Asthma

Question: Asthma???? Is it possible that i might have asthma? I have spells where it seems hard to take a full breath and times where it doesnt bother me at all. And is it possible that it could spring up overnight? Cause i have had some problems before when running, but three days ago i just woke up with the problem in the morning, and it doenst bother me when im sleeping or right after i get up...What could i have? Asthma?

Answer: I've had asthma for 19 years and what you describe does sound like it. Many things can trigger asthma and it's different for everyone. While running or waking up short of breath in the morning could affect one person, it doesn't mean someone else with asthma will have the same symptoms. Asthma can come and go and you can go through cycles where it's worse at one point and better at others. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor and talk to him or her about your treatment options. You should get a rescue inhaler that you can use whenever you have an acute attack. They might recommend that you go on a daily preventative medicine, also.

Question: How is exercise induced asthma different to regular asthma? My asthma only kicks in whenever I begin to run or jog, and it always last for the first 15 minutes making breathing difficult. But I refuse to use an inhaler and I push through and keep running even though the air going in to my lungs is tiny. After a while my chest loosens up and my breathing returns to normal. So how is my asthma different to regular asthma?

Answer: I have exercise induced asthma and at times I can deal with it without my inhaler but I find it's easier just to take the inhaler if it's not cleared out so I can breathe properly, hence a better run. I also have asthma of other triggers (dust, pets etc) They're the same thing, sometimes you can work it thru on your own but I just don't see the point to '*suffer* if I don't have to. I'll do it for a few mins etc but if it's not improving (and sometimes it can) I inhale-I don't care how it looks. It's not fun not being able to breathe!

Question: How to treat asthma and how to prevent allrgic asthma attacks? I have always been sensitive to air pollution, smoke, dust, pollen and other things that trigger asthma. How can I help myselfwith asthma attacks?

Answer: Do not smoke or allow smoking in your home - Babies exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to get asthma. If a woman is exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy, her baby may also be more likely to get asthma. If animal dander is a problem for you, keep your pet out of the house or at least out of your bedroom, or find it a new home. If pollen is a problem for you, if possible, stay indoors with the air conditioner on, when the pollen count is high. Do not run the air-conditioning, whether in car or indoors, on the setting that draws in outside air and cools it. Outside air brings with it pollen, and cool, pollinated air is bad for asthma. To control dust mites, wash your sheets, blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys once a week in hot water. You can get special dust proof covers for your mattress and pillows. If cold air bothers you, wear a scarf over your mouth and nose in the winter. There are a number of highly effective herbal and homeopathic remedies that may be used for the successful treatment of asthma and other respiratory conditions. Depending on the severity of the asthma, natural remedies can either reduce or completely eliminate the need for the synthetic drugs and are often used in conjunction with conventional medications as a part of a holistic treatment plan. Herbal ingredients such as Matricaria recutita and Astralagus are known for their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, while homeopathic ingredients such as Mag. Phos. and Nat. Sulph are successful at easing chest and throat constriction and soothing mucous membranes while reducing the presence of phlegm in the chest. Used regularly, natural remedies can help improve respiratory health, reduce the incidence and severity of asthma attacks while strengthening the immune system. You may get detailed info on the above here http://www.healthherbsandnutrition.com/remedies/a/asthma.htm

Question: What are the different types of asthma how many different types are there? I have Bronchoal Asthma. My doctor said it is not like other asthma. He also said it was the worst form of asthma. I really don't use any breathing devices much anymre and I very rarly feel breathless

Answer: two types bronchial asthma & cardiac asthma. In ur case it is an hypersensitive reaction, the basophill bursts & realease a chemical & it constricts the broncii thus u feel breathless

Question: Is someone in a household has asthma, is raising a cat a bad idea? I have a short hair cat that I've had for 2 years now, and my father who has asthma says that we need to get rid of her because she'll irritate his asthma. I love my cat, but of course my father comes first, but I need to confirm whether cats irritate asthma or not. What do you think / know about this? Also, she has been peeing and pooping sometimes in random places (she is litter trained but she's been bad ever since about a year ago) How can I fix this?

Answer: There is a lot of varying factors that could play into this. Some asthma patients have irritation and inflammation of the bronchi from different reasons. Usually, they have nothing to do with the cat. With cat allergies, it is usually an allergy to the cat's saliva - you know, the human petting the cat after the cat has cleaned himself with his tongue. Then they touch their mouth and nose and face. Jus relax, don't be silly about the cat. In all likelihood, there will be no problem relative to the cat bothering the asthma. as far as the pooping problem - have you moved her stuff? is her food and water close to the litter box? Can she always get to her potty easily? If so, clean everything, put in new litter and put her in a secluded room for a few hours. During her seclusion, go in a visit with her, love her and pet her. Keep the littler box very clean. If you do this for a couple of days, then leave her out longer and longer, she should be solid on where she should do her business. Sometimes an illness or changes in routine can bring about a bit of a rebellion. I have a persian that if I miss cleaning the litter box, she will go poop on the dog blankets/beds. She will not use a dirty litter box. Just help her out, break it down for her, and she will understand. Cats are smart and clean and neat unless they are expressing a problem. We, as cat mommies, just have to learn to listen. goodluck

Question: What is the best asthma inhaler or anything that can help asthma? i have tried everything. albuteral inhaler cingulair pill &advair. please help nothing works and i get asthma attacks every time i run! thanks a bunch i will give the best answer to the person that has personal experience and an explanation. thanks ps my doctor is stupid and doesnt know what to do now!

Answer: Your problem isn't just the inhaler, it's that few doctors understand asthma. I use the Ventolin inhaler but, honestly, what has really helped me is cutting out a lot of dairy in my diet. I drink AT LEAST 8 big glasses of water per day and avoid all dairy: milk, cheese, etc. I won't say I never have dairy but after a month of cutting way back on dairy, I noticed I wasn't needing my inhaler as often. Also, take a product with Guaifenesin in it like Mucinex. Guaifenesin is good for people with asthma. I buy stuff at the Dollar Store that has Guaifenesin in it and it really helps me.

Question: How much does asthma medicine for a nebulizer cost? My girlfriend may need to get a nebulizer to treat her asthma. We are having trouble finding an average cost for the medicine used with one. I realize that there different medicines that can be used, but what is the average cost we can expect for the medicine?

Answer: The actualy nebulizer is pretty pricy...from 100 to 300 hundred dollars and the actualy medicine itself actually is pretty cheep, about 55 dollars but it comes with 50 vial tubes and only one is needed in each treatment. THen again you need to see what your insurance covers because with our insurance the machine cost $50 and the medicine $22. Good Luck, hope you can find your answer!

Question: How might my asthma react to the hot and humid weather in Thailand? Going on a 3 week holiday but unsure how humidity and heat and asthma mix? Thanks I'm going to Chiang Mai in the north.

Answer: It truly depends on your body and your symptoms. Mine act up more in a dry heat in the summer verses a humid heat.

Question: What are the medical rules regarding asthma type conditions and commercial airline pilots? I am 17 years and always wanted to be a pilot with RAF. Have just been rejected because I had 'asthma type symptoms' when I was younger, although was tested for asthma and the diagnosis was negative. However they now say that because I am sensitive to respiratory conditions I can never fly. I don't have any problems now and you will be hard pushed to find anyone fitter than me. Are the medical rules the same for commercial pilots?

Answer: I'm not sure what the rules are in the UK, but they tend to mirror the US. And asthma isn't one of those listed. But even if they do restrict it, you can always apply for a waiver. It doesn't matter which bureaucracy you're in contact with, there's always a way to outmaneuver a requirement.

Question: Asthma: What are some ways to control a cough for a child with asthma? My niece is staying with us and has asthma and has started coughing. It was a last minute decision and she didn't have her inhaler with her. She's sleeping and just starting to cough, but I don't want to let that go because it could throw her into an attack.

Answer: This has happened to me as well. I have asthma and when I sleep over at someone's house my lungs usually flair up. Its probably because of an alergin in the area. Is your niece sleeping on the floor or in a bed? If on the floor, it could be dust, and if in a bed, it could be that the bedding is feather. I would reccomend checking the bedding to see if it has feathers in it. Some other common triggers that could be causing the cough are pollen, cat or other animal dander, dust mites, or mildew/mold. If you can find the trigger and remove it, you should be good to go.

Question: Is it possible to have asthma and not have asthma attacks? I think I might have a minor case of asthma because my chest hurts badly when I run and for the rest of that day. I've never had an asthma attack, so is it at all possible to have asthma? I have an appointment to see a doctor but I wanted to know if anyone knew beforehand.

Answer: Yes, it is. Symptoms are * Tightness in the chest * Characteristic 'wheezing' sound, especially when exhaling * Shortness of breath * Persistent cough, especially at night * May have increased pulse, anxiety or fear Asthma has typically been divided into two major categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic, or atopic, asthma is generally considered an allergic condition, with a characteristic increase in levels of serum IgE-the allergic antibody. Intrinsic asthma is associated with a bronchial reaction that is due not to allergy, but rather to such factors as toxic chemicals, cold air, exercise, infection, and emotional upset. Both extrinsic and intrinsic factors trigger the release of chemicals like histamine that mediate (produce or control) inflammation from mast cells-specialized white blood cells that reside in various body tissues, including the lining of the respiratory passages. The rate of asthma in the United States is rising rapidly, especially among children. Reasons often given to explain the rise in asthma include: increased stress on the immune system due to greater chemical pollution in the air, water, and food; earlier weaning and earlier introduction of solid foods to infants; food additives; and genetic manipulation of plants, resulting in food components with greater allergenic tendencies. There are four important dietary therapies in asthma: elimination of food allergies, following a vegetarian diet, and elimination of food additives. If you'd like to read more, go here: http://www.doctormurray.com/conditions/Asthma.asp

Question: Do live chickens aggravate asthma? Are there ways to remove spurs from young and growing roosters? My mother-in-law is a teacher in an elementary school and has a chick as a classroom pet. She is wondering if live chickens are likely to aggravate asthma in children. Also, the chick appears to be growing spurs and she is concerned that when the chick becomes older that he will use them against the classroom children. Is there way to remove the spurs that grow on roosters (in a humane manner)? If so, what would something like that cost? Thank you for your assistance.

Answer: yes they carry pet dander (DOWN) like any other bird... about the spurs I can't tell you, because I know nothing about this sorry.

Question: What's the difference between out of puff and asthma attack? I have read in the Asthma magazine a report to an asthmatic middle age man, he said that many people do not know the difference between being out of breath and asthma attack, can anyone explain? I think that gasping for air is like asthma attack or is not? Thanks for answers.

Answer: Exercise related gasping is just the bodies response to your cells needed more oxygen than your lungs are currently providing. This will soon pass as you stop exercising. In a full blown asthma attack the little air passages (bronchioles) become constricted and it is hard to get air in or out of your lungs. These people do gasp, but it doesn't stop until the bronchioles relax with medications (either inhaled or steroids) Or, in worst case scenario the person will be intubated and have a machine do the work for them. So to answer your question, it is completely different.

Question: Whats the difference between asthma and bronchitis? I have asthma, but lately I have experience burning of the chest, chills, chest pains, shortness of breath and a hack. I am use to wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. I went to the doctor and she gave me an asthma treatment and this medicine called predisnone. It helped a little, but now my chest is burning. I also had a temperature of 99. Are asthma and bronchitis related?

Answer: Asthma is inflammation and constriction of the lower airways. Bronchitis is inflammation of the upper airway. In my years in the medical field, I have noticed that people with asthma are more prone to getting bronchitis than those whom do not have asthma. With bronchitis, you usually cough up a lot of phlegm. A temp of 99 is not really considered a temp. Most hospitals don't consider it a critical temp until it is 103 or 104. I usually don't give meds to my kids until it is 101 or 102. So 99 is not bad. Now...asthma meds are known to cause heart burn or indigestion. So that is very possible what you have. The symptoms sound just like it. Are you belching a lot? If so,is there a foul odor with your belch? I hope this helped. Message me, if you need more info. I will be super busy this weekend so I may not be on Yahoo Answers much but I will be checking my email.

Question: If you're an asthmatic, how can you tell the difference between an asthma attack and a panic attack? I've had asthma for approximately 14 years but it's gradually getting worse as I get older and my attacks are more frequent. I've been put on additional preventative medicine but have always wondered about the difference between asthma and anxiety/panic attacks. I'm not sure if I experience the latter because my asthma does scare me on occasion. Is it normal to get scared during an attack? How can you tell if it's just a little fear or full blown anxiety? Things I have been experiencing lately are: wheezy cough, chest soreness and aches, breathlessness, and feeling as if weights are sitting on my chest. Sometimes I feel achey and weak all over. At times, I get frustrated when my asthma is out of control because it's hard to breathe but I do not hyperventilate or experience a racing heart. I just have difficulty getting a breath and I become really achey, especially after I take my rescue inhaler. What am I experiencing and is it typical for an asthma attack or panic attack?

Answer: I think you're experiencing asthma attacks. I have asthma and anxiety and I don't know.. I guess I just "know" the difference when it happens. An asthma attack is like.. no matter WHAT you do, you can breathe in or out without feeling like someone's choking the life out of you until you puff your inhaler. An anxiety attack is more... well.. i can feel it coming on. My body starts shaking a little, my mouth goes dry, and I hyperventilate. When it comes to actual breathing, I can better control my breathing during an anxiety attack as opposed to an asthma attack. This is probably one of the best questions I've read so far. You should ask a doctor about it though. These are just my experiences. Great question =)

Question: Whats the difference between an Asthma attack and having Asthma? What is the difference? Sometimes my friend will be lyk "oh i just have asthma right now" and at other times he would say something lyk "I had an asthma attack". I know asthma attacks are when you cant breathe, but isnt having asthma the same thing? And if having an asthma attack means abruptly, they cant happen abruptly right? something needs to trigger it? And if you are sleeping and you wake up and have an asthma attack, what caused that? Sorry for so many questions, 10 points to best answer.

Answer: First off. I've had Asthma since I was born. In some areas it's bad. Alot of the main things that trigger Asthma are (but are not limited to) Pollution (I once lived on a Air Force Base so that gave me alot of trouble),Pollen,if you have any Animal Allergys that can trigger it, Smoke (definately),and Changing of the seasons (it might be just for me =(.). Also having a Asthma attack is not always serious. Although it should be treated immediately it can range from just a slight shortness of breath to where you can barely breathe to not being able to breathe at all. Everyone with Asthma should have a strong enough Inhaler nearby incase of a Attack since they can come randomly. I know this since I've had them recently. For awhile I was having a slight shortness of breath and I shrugged it off then 3 months later as I was watching a movie I fell asleep. I woke up near the end barely being able to breathe. I had to rush to the hospital to get a inhaler. After learning from that mistake I always carry it everywhere. Asthma Attacks would most likely wake you up if you're sleeping and as I said they can be random or there could've been some source in your house as in Smoke,Dander, etc. etc. Something doesn't always need to trigger it to answer that question. It's completely random. Asthma has always been around, and yes people have died from it before there was a treatment available. Currently there are Inhalers,Nebulizers,and portable Nebulizers for treatments that I know. Asthma is not curable and it can be developed in life. Not everyone developes it and it's uncommon to see someone develope it. I hope this answers most of your questions and if not just say so and I'll post additional info. about Asthma. It's something serious but it can be controled if you're prepared. Hope this helps ^^.