Worried: Asthma and Allergies

Hi everyone,

Just looking for answers - hopefully someone can help.

In the last 12 to 18 months I have had a really bad time with reoccurring brochitis, upper respiratory infections, pharangitis etc.

After talking to my GP, I was referred to an allergist and immunologist.

I've discovered that I have a strong allergy to mould (ie household mould in bathrooms and outside mould like compost).

I have also been diagnosed with mild asthma.

I'll be seeing the specialist again in a couple of weeks, but I am trying to put some pieces together myself.

I have had an infection that has been bouncing around my system for a week. For the first couple of days I did nothing beyond taking cold and flu tablets, then I started on some penicillin on Saturday - then I went back to my GP on Monday.

He was surprised that I did not have a puffer at home (odd - because he is the only one that has prescribed me one - years ago, and before the asthma diagnosis).

Anyway I was not improving, so I went to the Chemist and got the puffer and different antibiotics today.

I've just taken the puffer and I feel much, much better. As yet I have not taken the new antibiotics.

Is this possible to feel much better this quickly, or is it just a placebo?

If it is possible, do I do this in the future?

Also, I am due to have an operation shortly. Is there going to be a problem if I still have this respiratory infection?

Finally, where do I find out about asthma (or do I just wait to talk to the specialist?)

The GP has said that my asthma is not typical - so will this make a difference?

Hi Gargy

Depending on what your puffer is it may give almost instant relief. Is it Ventolin (or the generic - I can't remember what it is called) in a blue puffer with a darker blue cap? In this case it relaxes the bronchial muscles and provides almost immediate relief. Most other puffers that are prescribed are stimulants and work over a longer time.

Asthma Australia and the National Asthma Foundation both have good web sites with general information (gust google them). But if you have an a-typical form then it may not provide as much info as you would want. It is a little surprising that your GP didn't put you onto some sort of management plan where you take your peak flows ("huff" into a tube like apparatus) regularly to see how you react to the medications etc. This may be because you have a mild case and many people have asthma that is associated with allergies etc and once they are cleared up the asthma disappears.

Also, just remind your GP that you are having IVF (I know - they should remember but sometimes don't if they are focussing on other issues) and let your FS know as well because taking too much ventolin can have an effect on the uterine muscles as well - it is actually used to relax them sometimes. It shouldn't be a problem at all with the doses that you are taking if your asthma is mild but it is just something to keep in the back of your mind (Although don't worry - I think that from memory I was told that I would have to use a whole puffer in one go before they would be starting to think it was a bad idea!)

HTH and good luck with your appointments

ETA - I just checked mine - the main ingredient in ventolin is Salbutamol sulfate - so if you have a generic it would still contain that

I have had allergies and asthma on and off throughout my life. Will try my best to answer your questions!. I would take the new antibiotics to help with your infection. Also im not sure if you should be taking cold and flu tablets as asthmatics shouldnt take those things and also should not take any form of asprin either or cough medicines just to be safe . If you have been diagnosed with Asthma your GP or specialist should also be giving you preventative asthma medicine as well as ventolin, as mentioned ventolin provides instant relief but a preventative medicine is necessary to prevent asthma attacks. I was given Pulmicort as preventative medicine if you google it its like a puffer sort of its an inhaler and was given it to take twice a day. When taking this I didnt really need ventolin except when I got bad from pollen and grass and stuff I was allergic too like dust etc. The first thing to do is wash everything in your home such as sheets etc with Anti Dust Mite Wash you can get this in chemists and supermarket also we invested in a Dyson which helps fight against asthma also if you are allergic to dust. Its great to go to an allergy specialists to find out what you are allergic to, they can offer injections to cure your allergies or if you prefer take your knowledge then natropath and they can give you drops to help and see how that goes. Did your GP say what causes your asthma?

Bel
xxx

Thanks Muppity and Belle for getting back to me.

Muppity,

The inhaler he gave me was 'Seretide' - which is a long term one.

It has fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate - which sounds like it would fix the problems short term also.

I suppose the GP is waiting for the specialist to give his final results - we still haven't done the second lot of blood tests for the immune system side of things.

I'll also remind him about the IVF.

Belle,

I did an allergy test with the immunologist and the only thing I reacted to was mould. Everything else was fine (which, apparently, is a little unusual, according to the specialist). However I have to be careful when cleaning or gardening as mould spores are disturbed easily.

We've got a vacuum cleaner - an Electrolux - that we bought due to its hypoallergenic and pet fur cleaning qualities.

I can't have asprin anyway due to Diabex, but I'll keep the info in mind about the cold and flu tablets - thanks for that.

Hello Gargy,

Hope you're feeling better. The Seretide contains cortico-steroids, which suppress inflammation - hence the immediate effect. They don't heal the problem, but they will suppress the symptoms to make you feel better. One thing I can suggest is buying Bostito's Eucalyptus spray from the supermarket - it contains pure eucalyptus oil with a propellant of some sort, and is wonderful for spraying on mattresses, curtains, carpets etc. to reduce airborne moulds and mould spores in the home (it kills them). Salt lamps are also brilliant for reducing moulds in the home. If mould is a trigger for your asthma, you should avoid moulds in foods too - some foods that should be avoided are blue cheeses, brie, camembert, some vinegars, grapes and melons. It would be well worth seeing a Naturopath to get the asthma under control - one thing you could consider in the meantime is cod liver oil capsules, as the high levels of vitamin D and A are supportive to lung function and the immune system... and Vitamin C to speed up your recovery from the infection.

All the best, hope you're feeling on top of this soon

xxx

HI NicoleTracy,

I went and bought the eucalyptus spray this morning and I have sprayed our pillows (a Chemist assistant recommended this the other day also).

Avoiding blue cheese is not going to worry me - not really into it anyway - but I will miss the brie and camembert! And the grapes and melons! However pre this diagnosis I do remember grapes went mouldy fairly quickly.

I am seeing a Natropath at the moment - she has been desperately trying to boost my immune system with herbal remedies as well as vitamins and oils. I haven't been back to her yet about the asthma diagnosis, so I will let her know when I go again.

I get asthma from mould. I pretty much don't get it anymore and I believe it's because I'm living in a new house without a mould problem. The last couple of places I lived in had mould issues and therefore I got asthma regularly. The only times I've had it recently were when I've visited houses where there is mould present. I always carry ventolin with me just in case I come across it & it always brings quick relief.

That's the weird thing Satya - the last house was absolutely full of mould, and I am currently in a relatively new house with little mould (that I can find) - and although I was sick last year this year has been so much worse!

The only other things I can think of is that 1) I have moved from a staffroom that was on the first floor to one that is on the lower floor - and therefore would encourage mould to grow.

2) I was the one cleaning the mould before we moved out of the old house, so maybe this is why I've been so ill this year (but then again how long can it hang around?)

3) We have airconditioners in this house - maybe I need to spray the airconditioners to get rid of the mould???

4) Maybe its just brought on by all the other stressers happening at the moment.

Thanks for your help in puzzling this out - I'll make sure I have the puffer with me JIC.