kyliemarie
02-23-2003, 11:14 PM
I'm 40 yrs old and just have been diagnosed with asthma. I went to the doctor because I had a cough that wouldn't go away after a cold. I'm been coughing for 3 months now and don't get any relief from meds. I'm on Advir, maxair, claritin, and sigulair. I sleep fine at night and don't cough, which I think is weird. I keeping going to the doctor and they put me on antibiotics for a sinus infection and prednisone for inflammation. The cough is usually dry, but has been productive at times. I'm a non-smoker and feel fine most of the time. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
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wrin
02-24-2003, 03:40 PM
go for PFTs and don't delay. Maybe go for a methacholine challenge -- there's a chance this is not asthma. Many drugs that are quickly and easily doled out for asthma do absolutely nothing for other conditions, even related lung conditions like chronic bronchitis.
kyliemarie
02-24-2003, 07:24 PM
Thanks wrin, I did go tot the doctor today and requested a chest x-ray because they hadn't done that yet. I did have A-typical pneumonia. I hope the doxycycline works. I guess I don't feel real confident in the physician because he said if the cough doesn't go away we'll check out reflux???I hope I get better...Thanks!
sue430
02-24-2003, 07:58 PM
Hi Kyliemarie, I was also diagnosed at about 40 after coughing for months & months. I too never had a problem coughing at night, I always do better if I don't move or talk or breathe too deeply. Has your dr tried you on oral steroids yet? That is the only thing that will resolve my cough when it gets that bad. Maybe if the cough doesn't resolve after the pneumonia clears up, you might try that.
Good Luck!!
Good Luck!!
wrin
02-24-2003, 09:04 PM
I hate oral steroids, and I hate how easily some docs prescribe them -- I hate the fact even more that they work so incredibly well, because of the Cushingoid side effects they produce.
The reflux thing makes perfect sense -- especially if your symptoms happen when you lie down, or shortly after you eat. I mean, think about it -- aerosolized hydrochloric acid, going into your delicate, delicate lungs!? Aiee, it makes me cringe, just to think about it, and *I* am not airway smooth muscle.
The reflux thing makes perfect sense -- especially if your symptoms happen when you lie down, or shortly after you eat. I mean, think about it -- aerosolized hydrochloric acid, going into your delicate, delicate lungs!? Aiee, it makes me cringe, just to think about it, and *I* am not airway smooth muscle.
sue430
02-25-2003, 01:13 PM
Well, I don't know of anyone who enjoys taking oral prednisone. I was just trying to point out that if the inflammation is extremely severe, the meds she is taking may not be enough to resolve the problem. Of course, she may have reflux also. I usually end up on 1 or 2 steroid bursts per year, which is much better for me than not being able to talk, work or function at all, or breaking a rib from coughing (which I have done twice already). Just trying to point out additional possibilities to help Kyliemarie get rid of that annoying cough.
wrin
02-25-2003, 06:42 PM
Additional possibilities?
But she's ON oral steroids.
But she's ON oral steroids.
charleyhorse
02-25-2003, 11:27 PM
Kylemarie, I hope that antibiotic works for you. I think your doctor needs a 'check up.' I am really concerned that he came to a diagnosis of asthma without benefit of breathing tests ... there are a great many things that mimic asthma and your lack of response to the typical asthma meds leads me to think there is something more at work here than even the penumonia. Reflux is a good possibility. I had reflux disease along with my asthma and the symptoms you describe could fit. For a lot of people, treating the reflux greatly improves the breathing situation. I ended up having the surgery - a little nasty, but I got a complete cure for the reflux at least. Again, there are some very good tests that can prove or rule out this possibility and some excellent meds that can zero in on the specific problem. Hope you get some good answers soon.
Barb
Barb
kyliemarie
02-26-2003, 03:08 PM
Thanks everyone...I was put on oral prednisone for 7 days without any improvement, so the pneumonia hoepfully is it. I went to a nurse prac. the first time, who I will never go back to. she didn't even listen to my lungs- her student nurse did. all she did was listen to me cough and diagnose Asthma. I don't have much faith anymore with doctor's. You really have to take your own medical care into your own hands. My cough has gotten better, its somewhat productive now from all the drainage I think. I don't have that urge to cough all the time. My doctor said to give it 10 days and call if I'm not improved. I appreciate all the advice!!! Thanks.
[This message has been edited by kyliemarie (edited 02-26-2003).]
[This message has been edited by kyliemarie (edited 02-26-2003).]
wrin
02-27-2003, 02:02 AM
Don't be so quick to throw doctors by the wayside -- keep looking until you find a good one. I mean, for God's sakes, you're PAYING for it.
But don't talk about them like they're idjits -- they went to school for 10 years. They know things.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't walk in there prepared. Don't let them bully you either. But sometimes... just sometimes ... the good ones know what they're talking about.
But don't talk about them like they're idjits -- they went to school for 10 years. They know things.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't walk in there prepared. Don't let them bully you either. But sometimes... just sometimes ... the good ones know what they're talking about.
kyliemarie
02-27-2003, 10:13 PM
wrin, sounds like you might be a doctor??? I have been around alot of doctor's and the good one's are far and few between. Some of them are idiots and you have to take care of your own situation sometimes and do alot of research to find a good one. I'm not quick to judge..it's called experience!
[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 05-05-2003).]
[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 05-05-2003).]
charleyhorse
02-28-2003, 01:15 AM
I personally have an excellent doctor, but he once told me that during his many years of training, he spent exactly 6 weeks studying all respiratory diseases - about 18 hours of that was on asthma and COPD. Most of their experience in treating asthma comes from dealing with patients during residence and in their practise. There is no way they can keep up on every trend and, in this country at least, it is difficult to get regular care from a specialist unless you live in a large city. That means most of us have our asthma 'managed' by family doctors. When our Medical Association did a survey a few years ago they found that an alarmingly small percentage of family doctors had even read the national asthma guidelines. The bottom line is that we need to do our homework and make sure our doctors are aware of what might be available to help us. It has to be a team effort these days.
Barb
Barb
wrin
02-28-2003, 12:12 PM
I'm not a doctor, and I'm insulted that you'd say the only reason I'd defend them is because I am one.
Frankly, if you think you could do a better job, go be a doctor.
Keep looking -- there ARE good doctors to go by -- and do you think a nurse practitioner is going to have had the same exposure to asthma and other respiratory problems that your doctor has? Probably not -- you'd be better off to phone up a respiratory therapist. But there is as such things as good doctors -- mine happens to be excellent, in this vein -- partially because he IS asthmatic.
Frankly, if you think you could do a better job, go be a doctor.
Keep looking -- there ARE good doctors to go by -- and do you think a nurse practitioner is going to have had the same exposure to asthma and other respiratory problems that your doctor has? Probably not -- you'd be better off to phone up a respiratory therapist. But there is as such things as good doctors -- mine happens to be excellent, in this vein -- partially because he IS asthmatic.
kyliemarie
03-01-2003, 12:36 PM
well I didn't mean to insult you, but come on...other people know things too. you act like your the expert on everything to do with asthma. I read a few other asthma cases on here and one "doctor" said their was alot of bad advice being given on here. I think people should give friendly advice or their experience with themselves. I agree there are alot of good physician's out there, but lately mine have been poor. I don't know everyting about asthma..maybe I don't have it??? but I was looking for advice from other people to see if they had this same thing..make sense??? good luck! thanks Barb!
wrin
03-03-2003, 03:10 PM
Not saying disregard everyone else -- but just saying consider what your doctor says, if it makes sense. That last part is important -- if it doesn't make sense, get an explanation. Everyone has a built-in bullsh*t detector, it's called 'does it make sense'. Trust it -- it's often right.
One should never put up with a doctor who refuses to help a patient control a chronic illness. I've had my share of experience with crappy doctors, and the last thing anyone should do is sit there and complain that they're crappy doctors -- research and find another one. Don't delay. Complaining and not doing anything isn't going to get you anywhere, you know?
You are right that you have to pay attention to your own health -- that's where your bullsh*t detector comes into play. Learn as much as you can about your condition, thanks to the Internet this is not incredibly difficult, as official sites (think the lung association) are not difficult to find. And if your doctor is telling you the best way to manage your asthma is to take ventolin every 4 hours, the internet'll teach you differently, and calibrate your bullsh*t detector.
One should never put up with a doctor who refuses to help a patient control a chronic illness. I've had my share of experience with crappy doctors, and the last thing anyone should do is sit there and complain that they're crappy doctors -- research and find another one. Don't delay. Complaining and not doing anything isn't going to get you anywhere, you know?
You are right that you have to pay attention to your own health -- that's where your bullsh*t detector comes into play. Learn as much as you can about your condition, thanks to the Internet this is not incredibly difficult, as official sites (think the lung association) are not difficult to find. And if your doctor is telling you the best way to manage your asthma is to take ventolin every 4 hours, the internet'll teach you differently, and calibrate your bullsh*t detector.
kyliemarie
03-03-2003, 04:06 PM
I just want you guys to know I am better with taking doxycyline now at day 8. My cough is a ton better and I'm feeling back to normal. So I just wonder if I had pneumnonia all along or if I have asthma too. I have asthma teaching coming up at the end of march, so I'll ask some questions at that tmie, Thanks everyone for the good advice!!!
stus
03-18-2003, 08:50 AM
hmmm... I've had the same semi-dry cough for the last few years (!!). Haven't gotten any answers yet.
Some things about my situation:
- the start of the symptoms *might* conincide with my discovery of the amazing Rhinocort oral steriod which does wonders for my late spring hayfever. Always wondered if there would by side effects... not sure if this is one.
- An ear-nose-throat specialist couldn't find anything wrong - scans/xrays - video cam into/down each nostril (name of that?), allery tests. Conclusion was that there is some very minor abnormalities. He then turned around and suggested surgery - I passed that up. Sounded like he wanted another easy customer. (??)
- Now seeing allergist - did the extensive allergy test - strong reaction to some grasses, and a bit to cat, but otherwise nothing much. He said that showed nothing conclusive.
- I'm somewhat curious as to whether going back onto Rhinocort would change things, but frankly I'm not interested in staying on steroids for the rest of my life.
- Approx the same time as the Rhinocort came into my life (2-3 year timeframe, around 2-3 years ago), I also had two bouts (~ 1 week each) of shortness of breath - both convincingly cleared up by either Rhinocort or Pulmicort. Docs said at the time that I had mild cases of Asthma.
- The e-n-t specialist also tried me on antibiotics, which would produce a change in the often bitter taste in my mouth for the first 3-4 days, but the original same symptoms would then revert again, even if I stayed on the ab's for 2-3 weeks more. Interesting that...
- My Mum has the problem, as does my Dad (both live in another city 800KM from me as of around 6-7 years ago), although dad reckons he might've gotten his from the sulphur smelter that was right nextdoor to his primary school. My boss has the problem, as do some of my subortinates, so I sometimes wonder if its the air conditioning at work.
- I also have tendency for sinusitis - just had a bout that saw them clogged up for 3-4 days. Mild signs of real common-cold style coughing, but that quickly just reverted back to the long term symptoms.
I wish I could just visit a whole bunch of specialists in one day, but waiting queues are of the order of 3 months for each one... Maybe I should just book up a whole bunch of them in one hit. :|
:(
sTu.
Some things about my situation:
- the start of the symptoms *might* conincide with my discovery of the amazing Rhinocort oral steriod which does wonders for my late spring hayfever. Always wondered if there would by side effects... not sure if this is one.
- An ear-nose-throat specialist couldn't find anything wrong - scans/xrays - video cam into/down each nostril (name of that?), allery tests. Conclusion was that there is some very minor abnormalities. He then turned around and suggested surgery - I passed that up. Sounded like he wanted another easy customer. (??)
- Now seeing allergist - did the extensive allergy test - strong reaction to some grasses, and a bit to cat, but otherwise nothing much. He said that showed nothing conclusive.
- I'm somewhat curious as to whether going back onto Rhinocort would change things, but frankly I'm not interested in staying on steroids for the rest of my life.
- Approx the same time as the Rhinocort came into my life (2-3 year timeframe, around 2-3 years ago), I also had two bouts (~ 1 week each) of shortness of breath - both convincingly cleared up by either Rhinocort or Pulmicort. Docs said at the time that I had mild cases of Asthma.
- The e-n-t specialist also tried me on antibiotics, which would produce a change in the often bitter taste in my mouth for the first 3-4 days, but the original same symptoms would then revert again, even if I stayed on the ab's for 2-3 weeks more. Interesting that...
- My Mum has the problem, as does my Dad (both live in another city 800KM from me as of around 6-7 years ago), although dad reckons he might've gotten his from the sulphur smelter that was right nextdoor to his primary school. My boss has the problem, as do some of my subortinates, so I sometimes wonder if its the air conditioning at work.
- I also have tendency for sinusitis - just had a bout that saw them clogged up for 3-4 days. Mild signs of real common-cold style coughing, but that quickly just reverted back to the long term symptoms.
I wish I could just visit a whole bunch of specialists in one day, but waiting queues are of the order of 3 months for each one... Maybe I should just book up a whole bunch of them in one hit. :|
:(
sTu.
kyliemarie
03-18-2003, 03:44 PM
Sounds frustrating.....I ended up having pneumonia. Antibiotics helped me after about 2 weeks. My cough ended after that. maybe you need a chest x-ray if you haven't had one.A cough that long isn't normal and you should get to the bottom of it. I have asthma too, but its alot better now. I was wheezing alot after every cold I had and would cough for weeks. good luck!!
charleyhorse
03-19-2003, 12:17 AM
Hi sTu .... interesting situation. One thing that really struck me was your comment about other people you work with having the same symptoms. That leads me to suspect there might be an environmental problem in your building. Here in Canada, the Workers' Compensation Board could test for that. Perhaps you have something similar?? Also, have you ever had pulmonary function tests (breathing tests)? I am wondering because lots of folks with asthma cough rather than wheeze and that dry cough you mention could be it. Anyway the tests can detect a number of lung problems and might be worth considering if you haven't already gone that route. Hope you get some answers soon.
Barb
Barb
stus
03-19-2003, 07:38 AM
Hi kylie/charlie,
Some answers:
- Not sure that I've had chest x-rays done, but I've certainly had specialists/GPs contemplate my breathing at the chest level. No probs they say. I certainly don't have any weasing problems as such. For me, the focus has usually been on the fact that I have seasonal hayfever problems, and occasional sinusitis.
- as for my workplace... I've even raised a problem report at work (to get an expert opinion on it), but that never went anywhere. I'll contemplate that.
- I don't recally a pulmonary function test - certainly lotsa contemplation/testing of my breathing, but nothing that ever took more than a minute or two. Does that one take any longer.
I'm off to my allergist again tomorrow... will ask.
I asked a pharmacist today about the situation - he told me, as others have, that it may well be just another allergic reaction to something in my daily environment - eg. dust, cleaning agents, aircon, food... whatever. That would certainly help to explain the year-round occurence of the symptoms. I've already had the test for 20+ common allergies, and nothing much came of that. I might try the 3 week house sterilisation technique - house cleaning isn't one of my strong points. :\
Thanks for the info/suggestions.
sTu.
Some answers:
- Not sure that I've had chest x-rays done, but I've certainly had specialists/GPs contemplate my breathing at the chest level. No probs they say. I certainly don't have any weasing problems as such. For me, the focus has usually been on the fact that I have seasonal hayfever problems, and occasional sinusitis.
- as for my workplace... I've even raised a problem report at work (to get an expert opinion on it), but that never went anywhere. I'll contemplate that.
- I don't recally a pulmonary function test - certainly lotsa contemplation/testing of my breathing, but nothing that ever took more than a minute or two. Does that one take any longer.
I'm off to my allergist again tomorrow... will ask.
I asked a pharmacist today about the situation - he told me, as others have, that it may well be just another allergic reaction to something in my daily environment - eg. dust, cleaning agents, aircon, food... whatever. That would certainly help to explain the year-round occurence of the symptoms. I've already had the test for 20+ common allergies, and nothing much came of that. I might try the 3 week house sterilisation technique - house cleaning isn't one of my strong points. :\
Thanks for the info/suggestions.
sTu.
charleyhorse
03-19-2003, 09:29 PM
Hope they come up with some answers for you sTu. The pulmonary function tests take up to an hour. You blow into a mouthpiece and a computer makes a number of measurements about your lung function. Its much more dependable than just having a dr listen to your chest, because many breathing problems are sporatic. Unless you are specifically having problems when you're in the drs office, it might be missed. As you said, it might also turn out to be another manifestation of allergies. The house sterilization might help - it would at least give you a good indication of what's causing your problems. good luck.
Barb
Barb
stus
03-20-2003, 04:24 AM
Well, visited the allergist today. Although I'm still waiting to get a blood test done, and to show him my sinus scans (he does trust the analysis from the ENT specialist, but...), he basically said:
- has has no idea what is plaguing me.
- trying to narrow down to the real cause more than what we've already done is somehwat of a waste of time.
- if the likes of Rhinocort will suppress the symptoms, then I should do that.
Guess I should try elsewhere...
sTu.
- has has no idea what is plaguing me.
- trying to narrow down to the real cause more than what we've already done is somehwat of a waste of time.
- if the likes of Rhinocort will suppress the symptoms, then I should do that.
Guess I should try elsewhere...
sTu.