Asthma

[BountyHunter]

This my First Thread. I think im geting asthma. Im coughing at night. and had asthma attack in the past day. It started a week ago. Im calling the doctor tomorow. I there anything i can do that would help me right now?

 

[bumbershoot]

If you can stand the caffeine tonight, a cup of strong black coffee will quite often help me at the start of an attack. A cup of nettle tea is better, but I doubt you have nettles on hand.

And stores do still carry those inhalers but I can't remember what they're called. I had hubby go out to get one one night, it's what my mom had before they had all the prescription stuff...oh I wish I could remember the name, but it was at the normal grocery store. Didn't have the same crazy-making effects as the inhalers I've used did, either! (albuterol is evil on my system, makes me homicidal)

 

[pooh17]

One over the counter inhaler is called primatene mist. It worked moderately well for my DH. He also had adult onset asthma which was getting worse. I know this will sound crazy, but he gave up all artificial sweeteners (like nutrasweet/asparatame) and his asthma improved by about 90%. We think he was allergic. He will still have an attack if around heavy perfumes, but is now fine otherwise and does not use his inhaler. Are you a heavy diet coke (or the like) drinker by chance? Check out asparatame alergies on google.

 

[EthansMom]

If it only started last week and hasn't been a problem previously, then you are more likely to have bronchitis or pneumonia than asthma. Both bronchitis and pneumonia have similar symptoms to asthma. I know this because my kids have asthma and I tend to get bronchitis and/or pneumonia 1-2 times per year.

Go see your doctor. If you've got pneumonia, you'll need an antibiotic. Also, albuterol inhalers can help people with respiratory problems (like bronchitis) other than asthma. I finally asked my Dr. for an inhaler this last year when I had pneumonia real bad.

 

[Goofycampers]

Asthma is a very serious condition . If you are coughing continuously and having difficulty breathing you should go to the ER or an urgent care center.

 

[luvwinnie]

I wouldn't wait until tomorrow. Call today and try to be seen. What do you mean by "attack" exactly? I take Asmanex which helps a lot. Keep in mind people with asthma are at higher risk if they contract swine flu (or any flu really), but this one is definitely hitting our group hard apparently.

 

[BountyHunter]

I had a flu a few weeks ago. Im going to the hospiatl soon