My Doctor Gave Me This Inhaler, Now What?
As a physician who specializes in allergy and immunology, and as one who suffers from allergies and asthma, I have experienced both sides of the physician-patient relationship. Do you remember when you were given your first inhaler from a doctor? I do, and I also remember receiving no instructions on how to use it. Needless to say, it took me about a week to get it right, and in the meantime I wasted a lot of good medicine.
When Your Child Has Asthma
As an asthmatic, allergist, and a father of two, I am particularly sensitive to children who suffer from asthma. Having grown up with this condition, I have so many memories of the "bad old days" filled with nebulizer treatments, difficulty running outside, and numerous missed school days. These memories were fresh in my mind this past week, as I saw several children with asthma in my medical practice.
Asthmatics and Non-Smoking Sections: Friends Forever
If you suffer from asthma you probably know that cigarette smoke can trigger cough, wheeze, and other asthma symptoms. I remember the days when airline flights had a smoking and non-smoking section, and needless to say, sitting near the smoking section didn't help my asthma very much. As an adult in California, I was also pleased to see the 1995 law banning smoking in restaurants.
Beating the Winter Blues: An Asthmatic's Perspective
Winter is in full swing, and for many allergy sufferers this season offers a welcome break from allergy symptoms. These symptoms tend to disappear until the spring arrives, particularly in areas of the country that freeze. In these areas the pollen levels may fall dramatically during the winter months.
Unfortunately, this means more time spent indoors with increased rates of viral upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, and more significant viral infections like the flu. For those of us with asthma the viral season represents a very difficult period, as all of these infections can trigger significant asthma symptoms.
Do You Search The Internet For Health Info Before Discussing With Your Doctor?
Do you search the web for health info before talking with your doctor? Do you use the web to double check what you hear at your doctor's office? Take the poll and leave a comment or join the discussion in the forum.
More Asthma Info
- What is the Health Information Prescription?
- Can Your iPhone Improve Your Asthma?
- What Do You Think About Asthma iPhone Apps
4 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Using OTC Asthma Medication
Any time you self treat symptoms, there are a number of questions you need to ask yourself. Consider these 4 questions before using an OTC asthma medication:
- Am I Sure This Is Asthma? When you have asthma you will likely experience classic asthma symptoms such as:
However, all of these symptoms can also be caused by other diseases, like COPD or heart disease, and some may improve with OTC treatment.
- Am I At Risk For A Fatal Asthma Attack? Asthma can be a really serious, even deadly disease. If you need to use an OTC asthma medication to improve your breathing, you probably need to see a doctor about your symptoms. If you need a rescue inhaler more than twice per week, you probably need an inhaled steroid. Inhaled steroids are not available as an OTC asthma medication.
- Is OTC Asthma Medication Safe? Concerns regarding the safety of selling OTC asthma medications have been raised by the medical community. Currently OTC medications are not sold for hypertension, heart disease or cholesterol problems. You could then reasonably ask why sell OTC asthma medication? As a result, researchers have studied whether or not this practice is safe.
- What Are the Side Effects of OTC Asthma Medication? You can experience asthma medication side effects with an OTC asthma medication just like prescription medication. Make sure you know the side effects of an OTC asthma medication and call your doctor if you experience them.
Many patients say cost is one of the main reasons for using OTC asthma medication. Prescription inhalers have gotten much more expensive as a result of a regulation that is requiring manufacturers to switch the propellant (what sprays the drug) in their products from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to hydroflouroalkane (HFA). Several of the resources below may help you obtain less expensive prescription medication.
OTC Asthma Medication- Help For You
- Online Drugstores - Are They Safe?
- 10 Tips For Using An Online Pharmacy
- Counterfeit Drugs: Am I At Risk if I Buy Drugs Online?
- Financial Help for Asthma Medications
Has Asthma Affected Your Ability To Get Health Insurance
Has asthma affected your ability to get health insurance or cause you to pay higher rates? I have had a lot more patients complain about this or have issues when changing or losing jobs over the last year.
I did not realize that many health insurance agents actually only represent a single carrier rather than looking for the best rate among many carriers.
Sean L. Johnson recommends thinking of an agent as "as a referral service for a certain health carrier." He recommends looking around the internet and getting several quotes.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American, you also need to consider if your insurance will limit coverage as a preexisting or chronic condition due to your asthma. Also consider looking at whether or not your preferred doctors or specialist are considered in network. This is important because your out of pocket costs will be higher if you go out of network.
What do you think? Does asthma affect your ability to get health insurance or make it more expensive? Leave a comment or go to the forum and join the discussion.
Learn More About Asthma & Health Insurance
Asthma Videos From About.com
If you can see a picture or a movie, you may be more likely to watch and remember some important health information. About.com has a wonderful collection of videos to help you understand more about your asthma and your lungs. Check them out and let me know what you think.
- What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis can complicate your asthma. Learn what bronchitis is and what you can do about it. - Can Thunderstorms Cause An Asthma Attack
Do you ever notice that your asthma is worse after a thunderstorm? Learn why this happens in this interesting video. - How to Use a Rescue Inhaler
Are you using your asthma inhaler correctly? Find out here.
What other videos would you like to see related to asthma?
Health Insurance & Your Asthma
Has asthma affected your ability to get health insurance or cause you to pay higher rates?
I did not realize that many health insurance agents actually only represent a single carrier rather than looking for the best rate among many carriers.
Sean L. Johnson recommends thinking of an agent as "as a referral service for a certain health carrier." He recommends looking around the internet and getting several quotes.
According to theAsthma and Allergy Foundation of American, you also need to consider if your insurance will limit coverage as a preexisting or chronic condition due to your asthma. Also consider looking at whether or not your preferred doctors or specialist are considered in network. This is important because your out of pocket costs will be higher if you go out of network.
What do you think? Does asthma affect your ability to get health insurance or make it more expensive? Leave a comment or go to the forum and join the discussion.
Learn More About Asthma & Health Insurance
Yoga To Improve Your Asthma
Yoga has been advocated to improve your health in general and may help improve your asthma. In general yoga may help you:
- Improve flexibility
- Increase strength
- Tone your muscles
- Decrease chronic pain
- Relieve stress
Pranayama, a type of yoga breathing exercise, may also help you gain control of your asthma. Learn more about these yoga exercises that might improve your breathing.
- Introduction to Pranayama Breathing Exercises
- Equal Breathing - Sama Vritti Pranayama
- Alternate Nostril Breathing - Nadi Sodhana
- Dirga Pranayama- Great For Beginners