Allergy Asthma
Allergy Asthma questions and answers
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Q: Allergy Asthma?
I have sinisitus. My mom has 2 fluffy cats and whenever I go visit my parents my allergies act up really really bad. I have these asthma like feeling, i can barely breathe, wheezing, couphing, etc. I have to sometimes step outside to get fresh air and try to clear out my lungs. This only happens when I go to my parents house, and I know its because its caused by the cats. And there its hair everywhere which makes it alot worse. How can I help cure this?
A: try taking allergy medication before you go so that the cats wont bother you,
you could have your parents visit you instead,
Q: Calling all Asthmatics! What are allergy medications that work with your asthma?
Ok, I have serious asthma + allergies, and I was wondering if anyone had any new allergy medications that they use (if you have asthma too) that have been effective for you! I have used zyrtec and singulair, neither have really worked. For me, the best so far has just been over the counter clariton, but there must be something better. Any ideas?
A: be careful of allergy medications that you use, even over the counter ones -- especially if they include "anti-histamine" which is number one contraindicated among people with asthma. this dries up your airways, so you think you feel better -- but it can do more harm than good.
my sister also has asthma -- she was taking over-the-counter benadryl before, but when we found out, we discouraged her from taking it (because of anti-histamine). so she was prescribed singulair -- she says it works. i guess not for you. what specifically triggers your asthma? is it the pollen? dust? pet dander? one thing you can do is avoid those allergens.
if im not mistaken (i kinda forgot) claritin also has some anti-histamine in it. i suggest you speak to your doctor about claritin, also let him/her know that singulair and zyrtec is not really working for you, and if there is anything that he can prescribed that is safe for people with asthma would be great. (a stronger dose maybe). but try not to self medicate. i suggest you speak to your physician first.
another option is your doctor might prescribe you some corticosteroids to help you manage your allegies. they help you tolerate the allergens that trigger your asthma attack -- but you must take them religiously.
Q: Can I change how I feel with allergy induced asthma?
About a year ago I found out I had allergy induced asthma.
I can not go outside in the morning without having trouble breathing. Everything makes me sneeze which gives me breathing problems. I love to be outside.
A: I have a son who had asthma as a child, and besides nutritional support in the way of improved diet, he took large quantities of Vitamin C. (you can get a buffered kind like Natrol that won't bother your stomach). Vita C is a potent anti-inflammatory that is helpful in allergies and asthma.
See the following page on asthma
http://www.building-your-green-home.com/asthma-symptoms.html
There are more pages on this site on allergies and asthma as well.
It may take you some time, but you can get better and enjoy the outdoors again. My son is grown now, and can be outside as much as he likes.
For more ideas on food and others with asthma who were helped by diet, see http://www.hacres.com
Hope this helps.
Q: I am looking for an allergy /asthma friendly cleaner for mold and mildew in the bathroom tile.?
Common cleaners with all their chemicals, found in retail stores make breathing difficult for me.
A: Try Ecover
Q: What are the strongest over the counter allergy/asthma meds?
Is it claritin, benadryl, zyrtec? I currently take claritin and I used to take benadryl, and they didn't work much at all unfortunately.
Would prescription meds such as allegra work better? Allegra unfortunately speeds me up so I'm hoping there is a version of it that does NOT contain a speed-like ingredient in it.
In anycase, I'm having a hard time controlling my allergies to scents and different odors, and so far nothing's working.
HELP!
A: I take Zyrtec or Benadryl alone w/ Singular!!!Not all meds work for every1!!!!!! Talk to your doc or pharmacist about your med problem and they might be able to help you!!!! Hope I helped!!!!
Q: Can you do anything to minimize allergy or asthma reactions to wood burning?
Due to the rising cost of oil I am forced to now burn wood as my main source of heat. I know that occasionally it affects myself and my son who both have allergies to trees and slight asthma. Is there any form of pervention that can be done to minimize the causes of these reactions? Special filters over the floor grate or something??
A: Try Zrytec. What kind of allergies are you getting? Zyrtec works, but it don't work for hives and it may have sideeffects that the bottle doesn't indicate.
Q: What is your allergy or asthma story?
I'm doing another school project and it would be nice to have some more sources. I need STORIES not information about asthma and allergies. Thanks so much!
A: im allergic to everything with fur or feathers!(omg)
i went to a house for a few hours, the people had two dogs(i was young and with an irresponsible adult) the dog kept followin me arround, anyways. i felt my chest tight as we were goin home and took my inhailor before bed(was too late tho) i struggled to breathe all night and when i woke up my windpipe was so tight i couldnt eat. i got taken to the emergency room, a quick check then home, a few minutes later- back to the hospital and unconcience with no oxygen getting to my brain for a long time. can tell u more if u need it
cxtwo@hotmail.co.uk
Q: Can I join the military if I have allergy-induced asthma?
I've asked lots of people this question and I always get different responses. I'll try and be as detailed as possible.
I have allergy-induced asthma, which means that when my allergies go off, I have trouble breathing. It's not that I CAN'T breath, its just that I have to breath deeper. I do not use an inhaler, but I do take drugs allegra and mucinex sometimes. They make it easier to breath, but sometimes I'll forget to take them and on those days I can still manage. I have never had an asthma attack.
My recruiter said that asthma past age 13 is an automatic DQ, but since I do not use an inhaler, the Army won't call my condition "asthma" and instead refer to it as "allergies". I should clarify that I have sporadicly used inhalers in the past, but I always hated using them so I quit. I don't think I've used an inhaler since I turned 13, but to be honest its been so long I can't remember. What do you think the chances of me getting in are?
I'm only allergic to dust, pollen, and some animal hair. So I'll only notice my AIA if its I'm outside during the summer or if I'm in a building where someone has *really* bad hygene.(Most public buildings are fine)
I should also clairify that don't think I've ever *needed* my inhaler and at this point in my life I'm just fine with the prospect of never using one again. I just wanted to know if previously using an inhaler was a DQ.
A: yes bring your inhaler
Q: Question about allergy and asthma specialists?
It seems that my allergies have been getting worse. It seems that the older I get the worse they get. So I'm going to be making an appointment with the allergy and asthma specialist. I've never been to an allergy specialist so I'm a little nervous. Has anyone ever been to see an allergy and asthma specialist? Also what do they usually do at the first appointment? What can they do to help me treat my allergies so my allergies are more managable?
A: I agree, don't stress out about it, it's not that bad.
On my first visit, they just did the initial questions then scheduled appts for skin allergy tests. My 2nd and 3rd visits were all allergy testing (had mine on the back). It wasn't near as bad as everyone makes it out to be. It's a little itchy, but when they're done they give you antihistimines that kick in very quickly.
I've been getting allergy shots for 3 years now and my allergies aren't as bad as when I started. It's definitely worth the time/energy to be diagnosed and treated.
Q: Can LAPD disqualify me medically if I have allergy induced asthma?
I have what you call asthma that is caused by my allergies. I'm not a chronic asthma sufferer. I have never been prescribed medicine for asthma, nor have I ever been rushed to the hospital due to suffocation. I have been attending the pre-academy program for 2 1/2 months now, and I’ve been performing fine. Unfortunately I have to place on my paperwork whatever it states on my Allergy doctor's medical file. I hope I don't get disqualified because I have made it this far and it will suck to see it all go away.
A: I would avoid telling any future employer of any illness due to discrimination (it raises their insurance premiums to hire people with pre-existing conditions or older workers). Unless you have to tell them.
Q: Can an allergy to sulfites cause asthma or does it have to be a pre existing condition?
I think (self-diagnosed) I have an allergy or intolerance for sulfites. It started off with hives, then progressed into my throat tightening a bit, now I have asthma like symptoms. I've been in perfect lung health my whole life, so I'm wondering if there's a correlation between sulfites and this onset of asthma.
A: Contact the Feingold Association.
www.feingold.org
I believe they list sulfites in their approved food lists. They maybe can help you with this. This could be very dangerous, especially if you do have a real asthma attack w/out an inhaler. Contact your Dr and tell him/her about your symptoms.
Q: How can I better my alertness and looks on days when taking multiple allergy/asthma medications?
Coz I can hardly get a thought out sometimes coz it makes me so drowsy, and it shows. People who know me know I'm sick with allergies on those days, but people I don't know, who might say, want to take a job application from me, have no idea I'm not always searching so hard for my words or swollen and stuff.
Everyday I take prescription Claritin, Nasonex, Singulair (night), Advair, and an albuterol inhaler. On bad days I also have to use Benadryl. The days I have to use it, it shows, coz usually not only am I puffy and stuffy sounding, but it makes me sleepy.Thanks! Trying to avoid stimulants, but it looks like I'll have to go back to drinking cappucino after all. That's going to wreck my diet....
A: I have two children with asthma and allergies and they take (other than their inhaled steroids) Zyrtec and Singulair. My other sons (just allergies) use Allegra and Claritin. None of their medications make them drowsy. I know Benedryl knocks them all out... but the others do not have that effect. Sudafed gives them all medicine-head.
You might want to just switch what you're taking. Speak with your physician about using prescription options that won't make you drowsy if you've just been trying to cope using over the counter stuff.
Also consider attacking each symptom individually with corticosteroids (prescription only) like Flonase for your nose... Patanol drops for your eyes... like that.
In the meantime... in an unfamiliar setting, it's socially acceptable to say "I apologize if I'm a bit 'off' today, but my allergies are acting up and the medication I took for them has made my head a bit foggy. I promise you I'm not off my game all the time." (smile sweetly)
Q: Can a pregnant woman take Benadryl/antihistamine to treat an allergic reaction or help allergy induced asthma?
If she is already taking inhaled steroid inhalers, regular inhalers, etc., is there anything else a pregnant woman can take to help allergic asthma and allergic reactions in serious cases? Can she take a small dose of an antihistamine such as Benadryl to help her get relief from symptoms?
A: Yes, both my midwife and OB said it was okay.
Well along with the paramedics when I had an allergic reaction.
>.<
I have horrible asthma and used my inhaler only when necessary, probably 10-15 times total my entire pregnancy, same with benedryl.
I found vicks and a humidifier REALLY helped, especcially in the third trimester, and that way she doesn't have to take medicine.
You can talk to your midwife/OB, but they will probably tell you to weigh the risks/benefits.
I know for me, the baby needs oxygen, and when I start to go into anaphlaxes I need to take benedryl.
Q: Does excessve allergy and asthma medication reduce one's attention span?
For my allergies and asthma, I use one symbicort puff and a nasal spray (two sprays); I do the whole thing once I awake and before I sleep. I've started it again recently and noticed that I've started to lose focus in my work, is there a connection?
I noticed that my allergy meds both contain some form of steroids....??
A: Not usually, T.J. ... not the ones you mention anyway.
Symbicort does contain a steroid (budesonide). You say you are on a steroid nasal spray as well.
This is probably Rhinocort (also budesonide), Flonase/Veramyst (fluticasone), Nasacort (triamcinolone) , or Beconase (beclomethasone).
All inhaled or nasal steroids have many potential side effects. Cognitive changes and attention deficts are not listed and I have never heard a patient complain of them in over a decade of prescribing them all.
Your symptoms are real, however, and may come from another source.
You say you are on other allergy medicines.
Perhaps an antihistamine like Allegra or zyrtec?
Antihistamines may cause sedation and central nervous system altering affects. Attention lapses are not common, but certainly possible.
You should share your symptoms with your physician. He/she may be able to adjust your medication to lessen this side effect.
Q: Are the cayman islands rough on allergy/asthma sufferers?
We've got seasonal allergies and also have one person with asthma. Will our trip to Grand Cayman be miserable?
A: I live in Cayman, and can assure you its a very healthy place, no need to worry about allergies and asthma. I used to suffer from terrible hay fever in the UK in summer, but in Cayman I never have. The atmosphere is humid, not dry. I have three children and only one of their friends has an inhaler for asthma - whereas in the UK all the kids seem to! The girl with asthma gets it really bad when they go to the US or the UK. I think the ocean breeze must help, plus the lack of pollution.
You'll have a great vacation! Must sees are Boatswain's Beach (Turtle Farm), Stingray City, Rum Point, Seven Mile Beach, and shopping in George Town. Plus we have some fabulous restaurants. Enjoy!