??? for those with asthma

[teigyr]

LoriO, I test normal but have been diagnosed with exercise induced asthma. For a while my doctor (primary care though she specialized in pulmonary medicine) would send me home with a ton of inhalers. I didn't like the way one made me feel (jittery) and never took the steroid one after reading the insert.

With me, I generally know what will set me off. If I'm not in shape and go out too hard (esp on a hill or something) and lose my breathe, it's gone. Same goes for swimming. Maybe I tend to take it easy too much but I haven't had problems in a long time. Smoky places, even the day after I've been there, will give me problems so I avoid them.

I take an allergy medication and also take benadryl if I'm feeling itchy or generally like there's something going on. Being overtired will increase allergies or reacting to the environment in some negative way.

Strange thing is sometimes baked goods or junior mints will do the same thing to me. Maybe it is the presence of a strong flavor? Also, oddly enough, sodas from a fountain (not a can or bottle) do the same thing.

It feels like there's a tickle in my throat that is so overwhelming my throat closes up. There are also times that it isn't THAT bad but I'll start coughing and coughing and all sorts of stuff comes out of my lungs.

I've also been told I'm allergic to cats. We have five of them Wouldn't give them up for anything.

I guess maybe have an inhaler "just in case". I've been ok with just relaxing and riding through the episode but I have wondered what would happen if it didn't get better. I haven't had an inhaler for years because I never used it.

I hope to hear how your doctors visit goes once he's back in the office

[LoriO]

Teigyr, I hear you about not taking meds if you don't have to and I prefer not to if I can help it.

If he does give me an inhaler it will be interesting to see how it will affect my workouts. My area is all hills and I often find myself really winded and struggleing to breathe but not yet into a full attack. I am really interested to see if there is any difference. I so often find that it is my breathing that gets me on the hills way before my legs start to really feel it.

I swear, I just turned 40 and I am falling apart!!!! I've been diagnosed with a thyroid issue, and now this. I guess I can take some consolation in the fact that my cholesterol levels are excellen....go figure!!

[Kalidurga]

I've also been told I'm allergic to cats. We have five of them Wouldn't give them up for anything.

Last time I saw my pulmonologist, I mentioned that my allergies had seemed to clear up a bit during the time between one cat passing away and the adoption of two new ones. He actually said to me "You should get rid of them now before you get too attached. Pets are the worst thing for people with asthma."

I was tempted to ask him if he'd get rid of one of his children if he found out he was allergic to it.

[OakLeaf]

BUT - how is it you hadn't been tested for cat allergy? Pet allergies are pretty much impossible to treat (because of the genetic variations between individuals), but if you're allergic to one inhalant it's likely you're allergic to others as well. Definitely see an allergist and get on immunotherapy!

[tulip]

Growing up I had pretty much chronic bronchitis and sinus problems and infections. I probably also had asthma, but the topic never came up. I was pretty miserable for years because I couldn't breathe.

Then I went to college, and got much better, except when I went home for visits.I couldn't bring my cat to college! Growing up on a farm, we had lots of farm cats and a few house cats. I'll take breathing over cats any day!