h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hiya nicky,

We met on Scandreas thread, and I played the asthma police. Just wanted to talk over here rather than discuss your health in somebody elses journal...

First - I am not a doctor. But I work with a company developing asthma medication, and I guess I picked up a few things.

You made a good point, when you mentioned going to the doctor, so just go ahead and do that.

Just mentioning a few more things that people generally don't know...

Even mild asthma benefits from steroid treatment. Using only the bronchodilator masks the symptoms, but does nothing to heal the underlying inflammation. And if you need your bronchodilator more than a few times a week, then you should treat the asthma, not the wheezyness... if that makes sense to you.

So go ahead, visit your gp, and demand a steroid inhaler. Powder inhalers are usually easier to use, and do not have the aerosol that can irritate further, but that is your choice.

be well

Milla

thank you.
i dont really know that much about asthma and i think its about time i found out a little more and got some things sorted with the doctor.

I can't really give you links - either it's my employers stuff and I would be advertising, or I'd be advertising the competitiors...

But do google a little, there is lot's out there. And probably a Hootoo page too!

i will try that thanks.

it still isnt clearing up. but i have finally got a good nights sleep which im sure will help!

Go see the !


Milla

i have to cycle to uni in order to get an appointment though and then ill have to wait for a few days before i can get an appointment which has to be monday to friday. it will probably clear up by the time i see the doctor it always does

The episode might clear, but you should tell about your recurring problems and get tested for asthma (if it is asthma, it will still be there even if you feel better).

And the steroid treatment is long term. Higher dose to begin with, until the inflammation reduces, then low (maintenance) dose, no stopping! When the next cold / throat infection hits, you up the dose until better, then lower dose again. So let the treatment vary with the problems, which will keep it under control. If you stop medication, the astma keeps worsening.

All this assuming that it really is asthma, and not something else...

Now call the doctors office, and get an appointment!



Milla

i cant call them
i dont have the phone number.
its a university doctor.
ill get an appointment when im in uni on monday

Good.

least i havent got another chest infection!

took long enough but i went on a steroid inhalor just over a year ago