I finally solved part of my can't breathe problem

I started SB diet in Sept. the first 2 weeks you cut out all carbs then introduce them back in slowly.
during this time my breathing got better. Then I read on The celiac thread where someone posted about wheat bothering her asthma so 2+2 = don't eat wheat.

I stayed off all grains again for 2 weeks then slowly introduced some in again.
Oatmeal is a definate immediate reaction. Wheat I can tolerate in small amts. It seems white flour is better than whole grain :(

My HR is off the charts too (always around 170 when doing any exertion although I can still talk in short sentances) I hope it goes down soon

I was blowing 360 -390 now I can get 410 pretty regularly and one day even hit 440! Yippeee ! ! ! !

BTW I am on Advair and singulair too.

another side benefit of not eating grains is my muscles don't ache like they used to and I sleep better.

[wawaski]

I just spent two mos having a respiratory specialist order a hi res CT scan, A PFT test, 2D echocardiogram, a C-Reactive Protien and an oxygen uptake test all to be told "they don't know". They know I run out of oxygen in under a min during a 6 min walk test, numbers are between 84-86&#37;, but haven't a clue why. So be persistant and patient, you may find out what you don't have as opposed to what you do!
Second and third opinions are worth the $ and time as well!
Good luck!
S.