Comment from: Ana, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: November 13
I'm 32 years old. I had asthma all my life and I usually ended up in the emergency room twice a year, well there is actually 2 occasions where my asthma was completely controlled. The first one was when I was 12 or 13 years old I started seeing an allergist. I got desensitized and it worked. The treatment is based on a series of vaccines and it completely took away all my symptoms. I was a "normal" person. I jogged and danced and nothing ever got my breath away until I turned 20 or 21. After my first child it took me a long time before I found a treatment that worked, but I finally did after being in the ER twice in one week. I got an asthmatic doctor who told me he was going to give me the treatment he used and he said that I wouldn't get an attack again. Okay it was Flovent twice a day, Nasonex once in the morning, Foradil twice a day, and Singulair once a day and for the past 2 years I've been asthma free. I don't even take my Albuterol with me everywhere. I actually don't use it (I don't recommend this), but I'm truly happy with the treatment and I know is a lot, but it becomes part of your daily routine just like washing your face or brushing your teeth! I hope at least one person benefit from this comment. It has been life changing for me and I hope it would be for someone else.
Comment from: still fighting, 65-74 Female (Patient)Published: August 17
I was diagnosed with COPD about 15 yrs ago after suffering from Asthma for almost 25 yrs. I was forced to go on disability and have managed to lead a fairly normal life except I lead a very sedentary lifestyle due to shortness of breath. I quit smoking 17 yrs ago after smoking for 35 yrs. I had tried many times previously but failed until I used a nicotine patch. Thank God for that success. I know I have shortened my life but have managed with meds like Advair, Singulair, Spiriva, Theodor, Ventolin inhaler, and sometimes Predinsone to get along. I only wish I had been able to quit smoking sooner than I did but I suffered from terrible withdrawal symptoms. I lost my best friend last week to COPD. My advice - don't quit trying to quit smoking! You can succeed!
Comment from: sk8r, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: February 10
I have been using Advair for my asthma for a few years, and I don't know what I would do without it. I use it once in the morning and at night and when I am finding it difficult to breathe (from colds or illness). Since using Advair, my need for Ventolin has diminished dramatically. It also allows me to go for a run and figure skate, which was always difficult to do before using Advair.
Comment from: Gracie M., 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: December 02
I have had asthma since birth and couldn't be treated until I was 3. I have taken a bunch of stuff over the years, and nothing has worked as well as Advair HFA. It's the first time in my life I've been able to breathe "normally." My doctor tries to get me off of it every six months or so because it can cause loss of bone density. I say, “At least I'll still be able to breathe!”
Published: July 30
One size doesn't fit all. I tried Albuterol and Levalbuterol Tartrate. Albuterol made my heart pound and I had insomnia. After 2 months, I had to use it day and night until, while in the shower, my lungs closed completely and I grabbed my old bottle of Primatene Mist and it saved me. Levalbuterol Tartrate had less side effects but I had to use it more and more until it was also day and night instead of once a night that I needed while taking Primatene Mist. I didn't have a pounding heart or insomnia on Primatene Mist and I used it for 23 years. Now the FDA is taking it off the shelves and my life will be ruined! There is a lot of incorrect information out there about Beta 2 agonists. My drug information that came with the Albuterol, said it actually causes asthma and causes paradoxical reactions. Not all people can take it! Taking Primatene Mist off the market is cruel to people like me and people who have no insurance.
Comment from: nvmapper, 55-64 Male (Patient)Published: October 12
I developed asthma-like symptoms at age 40. I was treated for five years with Prednisone and developed cataracts in both eyes by age 44! I weaned myself off the prednisone because I had developed osteoporosis. My latest hospital visit was for thirty-six hours where they gave me intravenous Prednisone every four hours. I didn't take the prescribed oral drug at all after discharge and suffered no side effects. Prednisone doesn't cure anything, it just hides the symptoms. Besides making one fat and short tempered, there are some real bad side effects that will make one's life miserable. Antibiotics, Albuterol, and Singulair helped me recover from this latest attack.
Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on MedicineNet. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. MedicineNet does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid
contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are heartburn,
regurgitation, and nausea. Effective treatment is available for most patients with GERD.
Sinus infection (sinusitis) signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.
Bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system in which the bronchial passages become inflamed. There are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Symptoms of acute bronchitis include frequent cough with mucus, lack of energy, wheezing, and possible fever. Treatment may require medication such as bronchial inhalers and predinsone. Supportive treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms with fever reducers, cough suppressants, and rest. Treatment may be more aggressive in patients with pre-existing conditions such as empyema, COPD, or cigarette smoking.
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow. COPD mainly involves three related conditions, chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include chronic cough, shortness of breath, frequent respiratory infections, wheezing, morning headaches, and pulmonary hypertension. Treatment of COPD is focused on the related condition(s).
Whooping cough (pertussis) is highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. There are an estimated 300,000 plus deaths annually from whooping cough (pertussis). Whopping cough commonly affects infants and young children, but can be prevented with immunization with the vaccine. First stage whooping cough symptoms are a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, a mild cough with the cough gradually becoming more severe. After one to two weeks, the second stage of whooping cough begins.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical antiinflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.
Chronic bronchitis is a cough that occurs daily with production of sputum that lasts for at least three months, two years in a row. Causes of chronic bronchitis include cigarette smoking, inhaled irritants, and underlying disease processes (such as asthma, or congestive heart failure). Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Treatments include bronchodilators and steroids. Complications of chronic bronchitis include COPD and emphysema.
Mold exposure may cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to molds. Symptoms of mold allergy include sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, coughing, redness of the eyes, and rash. Prevent mold growth by keeping indoor humidity low, between 30%-50%, using bathroom fans when showering, repairing plumbing leaks quickly, and using an air conditioner during humid seasons.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional disturbances that occur after a woman ovulates and ends with menstruation. Common PMS symptoms include depression, irritability, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings. For some women PMS symptoms can be controlled with medications and lifestyle changes such as exercise, nutrition, and a family and friend support system.
Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep because of difficulty falling asleep; waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep; waking up too early in the morning; or unrefreshing sleep. Secondary insomnia is the most common type of insomnia. Treatment for insomnia include lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.
Patients who have infrequent, mild bouts of asthma attacks may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat their asthma symptoms. OTC asthma medicines are limited to epinephrine and ephedrine. These OTC drugs are best used with the guidance of a physician, as there may be side effects and the drugs may not be very effective.
Fatigue can be described in various ways. Sometimes fatigue is described as feeling a lack of energy and motivation (both mental and physical). The causes of fatigue are generally related to a variety of conditions or diseases for example, anemia, mono, medications, sleep problems, cancer, anxiety, heart disease, drug abuse, and more. Treatment of fatigue is generally directed toward the condition or disease that is causing the fatigue.
Asthma, the main cause of chronic illness in children, has signs and symptoms in children that include frequent coughing spells, low energy while playing, complaints of chest "hurting," wheezing while breathing, shortness of breath, and feelings of tiredness. Treatment will involve a doctor creating an asthma action plan which will describe the use of asthma medications and when to seek emergency care for the child.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
There are many unusual symptoms of asthma, including sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, chronic cough, recurrent walking pneumonia, and rapid breathing. These symptoms may vary from individual to individual. These asthma complexities make it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat asthma.
Sleepwalking is a condition in which an individual walks or does other activities while asleep. Factors associated with sleepwalking include genetic, environmental, and physiological. Episodes of sleepwalking may include quiet walking to agitated running. Conditions that may have similar symptoms of sleepwalking, but are not include night terrors, confusional arousals, and nocturnal seizures. Treatment of sleepwalking generally include preventative measures. Medication may be prescribed if necessary.
There are two types of asthma medications: long-term control with anti-inflammatory drugs and quick relief from bronchodilators. Asthma medicines may be inhaled using a metered dose inhaler or nebulizer or they may be taken orally. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or heart disease shouldn't take OTC drugs like Primatene Mist and Bronkaid.
Acid backing up into the larynx (voice box), it causes reflux laryngitis. Irritation of the lining of the esophagus, larynx, and throat can lead to esophagitis, sinusitis, strictures, hoarseness, throat clearing, swallowing problems, asthma, chronic cough, and more. Typical symptoms of reflux laryngitis include heartburn, hoarseness, or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Reflux laryngitis can be treated with OTC medication, prescription medication, and lifestyle changes.
Adult-onset asthma is asthma that is diagnosed in people over 20 years of age. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications or bronchodilators.
Common sources of indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroaches, molds, pets, and plants. Managing allergies caused by indoor allergens means reducing your exposure to them.
The lungs are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood. Eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood is important, because as it builds up in the blood, headaches, drowsiness, coma, and eventually death may occur. The air we breathe in (inhalation) is warmed, humidified, and cleaned by the nose and the lungs.
Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by exposure to a substance in the workplace. Symptoms and signs include wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The usual treatment for occupational asthma involves removal from exposure and the use of bronchodilators and inhaled anti-inflammatory medicines.
Exercise-induced asthma is asthma triggered by vigorous exercise. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and fatigue while exercising. Preventing exercise-induced asthma attacks involves using inhaled medicines before exercising, performing warm-up exercises and cooling down afterward, avoiding exercising outdoors when pollen counts are high, restricting exercise when you have a viral infection, and wearing a mask over your nose and mouth when exercising in cold weather.
Secondhand smoke can cause illness and disease in nonsmokers. Some of these conditions include lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses such as asthma, SIDS, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Learn how you can protect yourself and your family from secondhand smoke exposure in the home environment and workplace.
Oximetry is a procedure for measuring the concentration of oxygen in the blood. The test is used in the evaluation of various medical conditions that affect the function of the heart and lungs.
How is oximetry done?
This is done using an oximeter, a photoelectric device specially designed for this purpose. A reusable probe can be placed on the finger or a single use tape probe is placed on the earlobe or finger.
What are pulse oximeters?
The oximeters most commonly used today are called pulse oximeters because they respond only to pulsations, such as those in pulsating capillaries of the area tested.
How common are oximeters?
Oximeters are now a virtual fixture in intensive care units, pulmonary units and elsewhere in hospitals and health care facilities.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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I'm 32 years old. I had asthma all my life and I usually ended up in the emergency room twice a year, well there is actually 2 occasions where my asthma was completely controlled. The first one was when I was 12 or 13 years old I started seeing an allergist. I got desensitized and it worked. The treatment is based on a series of vaccines and it completely took away all my symptoms. I was a "normal" person. I jogged and danced and nothing ever got my breath away until I turned 20 or 21. After my first child it took me a long time before I found a treatment that worked, but I finally did after being in the ER twice in one week. I got an asthmatic doctor who told me he was going to give me the treatment he used and he said that I wouldn't get an attack again. Okay it was Flovent twice a day, Nasonex once in the morning, Foradil twice a day, and Singulair once a day and for the past 2 years I've been asthma free. I don't even take my Albuterol with me everywhere. I actually don't use it (I don't recommend this), but I'm truly happy with the treatment and I know is a lot, but it becomes part of your daily routine just like washing your face or brushing your teeth! I hope at least one person benefit from this comment. It has been life changing for me and I hope it would be for someone else.
Related Reading: asthma | Albuterol