Intrinsic Asthma: triggers?

[Gabby2007]

Okay...the "challenge" test last week indicated that I do not have extrinsic asthma. Not surprising to me, I guess...my symptom pattern is more constant than what I would expect for something related to pollen, cats, dust, etc.

My doctors have eliminated other causes for my cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath - I really do have the standard physical symptoms for asthma. I usually get chest colds that last 6-8 weeks or longer; last year I started to notice coughing attacks when I use my voice much for singing - anything more than careful talking. That was a new thing that has continued - actually gotten worse.

Now - I'm trying to figure out any intrinsic triggers - why do I breathe better mid day than mornings or early evenings usually about 5-6 pm my chest gets tight and I spend the rest of the evening coughing...how long does it take after exposure to a trigger before symptoms get worse?

I take Ibuprofen (advil) for trashed knees; I take more of it as the day progresses. I'm trying to figure if there is a connection...often my throat also feels like its swelling (no, I'm not the panic attack type person). I don't panic from it; it's just uncomfortable!

I go back for a recheck with my family doc next week...

[quincy]

H...I have intrinsic asthma as well as extrinsic (without the clinical allergy readings which I'm not high enough to qualify it seems), and the triggers for me can be laughing, coughing, talking louder, exercise, cold weather, high humidity and the biggie is colds. I can sometimes react to mould, pesticides, exhaust (I use the ac and recirculate in my vehicle), fragrance, dusty winds and normal things that would irritate the lungs of anyone who don't have asthma.

Are you on any medications? preventor med such as Pulmicort?

I'm on Pulmicort at this time 1 puff 2x daily. If I notice I'm using the rescue inhaler more then I go up to 2x2 daily. If I have a cold...I automatically increase to 4 puffs 2x daily.

For the past 2 years, I have had to add Oxeze during colds...it's a 12 hour bronchodialator inhaler and works wonderfully for me. I do shake from it...but better than feeling I can't breathe.

Regarding the ibuprofen...definitely can be a cause. Can you not take tylenol? I know that's a lame suggestion, but it could help somewhat. Have you tried Naproxen? I can't take that, however...when I did, my asthma definitely was bothered big-time.

We each react differently, but it would be best to maybe find another alternative than the advil. At least to see if you improve.

Do you drink tea/coffee? If no, maybe add that to your daily intake since it can help open the airways.

Oh, just had to add that high ozone can also cause asthma to worsen as well as candles. If you have an ioniser air cleaner, portable or on your furnace, turn it off for most of the day. A friend of mine had hers turned on High (on her furnace)...I could hardly breathe in there.
She's since kept it on intermittent.

quincy