Asthma sufferers please lend me your remedies!

[gr8tpanther]

I have been recently diagnosed with ASTHMA! However, the inhalers (2 of them) don't work! They offer NO relief. I am on Advair and Albuterol. But when my breathing feels constricted.... nothing helps. It feels like a ton of elephants are standing on my chest and nothing help.

What do you do for relief?

 

[Lars624]

Advair & Albuterol work for me, but everyone is different....my niece uses them + Singulair.....maybe the Singluar would help you....I hope you find something that works.

 

[staci]

Im just now going through this too; i just posted a thread yesterday asking what sets people's asthma off if you want to check it out.

It is really frustrating and no fun. I totally feel your pain. I feel like crying when it gets real bad but I know if I did that would further reduce my oxygen so i dont. Its very scary.

I hope someone can give us insight. It took me awhile to get to the point where the medicine felt like it was helping AT ALL. I couldnt breathe period for about 1-2 weeks, now (about 4 wks in) I am finally to the point where I can notice a change after using the inhaler.

I still have to be very relaxed and not move around much. Almost anything will set me off. If I sit still and dont talk all day it feels better.

 

[gr8tpanther]

Can you use the Advair and the Albuterol at the same time? I can use the Albuterol up to 4xs a day, the Advair 2x, but both at the same time? Will it hurt me to do that? New to all these med things. ugh!

 

[staci]

I am using flovent 2x a day, and albuterol 4x, although my flovent is almost out.

I would think that if the doc gave you both that is what they intended although i would call to double check.

I am to take the flovent in the am and at night, and the albuterol every 4 hours as needed. (IT is ALWAYS needed)

 

[Tiggeroo]

you need to work with your dr. He can help you solve this. You just may need to try different things. When my asthma was very out of control I needed steroids and breathing treatments. When you are very inflamed the inhalers have trouble penetrating. My bil even has a home nebulizer.
While you are suffering drink hot tea with lemon or just hot water with lemon. You need to thin the mucous and get it out of your lungs. Also find your triggers. This way you can avoid them or take something preventatively when you will be around them.

 

[gr8tpanther]

I have flovent too and he just gave me a new one today.. Nasonex. I feel like I am sitting on a small pharmacy here.

Do vaporizors help?

 

[Lars624]

I don't know the answer to that.......I've never used them together.
The Advair isn't a rescue inhaler like the albuterol & I've not needed them at the same time. The Advair is used twice a day, I use mine in the morning & at night.

 

[Lars624]

For me breathing cool air helps.

 

[chell]

Singulair has really helped me. Staying away from smokers has also greatly helped me as that is one of the big things that set if off for me.

Not sure if you can use Advair & Albuterol at the same time. Did your doctor or anyone tell you to make sure you rinse our your mouth after each use? that keeps you from getting an infection in your mouth.

 

[staci]

I have flovent too and he just gave me a new one today.. Nasonex. I feel like I am sitting on a small pharmacy here.

Do vaporizors help?

For me it seems like showers (hot steam) make it worse but i have heard many people say it helps them. I think it varies. I know I approach any steam or temperature change with caution.

 

[gr8tpanther]

you need to work with your dr. He can help you solve this. You just may need to try different things. When my asthma was very out of control I needed steroids and breathing treatments. When you are very inflamed the inhalers have trouble penetrating. My bil even has a home nebulizer.
While you are suffering drink hot tea with lemon or just hot water with lemon. You need to thin the mucous and get it out of your lungs. Also find your triggers. This way you can avoid them or take something preventatively when you will be around them.

I was just in the hospital on Oxygen, breathing treatments, inhalers, and steroids. My lungs weren't holding oxygen. Now that I am out... I am suffering again.

I don't like this.

 

[Lars624]

I don't like this.

It's not fun, I've been dealing with it since I was 7.

 

[staci]

I was just in the hospital on Oxygen, breathing treatments, inhalers, and steroids. My lungs weren't holding oxygen. Now that I am out... I am suffering again.

I don't like this.

Wow that is scary.

I think this year must be HORRIBLE for asthma. My dsil had hers flair up after 10 years with no inhaler needed, and a girl at church had the same thing. I just got loosely diagnosed with it, and my dad (who has always had it mild) has actually had to leave work becuase of it (which he has NEVER done).

Im hoping you find relief soon.

 

[gr8tpanther]

It's not fun, I've been dealing with it since I was 7.

I have to see a lung specialist and have a scope done to see if there is damage or something, don't quite understand it all, they are talking surgery? Is this something they do for asthma?

 

[Aidensmom]

I have certain times of the year when it is hard to avoid what I am allergic to where it seems like the albuterol isn't helping much. For me, hot showers (steam) and drinking hot tea (again, the steam) help some, as well as the fact that I do regular cardio exercise to increase my lung capacity. I try to avoid my allergens as much as possible, and take antihistimines.

 

[kittythepoohbear]

I do not have asthma. However, as a voice teacher, I have taught many students of all ages that do have asthma and they have found that some of the breathing exercises we do for building breath support and control have helped them with their asthma. Specifically, we work on taking deep full breaths utilizing the diaphragm, the upper and lower abs, and the intercostal muscles (these help support the rib cage.) This allows the body take deeper breaths instead of the shallow, upper chest breathing we tend to do when we feel short of breath and is actually the way our bodies are designed to breathe. You may want to speak with your doctor and see if there are any exercises you can do when things are not acting up as much. They may help you in the long run. Feel free to pm for info on the breathing exercises I teach my students, but I would still recommend checking with your dr. first to make sure they would do no harm.

Feel better!

Kat

 

[kilee]

You will need to really work w/ your doctors to find the right combo that will work for you. I know I had adult onset of asthma- it took them 2 years to be able to get it "controlled" for the most part. I spent a lot of time on different meds. The biggest thing is that some meds- like Advair can take 2-3 weeks before you'll start getting any benefit from them.

Also, it will help if you know your asthma triggers. Some people will fall into groups that don't have a definitive trigger, but most people do. This way you can avoid the triggers or adjust your meds accordingly. I know I have cat and enviromental allergies. As well as Oak-- lucky me has multiple oak tree's all around my house. So when they are in their "season" I have to up my meds. I usually take the middle (250/50) does once a day of Advair. In one of my peak seasons I have to up it to the highest dose (500/50) twice a day. Or when I get a serious chest cold.

Anyhow- for me Singulair and Advair work. I have the Albuterol as a rescue inhaler. Also, seems I wind up on the Medrol Dose Pack at least once or twice a year too.

Good luck.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I've always had asthma and have to say the medicines now out are the best that they have ever been. That being said it really does take time to find the best combination of meds to help you.

First with the Advair, that is not a fast acting relief. This is a medicine that is used as a preventive that is built up over time. It comes in a variety of doses and its possible that you need a stronger one. I take the 250 Advair, singulair 1x, 2 allergra D, and allergy shots 2x. I also have an albeutrol inhaler and a breathing treatment machine. Panther you might look into the machine for you. There are several meds now for the machine that are wonderful without the twitchy feeling and the heart racing.

For people who can't get relief, talk to your doctor, I personally HATE steroids but probably taked them 3 or 4x a year especially after a rough asthma patch. Predisones are wonderful with the easing of the pains in the chest. Also have ya'll been to the doctor recently? Is it possible you have a chest cold and need some antibiotics to get it out. I know that when I have a chest cold my asthma is really aggreavated by it.

I would try some vicks on your chest to just help ease the congestion. Don't be afraid to use your inhaler as you need it and last DRINK COFFEE. If you dont like regular coffee put some flavoring in it. The heat and the caffine acts as a stimulant to ease the tightness. I always have a canister of instant flavored cappucino in the house and at the office. When I feel the tightness I have my inhaler and a cup of coffee. It doesn't always work but it helps ease it up at least. Also, I would see what is causing your attacks. Something has to be triggering them whether its just the cold weather or something from allergies or the common cold. Good luck and hope ya'll feel better. So far this winter mine has been under control (knock on wood)

 

[kilee]

Just wanted to add- w/ the Advair and Albuterol--- One is a daily maintence medicaiton (Advair). The Albuterol is usually a rescue inhaler for when you have a problem. Some people will use it on a daily scheduled basis though- and in that case I'd ask the doctor how to space the 2 meds.

Also-- someone mentioned the mucus. I know that when I have 1 flare up-- I am usually in for a good 7-14 days of them. So, after the first one, I will start taking an expectorant (like Mucinex- it's OTC) daily. It will help keep my lungs alittle clearer.