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I have had asthma since I was a child... It is getting worse as I get older, I am 54. I was wondering if anyone else has the same problem?? I get so tired and I have lots of headache, I sure is because of the allergies. Could someone "visit" with me about this. I would appreciate it.
Exercise Cancer Claritin Irritable bowel syndrome Burns Combivent Chronic fatigue syndrome Anxiety Acne Prednisone Lupus Fibromyalgia Parkinson's disease Asthma Pulmonary fibrosis Proventil Arthritis Allergies Thrush Multiple sclerosis Breast cancer Singulair Alzheimer's disease Nasonex Zyrtec Depression
hi jaleyn well i got the same problem i had asthma when i was a little boy about age 10 got rid of it but i just turn 50 years of age my asthma it has been back again i used advair inhaler and take singulair for my allergies that help's me alot i don't know what kind of medecines you take i get tired too at night is worse so get back to me maybe i can help
I thanks for writing to me... I take sinqulair, zytrec use proventil and advair inhalers... I took allergy shots for a long while, but can't now they say my lungs are too bad. I read the other day that someone found out they had pulmonary fibrosis... What is that do you know... I just really hate being tired and feeling somewhat worthless... thanks again for writing take care....
thanks for answer me back i never have taking shots just a breathing machine like i said i just started taking singulair i know how you feel about being tired i don't get headache's right now my allergies are terrible o well if you find something knew let me know (did you ever had an asthma attack when you breath shut's completly o boy i have is not a very good feeling)well thanks again for you answer my name is( gerald)
Hi Gerald , thanks again for writing. Yes I understand what you are saying about not being able to breath... It is frightening. Also embarassing if you are not at home... I have a nebulizer actually got a portable one last year. I was going to Atlanta and didn't want to drag the other one. Two of my sons have asthma and seem to have grown out of it thankfully... Allergy season is here and in Iowa it is bad... lots of weeds and "stuff" right now.. Also VERY hot... I really wanted to go to the straw pole in Ames today have you heard about that... ONE of these people running for president needs to do something about the cost of medicine... don't you think??? Where do you live?? It sounds like many places in the country are having record high temps. I hide out in the air conditioning alot... However I love to garden...take care stay cool.. J
thanks for writing i live in arizona florence were is very hot in the summer time up to 120 degrees at times dust i'm in the wrong place my kids don't have asthma thank god well if i find anything knew i would let you know take care and things get better for you is nice to meet you later gerald
My father in law lives in Mesa... We have been down there a few times. I don't think that I could handle the dry and dusty... What do you do??? I don't work full time away from home anymore. I do have a somewhat part time job. I can actually work as many hrs as I want. I work with folks with Alzheimer's disease. take care J
hello again wow i just live about 40 minutes from mesa i travel alot i work for the goverment i'm an immigration agent i work 8 to 12 hrs a day 5 days a week well talk to you later gerald
I have found that allergies get worse as we age because our bodies( immune system) have to work harder and harder. I have found that adding antioxidents have helped as well as keeping a healthy lymphatic system. If you are interested I can give you a simple protocol to build your immune system.
Jaleyn:
Do you know what triggers your attacks? I know you have heard this before but avoiding the things that cause you the most problems will help a lot. I don't know where you live but talk to your local American Lung Associates (ALA) chapter. They have lots of good information. We have been dealing with them for years. Mike
Could you please share with me the specifics... I do take some supplements, b-complex, calcium, evening primrose oil. and flaxseed oil.... what do you feel would help... I am VERY allergic to soy beans, so soy based products do not work for me... thanks for your help, take care J
Hi: Here's why you're tired.
When you have asthma, your airways are inflammed or swollen to some degree all the time. If you have an episode, you also make more mucus in your airsays and the muscles that wrap the airways spasam- making it difficult to get air in and out.
When you don't get the oxygen your body needs- you are tired.
This is part of why getting your asthma under control is so important.
Do you have a pulmonologist (lung doctor)? If no, find one. This is the expert you can work with to get your asthma under control. Once you're under control, you can have ongoing care with your family practice doctor.
You will need a few types of medicine. 1. Probably Singulair- a pill that helps with asthma control and allergeis 2. Claritin or a generic (cheap generics at Sams Club or other warehouse clubs) for allergy control 3. A controller inhaler- these are used every single day- often more than once- to control your asthma long term. These must be used every day. It can take up to a year to get the full benefit- but you are improving every day you sue this. This can be an inhaled steroid. If it is, rinse your mouth out after you use it to avoid thrush. Inhalded steroids have not had the same effects on the body as pills. 4. A rescue inhaler. This is what you use when you are having a problem. You may also be told to use it a few minutes before using your controller inhaler to help the medicine get further down in your lungs. 5. Your doctor may have other inhalers or meds for you to use. 6. Even though they are the miracle drug from hell, if your doctor has you take a short run of prednisone- do it. Taper off just as your doctor instructs. Do not stop taking prednisone without tapering or you can cause yourself damage.
Do you have health insurance? If you have insurance, medicare or medicaid, ask your doctor for a prescription to go to pulmonary rehabilitation. These departments are at most major hospitals. Work with a respiratory therapist to learn how to use your inhalers correctly (most people use them wrong), how to know your triggers and trigger control, appropriate exercise to build your lung volume, etc. If they have an asthma educator- even better.
For info on adult asthma control, to to www.goodsamdayton.org/asthma.htm. On the right side of the screen are pdf's of the chapters of a book about adult asthma control. They are free.
Most asthmatics are allergic to dust- really dust mites that seem like dust. These critters eat skin that flakes off our bodies. To get your trigger control started- purchase hypoallergenic pillow covers that zip shut under your pillow case. This keep dust mites from accumulating in your pillow. Purchase a mattress cover that is also hypoallergenic and zips around your mattress. Wash everything you sleep with- blankets, sheets, pillows, etc. in hot water frequently. No stuffed animals. Pillows usually wash fine and dry on 2 cycles. Get rid of down pillows and comforters. Feathers are also a frequent trigger.
Go to the grocery store and get some cheesecloth. It's usually in the baking section. Put a layer or two under every vent in your home. These catch dust easily without stopping air flow- and they are cheap and easy to change. Get a hepa air filter for your furnace. (It's amazing how much less you have to dust with these things in place!)
Use your air conditioning. Relative humidity plays a part in asthma for many of us. High humidity, even if the temperature isn't bad can cause episodes. You probably do best in weather that's medium humidity, not too hot and not too cold.
If you have pets-ban them from the bedroom. I don't think it's realistic to expect peoploe to get rid of pets, but keeping the bedroom clean can help your overall control a lot.
If you can afford it, get a hepa vaccum cleaner. Have someone else vaccum, if you can.
Do not get your air vents cleaned. It stirs up dust in your house and it says where it is. Leave well enough alone.
Make sure your house is smoke and fragrence free. (If you smoke- stop!!) Even smokers who smoke outside bring in residue you can react to. Not being around smoking should be non-negotiable for you. None- ever.
Hopefully this can get your started on being in control.
reichspot
(please forgive any typos!)
I have asthma and COPD. Like a fool when I out grew my asthma I smoked STUPID STUPID Anyway I too am tired alnost always and my headacheds used to be off the wall until I got use to taking theophline It was plain torture I too have many allergies and take accolate for them and the shots and the zyretec nasonex combivent advair nebulizer 4 times a day combivent inhaler prednisone I am in the hospital several times a year with attacks or from colds that take me down real quick Do you have a lung doctor? I have a very good one who also works with or along with my primary care doctor. I am concerned that you might not be getting the best care you deserve. Not awhole lot of doctors who arent lung doctors really know how to treat asthma as well as a lung doctor does. Please dont misunderstand me my primary care doctor is the bomb I am VERY FORTUNATE to have the 2 that I do. They both know me well and know each other well and one knows when to send me to the other or call in the other. How well do you sleep at night with the headaches? I really wish you well and I can not express well enough the benefits of your doctors involvment with your health May it go well for you Please call your doctor and let us know how it all works out for you.
I really appreciate your comments and suggestions. My husband almost always vaccums and dusts for me... He was there when the Dr said I should not. We have electric heat and hard wood floors in our home... I do have insurance but the meds are very expensive. I try hard to avoid the things that really cause problems. I have never smoked and have never even lived with anyone who does. I don't go to places where there is alot of smoke either. I take sinqulair and zyrtec and I can REALLY tell the differance if I don't... What are your thoughts are air purifiers I was told that they are not of that much help. I called the pulmanologist office they don't recomend them. I have done a burst and taper of prednisone many times If I get into trouble (more than usual) that is the first thing they do... I will check out the web sites that you mentioned. thanks so much for your input I do appreciate it... take care J
Sounds like you have a lot of things on track. I've found air purifiers are a trigger for me. The "ozone" they put out shuts me down right away. I do hope you're feeling better soon. reichspot
Hi,
I work with local Chiropractor’s in the Chicago area educating their clients about toxins in the home. We have helped hundreds of family’s clean out their homes and in turn have cleaned up the air they breath. We have seen major improvements in their\our heath. He is some info. Hope this helps you understand why so many people have health problems!!
Create a Safe and Healthy Home
by Dr. Joyce M. Woods
Begin by thinking of your home as a toxic waste dump. The average home today contains 62 toxic chemicals - more than a chemistry lab at the turn of the century. More than 72,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced since WW II. Less than 2% of synthetic chemicals have been tested for toxicity, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects, or birth defects. The majority of chemicals have never been tested for long-term effects.
Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene, xylene are found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are cancer causing and toxic to the immune system.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found more than 2500 chemicals in cosmetics that are toxic, cause tumors, asthma, reproductive complications, biological mutations and skin and eye irritations.
An EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 7 times more polluted than outdoor air.
There are more than 3 million poisonings every year. Household cleaners are the Number TWO cause of poisoning of children. Cancer is now Number ONE!!!
Another EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer\Asthma than outdoor air.
CMHC reports that houses today are so energy efficient that "out-gassing" of chemicals has no where to go, so it builds up inside the home.
There has been a call from the U.S./ Canadian Commission to ban bleach in North America. Bleach is being linked to the rising rates of breast cancer and asthma in women, reproductive problems in men and learning and behavioral problems in children.
Chemicals get into our body through inhalation, ingestion and absorption. We breathe 10 to 20 thousand liters of air per day.
Since 1980, asthma has increased by 600%. The Canadian Lung Association and the Asthma Society of Canada identify common household cleaners and cosmetics as triggers.
ADD/ADHD are epidemic in schools today. Behavioral problems have long been linked to exposure to toxic chemicals and molds.
Labeling laws do not protect the consumer - they protect big business. The New York Poison Control Center reports that 85% of product warning labels were either inadequate or incorrect for identifying a poison, and for first aid instructions.
Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, circulatory disorders, Alzheimer's, asthma, Parkinson's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and hormonal problems are diseases commonly related to chemical exposure.
Pesticides only have to include active ingredients on the labels, even though the inert (inactive) ingredients may account for 99%, many of which are toxic and poisons.
More facts follow from Indoor Air Pollution Seminar. Our homes should have a complete change of air 3 or 4 times a day. New homes are built so airtight that it is impossible to get a complete change of air. We should leave our windows open on each side of our house for better cross ventilation.
The top three culprits according to Poison Control: Household cleaners, bleach and medications.
The ideal humidity rate is 35-45%. Higher rates cause mold. Use of humidifiers and dehumidifiers with standing water encourages mold growth in the water. The ideal temperature for homes is 68-72 degrees. Higher temperatures make chemicals more active. When we shower, the hot water aerates the chlorine and can cause headaches as can the use of aerosols. Steam from our dryer vents is extremely toxic from the chemicals in fabric softener sheets and residues from detergents and bleach.
Chemicals used to dry clean clothing are very dangerous and can cause cancer. When you bring dry cleaning home you should hang it outside for at least 3 days. Dry cleaning chemicals are the same cancer causing chemicals in mothballs.
Formaldehyde is one of the largest indoor pollutants in our homes. Products containing
Formaldehyde include:
Antiperspirants
Mouthwash
Toothpaste
Permanent Press clothing
Floor waxes and furniture polishes
Baggies
Coffee
Wax Paper
Symptoms caused by formaldehyde are:
Allergies, cancer, immune system failings and asthma
Phenols are a major indoor pollutant. Phenols are absorbed by lungs, and skin. Symptoms include caustic burns, kidney and liver damage and hyperactivity. Products containing
Phenols include:
Acne medications
Baking Powder
Computers
TV sets
Mouthwash
Sugar substitutes
Wallpaper
Together We Can Change All This:
Our immune system is very powerful, like a janitorial system. Giving our bodies good nutrition means our body can repair itself and be able to handle what we face in the world. Household chemicals cause all kinds of symptoms - from cardiovascular problems, panic attacks, and anxiety attacks to bedwetting.
Eliminating the cause of the environmental illness is more effective and much less expensive than treating the symptoms. Prevention - 80% - 90% effective. Treatments - 50% - 60% effective. What seems to make the most sense? How can you find help?
Please feel free to forward this to someone you care about. Knowledge will set you free!!
About the Author--Dr. Joyce Woods worked as a medical/surgical nurse, public health nurse, nurse educator, nursing school administrator, occupational health consultant. She holds Bachelors of Nursing, Bachelors of Arts (Specialist), Masters of Education degrees, and has completed her doctoral degree in the area of Indoor Air Pollution, and ...it's effect on your health.
If you would like info about safe products, email me at deonn@saferforyourhome.com
God Bless and good luck!!
Hi Jaleyn: Boy I can relate to you. I have had Asthma all of my life. But they didn't know what it was back then and treated it as a cold 6 months out of the year with codene. I am also alergic to most treatments like staroids. and I have had bouts in the hospital for 1 to 3 weeks. Right now is one of my harder times the smoke from the fires is getting me but so far I am hanging in there. If you have any questions or just need to talk give me a shout anytime I check my messages often . SweetmamaD
Yeah, right. I never use household poison for that very reason, but here's what happened to us in 1993:
My husband was still on active duty, having returned from the Gulf War and a year in Korea, and we were in the process of moving into quarters at Ft. Sill, OK. I kept finding small spiders in dark places that looked like fiddle backs. I took one into the housing office to be identified and sure enough, it was a brown recluse. Several hours later, I heard a lot of noise and saw what looked like firemen spraying hoses at our house. What I thought was water, was streaming down the windows. Then I saw the pesticide truck. They were spraying liquid Dursban all over our house and yard, including the kid's bicycles and the barbeque grill which were in the front yard! My three small children were in the house with me. I immediately called the 800 poison hotline and was told not to let my kids outside, because the poison could even penetrate through leather soled shoes. Then I called the engineers and was told, "Lady, you have brown recluses in your house and those are dangerous." I called every complaint line all the way up to the post commander, but at that point, there was nothing that could be done except for the engineers to come out and scrub our front door, the porch and steps, and the kid's bikes.
Hello Jayeln!!! My Dad has asthma about 27 years and it seems that he always had allergies. It is very important to clean and vaccum everyday. We especially have 4 cats living with us. Even though he’s on a lot of medications, he can't part with our pets. We discovered that certain vitamin and mineral supplements have helped him over the years. And, eating a healthy diet also helps. Years ago he used to have junk food junkie and sick all the time. Each day we look for ways to improve his health---------he always has asthma but believe with a healthy body we'll be able to handle this disease a little better.
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