Asthma

not sure if this will help.  at my job i have to wear a respirator.  i had to get fitted and i did a lot of exhaling into a machine to determine my lungs tidal volume...i think.  the docs said i was on the low end - not quite asthmatic BUT a 'reactive airway'.  in a nutshell they told me that if i have problems outside during training (dusts, pollens and everything else) that taking a hit off of an inhaler will relax my airway prior to running or biking allowing my to get more air in and breath easier.  i have never done this though as i feel good so far BUT it may be an option for u.  talk to your doc or respiratory therapist...u just may need an inhaler to take a few hits off of.

I get asthmatic symptoms only when its cold and really dry. I do carry an OTC inhaler whenever I am working out though.

I have Exercise enduced asthma and I have a prescription inhaler that I am supposed to take two hits of before I exercise. I have not done this yet. When I start, I will let you know if it helps. I too had to breathe into this machine that measures your lung strength. I am weak in the middle of my exhale.
See your doc and see what he/she says.

I can only speak from a pharmacist's perspective but if you believe you have asthma ensure that it is properly diagnosed. There are numerous treatment options available. Many asthmatics will monitor peak flow readings as a way of monitoring there asthmatic status. Peak flow readings can often identify warning signs before symptoms present themselves. Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the lungs that can be exacerbated by differerent triggers causing spastic constriction within the airways. Exercise and cold air are often triggers for many. Depending on the degree of ones conditions treatment will vary. Some will use prescrition inhalers like (Ventolin-Canada) and the generic Albuterol (USA) for the acute symptoms of wheezing. Many asthmatics will take a puff or two of this medication 15-20min prior to exercise help prevent symptoms from arising. However many asthmatics need to resort to inhaled corticosteroids (ie Flovent, Pulmicort, Advair) on a regular basis twice daily to help keep the inflammation down. Inhaled corticosteroids is the mainstay treatment of this conditon. Other medications available include Singulair that target other componets in the asthma pathway. Above all it best to discuss these issues with your physician to find out whats best for you. Here in Canada we have removed the over the counter (non prescrition) inhalers from the market. There were too many patients who resorted on these quick fix medications alone without the guidence of a physician and there were patients who died because there asthma or other pulmonary problems got out of control as a result of not being properly treated. Above all asthma is a very managable condition. Best of luck.

Great reply! It is nice to have you on the board, your advice is great.

Still Tri'n
Michael

Edited by Michael 2003-11-01 7:42 AM

Thank you all, very good advice- they told me those steroids were bad for the bones, could worsen osteosperosis, is that true of albuterol/epinephrine?

The concern you are talking about with respect to corticosteroids is with regard to long term daily use of ORAL corticosteroids such as prednisone.

The older versions of INHALED corticosteroids such as Becloforte (Beclomethasone-No longer formulated) was of concern at one time due to the drugs ability to be readily absorbed by the gut when swallowed. However, the makers of that product now make a drug called Fluticasone- (Flovent, Advair). This drug has potent local effect on the lungs and if swallowed very minimal amounts are absorbed hence unwanted side effects are low. Since "fluticasone" was a far superior product with less side effects the manufacturer stopped making the other all together.

Albuterol and Epi are different agents all together and wouldnt be a problem.

thank you very much smileybsp, great answers.