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Thread: Nipping Asthma Attacks

  1. #1
    Yekhefah
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    Nipping Asthma Attacks

    It's summer in Los Angeles, and yet again my asthma is suffering from the heat and smog. I've been short of breath all day. I used my steroid inhaler for prevention this morning, like I do every day; this afternoon I wasn't breathing enough so I used my albuterol. I'm not wheezing, so I'm not having an asthma attack exactly, but I'm not breathing as deeply as I'd like and I'm scared to go exercise. Is there anything I can do? I don't want to abuse the albuterol, but I don't want this to worsen into a real asthma attack either. Tips, suggestions?

  2. #2
    Curious Guest
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    I'm in Georgia, but my doctor prescribed Singulair for me at night which apparently helps control asthma during the challenging months. I haven't had to use my inhaler since.

  3. #3
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    I use Flovent for that. My asthma is a bit beyond what Singulair can handle.

    I'm not really looking for another drug, because I've got good drugs and can't afford any other ones. I'm more looking for home remedies or things I can *do* to minimize the potential attack before it gets worse.

  4. #4
    Veteran Member boxingdoc's Avatar
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    Keep using your flovent as prescribed. If you are feeling kind of asthma "flare-y" (not a word, but I have asthma and it best describes how I feel when I'm having a not quite full blown attack), take your albuterol on a regular basis. I usually tell my patients 2 puffs every 6 hours. If you are having to use the albuterol once an hour or more, see your doc about a short course of prednisone. Also, iced tea contains a close relative of theophylline. I once short circuited an attack when I was without an inhaler by drinking gobs of iced tea.

  5. #5
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    Thank you! I've only had one puff on my albuterol this afternoon, so I'll have another one and brew some tea. I knew you'd have some good advice... thank you kindly!

  6. #6
    aussiepunkshocker
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    Aw, sympathy, I have astham too and have had a couple of summers ruined by it.

    Lots and lots of water - drinking it warm can bring quite a bit of relief to mild asthma and the coughing.

    I find peppermint essential oil in an oil burner or just straight on a hanky held close enough to breath works very well. (Ive used that on the way to hospital a couple of times and felt VERY glad!)

    I know youre not big on alternative asthma treatments, but honestly those help if nothing else is on hand.
    When Im in the right place for the right amount of time I am going to do the Butekyo class. When I had my last hospitalised attack another patient came whilst I was waiting in emergency and taught me a little bit and it worked so well I was really impressed.

  7. #7
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    My aunt is an asthma expert and I asked her about the Butekyo thing. She cringed and said it kills asthmatics. It's good for hyperventilation, she said, but it won't do a damn thing about fluid in your lungs. She told me relying on that instead of asthma medication is a good way to die if you've really got asthma. Personally, I'm not willing to experiment; I had a very close call with death last year when I was too cheap to buy more Flovent. Learned my lesson. As much as I hate drugs, I'd rather be broke than dead.

  8. #8
    aussiepunkshocker
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    All I can tell you is that it helped me so much that I didnt really need to see the Doctor. Without critisising your aunt, remember that some asthama experts are all for it. From what I hear the improvement / success rates are exceedingly high all round.
    My Doctor in Sydney teaches the method and has written a book which Ive heard is one of the most informative around if your interested.


    When I get around to learning the method properly though I shall let you know how I go (-:


    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah View Post
    My aunt is an asthma expert and I asked her about the Butekyo thing. She cringed and said it kills asthmatics. It's good for hyperventilation, she said, but it won't do a damn thing about fluid in your lungs. She told me relying on that instead of asthma medication is a good way to die if you've really got asthma. Personally, I'm not willing to experiment; I had a very close call with death last year when I was too cheap to buy more Flovent. Learned my lesson. As much as I hate drugs, I'd rather be broke than dead.
    Last edited by aussiepunkshocker; 06-19-2007 at 01:16 AM. Reason: to add something.

  9. #9
    God/dess Lysondra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    Pffft.. I read this as Nipple attacks. I need to do chicks again.

    Anyway, a side effect of my anxiety pills is that it helps asthma.. and you sometimes seem a tad anxious to me. Maybe?

    Edit: Oh, no drugs. Umm... I drink a lot tea and that seems to help for some reason. I think the steam clears my nose.


    Look like a woman
    Think like a man
    Act like a lady
    Work like a dog

    - My Great Grandmother Bessie's Recipe for Success

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    God/dess Lena's Avatar
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    Peppermint would help. It realaxes the muscles in your diaphragm, but wouldn't do anything about fluid in your lungs (as far as I know).

    Veronica (you would just make a tea) is useful as an expectorant for asthmatics. Cranberry and fireweed are both anti-spasmadics that you could use to prevent an attack. Nettles would be useful just to drink regularly as a tonic (make an infusion: let the tea infuse for at least four hours).



  11. #11
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    Ooh, thanks. I tried the iced tea and it worked like a champ, but then I was too caffeinated to go to bed, LOL! Still, at least I can breathe again.

    Lena, where does one get nettles? (I mean, you know, in an urban setting.)

  12. #12
    Veteran Member boxingdoc's Avatar
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    Glad it helped.

    How sensitive are you to caffeine? I make my tea fairly weak...one family size teabag for one pitcher of water plus 1 teaspoon of sugar (for the whole pitcher) to cut any bitterness and have never had any problems with feeling too wired afterwards.

  13. #13
    God/dess Lena's Avatar
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah View Post
    Lena, where does one get nettles? (I mean, you know, in an urban setting.)
    LOL. Down by the river where it's kind of shady and wet... er, I mean, your local health food store or herb shop, or you know if you have a co-op you should support your local co-op. Don't get the crap in tea bags, go to the loose bulk herb section and get yourself a few big scoops. Use more than you would use to make regular tea.



  14. #14
    Featured Member Paintbaby's Avatar
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    Default Re: Nipping Asthma Attacks

    A hot cup of black coffee helps, too. The steam and heat help to relax the upper bronchials and loosen the congestion that leads to the tightness, and the caffeine helps, too--not exactly sure how, though.

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