Question:

 i have copd. have heard that its the exhaust fumes from the machine that clean s the ice.    had you thought of that , good luck to your son.

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Response:

Has anyone ever used this website as a resource http://www.healthtlak.com/aen, they have an Asthma Education Network there, and I just finished reading an article about Jackie Joyner Kersee and how she deals with her asthma. I thought perhaps some of you might like to read the article there. Lise

Response:

So I don’t play hockey, but I do figure skate, which puts me in the same boat as your son (except I don’t have three minute shifts, just 2 1/2-4 minute programs). I had many of the same problems that he seems to be having and I found that taking my rescue inhaler about twenty minutes before a practice helped out a lot more than it did if I took it right before I went out on the ice. While I still occasionally needed the inhaler during a practice, I decreased the instance of it dramatically. Just a thought! -M Lebo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My son ( 10 yrs) plays organised hockey.  They only time he needs his puffer is during the hockey games.  He uses the Salbutomol (blue one).  this season he has seemed to need it  more and more during his games.  He seems to be fine for the first 3 minute shift but after that he seems to go down hill. The pharmacist said he shouldn’t use it more that twice a game but he has a had time getting through the game.  One parent suggested a sip of coffee might help.  I have heard that coffee works in a pinch.  I would hate to have to put him on a stronger or cortisone type puffer for just hockey.  I believe the artificial ice in the arenas aggravates it.  He could play outdoors in the winter(we are in Canada), and not need his puffer at all. Concerned mom

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My son ( 10 yrs) plays organised hockey.  They only time he needs his puffer is during the hockey games.  He uses the Salbutomol (blue one).  this season he has seemed to need it  more and more during his games.  He seems to be fine for the first 3 minute shift but after that he seems to go down hill. The pharmacist said he shouldn’t use it more that twice a game but he has a had time getting through the game.  One parent suggested a sip of coffee might help.  I have heard that coffee works in a pinch.  I would hate to have to put him on a stronger or cortisone type puffer for just hockey.  I believe the artificial ice in the arenas aggravates it.  He could play outdoors in the winter(we are in Canada), and not need his puffer at all. Concerned mom

As Olli mentioned the indoor air quality at the indoor arena may be poor. Also cold dry air can trigger asthma; maybe a scarf would help? Coffee is not likely to help in this situation; it’s a last resort if you are caught without any asthma drugs. In this case he should just use his puffer as needed; salbutamol/albuterol is a very safe drug. However the need to use the puffer more than a couple of times could indicate the need to add a steroid inhaler. Also note that the puffer doesn’t work as well when it’s cold, another reason for needing another puff or 2. Of if the puffer is getting to the bottom of the canister; always have a spare available. You could also try adding an Intal puffer; Intal is a very safe drug. In my case I take a puff of my steroid inhaler before heavy exercise in addition to the bronchodilator;  it seems to kick in within an hour in my case. In the past I’ve used theophylline for this purpose, it’s similar in chemistry to caffeine but more effective for asthma. However theophylline can be tricky to use to find the right dose, and a tolerance needs to be built up. The other thing is I don’t exercise unless my peak flow is within 90-95% of personal best peak flow. You might try having your son monitor his peak flow with a peak flow meter at home. In the case of a virus infection, peak flow will go down and he shouldn’t exercise. Also if his peak flow varies widely, like 20% from the low [1st thing in morning pre bronchdilator] to the high [midafternoon postbronchodilator] it indicates the need to add a steroid inhaler for better control.   Link: http://www.lung.ca/asthma/exercise/index.html   Asthma and Exercise (PE Teachers, Canada) Ellis

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It may be that the air quality inside an arena is bad.  I have founded similar symptoms about myself when playing hockey inside/outside. Why the air quality is bad inside? The Ice vehicles! Olli from far north.. Finland My son ( 10 yrs) plays organised hockey.  They only time he needs his puffer is during the hockey games.  He uses the Salbutomol (blue one).  this season he has seemed to need it  more and more during his games.  He seems to be fine for the first 3 minute shift but after that he seems to go down hill. The pharmacist said he shouldn’t use it more that twice a game but he has a had time getting through the game.  One parent suggested a sip of coffee might help.  I have heard that coffee works in a pinch.  I would hate to have to put him on a stronger or cortisone type puffer for just hockey. I believe the artificial ice in the arenas aggravates it.  He could play outdoors in the winter(we are in Canada), and not need his puffer at all. Concerned mom

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It may be that the air quality inside an arena is bad.  I have founded similar symptoms about myself when playing hockey inside/outside. Why the air quality is bad inside? The Ice vehicles! Olli from far north.. Finland – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My son ( 10 yrs) plays organised hockey.  They only time he needs his puffer is during the hockey games.  He uses the Salbutomol (blue one).  this season he has seemed to need it  more and more during his games.  He seems to be fine for the first 3 minute shift but after that he seems to go down hill. The pharmacist said he shouldn’t use it more that twice a game but he has a had time getting through the game.  One parent suggested a sip of coffee might help.  I have heard that coffee works in a pinch.  I would hate to have to put him on a stronger or cortisone type puffer for just hockey.  I believe the artificial ice in the arenas aggravates it.  He could play outdoors in the winter(we are in Canada), and not need his puffer at all. Concerned mom

Response:

My son ( 10 yrs) plays organised hockey.  They only time he needs his puffer is during the hockey games.  He uses the Salbutomol (blue one).  this season he has seemed to need it  more and more during his games.  He seems to be fine for the first 3 minute shift but after that he seems to go down hill. The pharmacist said he shouldn’t use it more that twice a game but he has a had time getting through the game.  One parent suggested a sip of coffee might help.  I have heard that coffee works in a pinch.  I would hate to have to put him on a stronger or cortisone type puffer for just hockey.  I believe the artificial ice in the arenas aggravates it.  He could play outdoors in the winter(we are in Canada), and not need his puffer at all. Concerned mom

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Question:

I don’t think you’ll do any harm.  I don’t know if you’re talking about C or F, and as usual I forget how to do the conversion, but if you’re talking about C, you can run in the slightly-below-zero quite enjoyably and comfortably.  I used to love running in somewhat-below-freezing temperatures–it’s extremely invigorating, and burns more calories, too. Even if you mean sub-zero F, it’s still possible, though I have personal experience with only single digits below 0F. At those temperatures, I found exposed skin (face, ears) would sort of sting for a while but would warm up as I kept running. (I think some people may be more prone to frostbite than others, so just be careful–if you have prolonged skin-stinging or skin numbness you should go home.)  My high school gym teacher ran regularly in temperatures in the -30s F, and never had respiratory problems or frostbite, but he did wear a face mask. Take care to keep the hands warm because they can really get sore–the feet don’t seem to be a problem, apparently because they’re working, but warm gloves/mittens are a must. I used Thermax gloves in somewhat-below-freezing temperatures, and in well-below-freezing I covered the gloves with a pair of canvas over-mitts that kept the cold air out. Clothing-wise I’m sure you’ll find what works best for you; some people need more layers in the cold than others. I used to wear long undies under my running tights when it was way below freezing. I think you’ll be fine in the cold–it’s much more enjoyable than running on a treadmill. Have fun, Jessica

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve never been running at sub-zero temperature. In winter time I use a treadmill.But there is nothing like pounding the asphalt and breathing fresh air. So this winter, I will try running outdoor. I’m afraid that too cold air could do a sort of damage to the respiratory system. Could it? and how cold air could do it? Any personal experience or advice will be appreciated. Thanks. nj

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Are you talking sub 0 Fahrenheit or Celsius?  Either way your lungs will not get damaged since the air is warmed and humified to body levels (aka BTPS for Body Temperature, Pressure and Saturation) by the time the air reaches the lungs. Remember people climb Everest with no oxygen and even with oxygen they are still breathing cold air. However, some people with asthma and exercise induced asthma can exacerbate the problem in cold, dry air (one reason swimming is often suggested for asthmatics—-the air is warm and humid) since the initial reaction is often bronchoconstriction. So, get out and enjoy the brisk air.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve never been running at sub-zero temperature. In winter time I use a treadmill.But there is nothing like pounding the asphalt and breathing fresh air. So this winter, I will try running outdoor. I’m afraid that too cold air could do a sort of damage to the respiratory system. Could it? and how cold air could do it? Any personal experience or advice will be appreciated. Thanks. nj

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I’ve never been running at sub-zero temperature. In winter time I use a treadmill.But there is nothing like pounding the asphalt and breathing fresh air. So this winter, I will try running outdoor. I’m afraid that too cold air could do a sort of damage to the respiratory system. Could it? and how cold air could do it? Any personal experience or advice will be appreciated. Thanks. nj

Here in Finland people have been doing cross-country sking for centuries. I have never heard that their respiratory system would have been damaged due to cold air. Personally I don’t run out if temperature falls under minus 20 Celsius. The reason is not so much breathing the cold air but the sweat freezing to clothes Also take care that shock-absorbing system of your shoes will work properly at sub-zero temperatures. – KK

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air. So this winter, I will try running outdoor. I’m

afraid that too cold air could do a sort of damage to the respiratory

system. Could it? Seems doubtful.  All sorts of cold weather sports (skiing, snowshoeing, etc.) and how cold air could do it?

I’ve had no problems down -15F/-26C.  There are stories from mountaineering of severe problems below -40F or C. Things like having your teeth split but being too numb to notice.  I would say anything above -20F/30C should be OK.  After that take precautions.  Of course this can vary person by person.  I have one friend with poor circulation that really struggles below freezing temperature when I am still all right in a tshirt if I am really exerting myself. andy

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Living in Minnesota, I have run alot in cold weather.  For the most part it’s kind of neat.  I use thermowear underwear to stay warm.  That stuff works really good. I’ve never been running at sub-zero temperature. In winter time I use a treadmill.But there is nothing like pounding the asphalt and breathing fresh air. So this winter, I will try running outdoor. I’m afraid that too cold air could do a sort of damage to the respiratory system. Could it? and how cold air could do it? Any personal experience or advice will be appreciated. Thanks. nj

Before you buy.

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I’ve never been running at sub-zero temperature. In winter time I use a treadmill.But there is nothing like pounding the asphalt and breathing fresh air. So this winter, I will try running outdoor. I’m afraid that too cold air could do a sort of damage to the respiratory system. Could it? and how cold air could do it? Any personal experience or advice will be appreciated. Thanks. nj

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Question:

I live in upstate NY where it gets pretty darn cold. As a matter of  fact it’s below zero right now. The problem I have is running in very cold weather. After I’m done I find I’m coughing a lot and find my self short of breath. If I’m correct I need to keep somthing covering my mouth and nose to prevent the cold air from iratating my lungs. I would appreciate any advice or experience other runners might have on this subject.

Response:

        Get checked for asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm.         Get the doc to do an exercise challenge and a full pulmonary function test, not just a peak flow measure. (If the doc does not know how to do an exercise challenge, find one that does).         In the mean time, try a brief warm up indoors before heading out. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I live in upstate NY where it gets pretty darn cold. As a matter of  fact it’s below zero right now. The problem I have is running in very cold weather. After I’m done I find I’m coughing a lot and find my self short of breath. If I’m correct I need to keep somthing covering my mouth and nose to prevent the cold air from iratating my lungs. I would appreciate any advice or experience other runners might have on this subject.

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I run with a turtleneck on and breathe through the neck part – it also keeps my cheeks, nose, and lower face warm. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I live in upstate NY where it gets pretty darn cold. As a matter of  fact it’s below zero right now. The problem I have is running in very cold weather. After I’m done I find I’m coughing a lot and find my self short of breath. If I’m correct I need to keep somthing covering my mouth and nose to prevent the cold air from iratating my lungs. I would appreciate any advice or experience other runners might have on this subject.

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I lot of the throat irritation felt when running in the cold is due to the very  low relative humidity of the air, rather than the temperature.  Have you ever noticed that if you cover your mouth (scarf, surgical mask, etc), that the covering gets damp/wet and/or covered with ice?  This happens because the covering traps a lot of the moisture from your exhaled air.  When you inhale through the damp/wet covering, the incoming air picks up moisture from the covering, ruding the irritation.  When I lived in Duluth, I frequently used a 3M paper dust mask.  Looks strange but they are cheap and work very well.  I’ve also used them in the Antarctic and Arctic.  I don’t have much use for them here in New Orleans, but when I move back to Wisconsin later this month, that will change in a hurry! Jim"picked a great time to move"Driscoll

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I live in Wisconsin and have been using: 1. Paper dust masks, 2. Balaclavas, 3. Neoprene nose / face mask (with pinholes around the mouth area), 4. and even a neck gaiter, to do what Jim mentioned below. Keeps the face warm, and warms and humidifies the incoming air. Denny "chose a bad week to stay in WI" Anderson I lot of the throat irritation felt when running in the cold is due to the very low relative humidity of the air, rather than the temperature.  Have you ever noticed that if you cover your mouth (scarf, surgical mask, etc), that the covering gets damp/wet and/or covered with ice?  This happens because the covering traps a lot of the moisture from your exhaled air.  When you inhale through the damp/wet covering, the incoming air picks up moisture from the covering, ruding the irritation.  When I lived in Duluth, I frequently used a 3M paper dust mask.  Looks strange but they are cheap and work very well.  I’ve also used them in the Antarctic and Arctic.  I don’t have much use for them here in New Orleans, but when I move back to Wisconsin later this month, that will change in a hurry! Jim"picked a great time to move"Driscoll

 Denny Anderson  To ERR is human… to ZIN, divine!

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I live in MN and use a face mask which is a combination of Neoprene and some fuzzy material (polartec?). I like the combination more than I like all neoprene masks. Also, I have an extra large and I find the extra space makes the whole experience less claustrophobic. I pull it off an make a little pocket around mouth and nose. Now a question for the totally insane- has anyone ever run with goggles? For me it is bad enough to run with a face mask, but when running into a wind-chill of -30 I sometimes wonder about this. Maybe considering this is an early sign of hypothermia… t — For e-mail replies, change "talkingxyzzy" to "talking"

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I find that it happens to me when the weather first turns real cold. We’ve been spoiled in the Northeast with unusually mild weather and now it is arctic cold.  Last weeik I actually thought I was coming down with a bronchial infection or something.  Haven’t had the poblem since.                            Larry

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I live in MN and use a face mask which is a combination of Neoprene and some fuzzy material (polartec?). I like the combination more than I like all neoprene

Now a question for the totally insane- has anyone ever run with goggles? For me it is bad enough to run with a face mask, but when running into a wind-chill of -30 I sometimes wonder about this. Maybe considering this is an early sign of hypothermia… t

I use clear work-shop goggles to protect my eyes. They can be a real pain in the..ah..neck when conditions are such that your own exhalations cause fogging and visual claustrophobia. But, that usually occurs when running downwind or with a trailing cross wind. In a head wind, or quartering head wind, they stay fog free (usually). When it’s really cold, and the wind chill is a bear, that’s when it’s most important – into the wind. Often I just remove them when downwind and put them back on when it counts. When I say shop glasses, I don’t mean the kind which are like scuba goggles – with the vent holes. Those tend to fog up in very short order. I mean the type which are like glasses with plastic wings on the ear pieces – they cut the effect of cross winds. Tinted shop glasses are also available at professional supplier type stores. I.e., those which sell welding, safety and protective equipment for tradesmen. HTH  Denny Anderson  To ERR is human… to ZIN, divine!

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I live in MN and use a face mask which is a combination of Neoprene and some fuzzy material (polartec?). I like the combination more than I like all neoprene masks. Also, I have an extra large and I find the extra space makes the whole experience less claustrophobic. I pull it off an make a little pocket around mouth and nose. Now a question for the totally insane- has anyone ever run with goggles? For me it is bad enough to run with a face mask, but when running into a wind-chill of -30 I sometimes wonder about this. Maybe considering this is an early sign of hypothermia… t — For e-mail replies, change "talkingxyzzy" to "talking"

For me ski goggles are not insane, they just work. They are a real benefit in windy conditions. Down side is sometimes fogging when the wind dies down. I’ve seen suggestions on preventing the fogging in this group and may try it soon. I’m in Cleveland area so temps are close to yours but not quite as cold. Try some goggles. They work. — Ed Prochak Magic Interface, Ltd. 440-498-3702

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I got myself one of those balaklava type masks and went running with it today.  It really did keep me warm, but it bothered me that I couldn’t look down very easily.  Am I going to get used to that, or does anyone have any advice for me on how to use it?  I also used some advice that I got on this newsgroup and bought the Duofold Thermal long undies, which I wore along with my flannel lined nylon running suit, and my legs were not at all cold! So thanks for that advice, whoever that was.  (By the way, I’m in Illinois where it was record lows today – between 5 and 20 below.)  I am not a great runner, but I have made progress since I started in April of last year, and I didn’t want the weather to stop me completely.  Now I think it won’t. Becky Jaxon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I live in MN and use a face mask which is a combination of Neoprene and some fuzzy material (polartec?). I like the combination more than I like all neoprene masks. Also, I have an extra large and I find the extra space makes the whole experience less claustrophobic. I pull it off an make a little pocket around mouth and nose. Now a question for the totally insane- has anyone ever run with goggles? For me it is bad enough to run with a face mask, but when running into a wind-chill of -30 I sometimes wonder about this. Maybe considering this is an early sign of hypothermia… t — For e-mail replies, change "talkingxyzzy" to "talking" For me ski goggles are not insane, they just work. They are a real benefit in windy conditions. Down side is sometimes fogging when the wind dies down. I’ve seen suggestions on preventing the fogging in this group and may try it soon. I’m in Cleveland area so temps are close to yours but not quite as cold. Try some goggles. They work. — Ed Prochak Magic Interface, Ltd. 440-498-3702

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Question:

I am new to this board and I would appreciate any pointers to information on how to handle excercise-induced Asthma.  My asthma condition is generally mild.  I have recently stopped using Severant and only ocassionally need Albuterol (sometimes at night — maybe every other night).  The rest of the time I’m fine. BUT…I’ve had to curtail my running.  I was up to 4 miles per morning, but even with inhales of Albuterol (2 to as many as 4 puffs) or Severant (2 puffs) before running, I often (almost always) have to stop.  The first 2/3 mile is OK, but then my air passages constrict and I have to go to a walk while gasping.  It is frustrating for me since I physically do and feel best when on an excercise program.   Can anyone suggest or point to information on how best to handle these types of attacks?  I would love to get back to running, but I haven’t found a scheme that works for me.  I am reducing the dust, etc. in my house, but my real susceptability seems to be from hard breathing during excercise.  I have not tried steroids to reduce air passage sensitivity. Perhaps that’s the best way. Any help greatly appreciated.  I will post a summary of the information I get to help others.  Thanks. — Louis M. Pecora  == My views and opinions are not those of the U.S. Navy. ==  == No Spamming or Soliciting — both are illegal at this site ==   Check out our Nonlinear Web site: http://code6343.nrl.navy.mil/ * The 4th Experimental Chaos Conference is over, see what you missed *** List of Speakers and Sessions & Abstracts Online ! ***              http://natasha.umsl.edu/Exp_Chaos4 See you at the 5th Experimental Chaos Conference, Torino, Italy, 1999

Response:

I am new to this board and I would appreciate any pointers to information on how to handle excercise-induced Asthma.  My asthma condition is generally mild.  I have recently stopped using Severant and only ocassionally need Albuterol (sometimes at night — maybe every other night).  The rest of the time I’m fine. Louis M. Pecora

Check out my links on Exercise-Induced Asthma/Bronchospasm:  EIB http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/tips/tip01.html      EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA & BRONCHOSPASM http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/advocate/96spring.html      Working Out With Ease, Not Wheeze http://www.lung.ca/asthma/exercise/index.html  Asthma and Exercise http://www.aap.org/policy/00301.html  Metered-Dose Inhalers for Young         Athletes With Exercise-Induced Asthma (RE9423) http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/jan_96/rupp.htm  Diagnosis and Management       of Exercise-Induced Asthma, Jan 96 http://www.health-line.com/articles/ap930006.htm   Exercise-Induced Asthma http://www.health-line.com/articles/hl950301.htm When Exercise Takes Your    Breath Away http://www.runnersworld.com/injuries/asthma.html ASTHMA, EXERCISE-INDUCED Ellis

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Question:

Hi. I’d be interested in hearing people’s experiences on which sport they find helps improve their asthma. My doctor has often recommended swimming

I do ten miles a day, six or seven days a week, on a stationary bike with a course that is mostly uphill and fairly rigorous. I find that if I’m going to experience any symptoms at all, they’ll (happily) occur only after my aerobic workout is over (after about 30-45 minutes). I also weight train three or four days a week, and I find that if symptoms are present going into a weight training session, they will either stay mild or diminish somewhat as I continue to workout, so that might be a benefit for you. I’ve found that doing abdominal crunches or other "horizontal" exercise right after heavy aerobic activity seems to diminish, or eradicate, asthma symptoms. The most effective seems to be an exercise for the gluteus: lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, in a sort of "tented" position, if you follow me, lift your body so that your legs above the knee and your torso up to your shoulders is in a straight line. It’s been so effective for me that I find doing a set or two eases asthma symptoms whenever they occur. Hope that helps. Kris Kane

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Hi. I’d be interested in hearing people’s experiences on which sport they find helps improve their asthma. My doctor has often recommended swimming to me but I’m a very poor swimmer and find I’m having a lot of problems trying to breathe properly, the chlorine in the pools also irritates me, so I was thinking of looking elsewhere. I know there are lots of sports people with asthma but I’m unfit and looking to get fit. Any ideas plus webs sites on this, most welcome. thanks all. Jemina

Well, I ride a horse; however, I OWN a horse, and am not allergic to it.  Doctors recommend swimming because the humid atmosphere seems to help prevent attacks during exercise.  I have the same problem with cholorine, as you do, though; AND a major problem with the mildew level in the locker room.  Have you tried walking?  It is possibly the best all-around exercise there is, and can readily be paced to your daily breathing ability. Chris Owens

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I don’t have much time to exercise right now, but I’ve recently been considering trying yoga, & think you may want to check it out, too. I hear it’s a good stress reliever, which is something that appeals to me, as I’ve had some of my worst attacks when I was stressed out. Mary

Response:

Hi   Walking has to be one of the best excercises.An hour a day and you feel fabulous.Low impact,no stress on the joints and great cardiovascular fitness.Grab a walkman,invest in a good pair of walking shoes or cross trainers and off you go. In the winter I use a treadmill.It’s safer than a slip & fall and you really can’t go all that fast on snow & ice. I’ve been lucky that my asthma doesn’t seem to be triggered by excercise but if I am wheezy I take my Ventolin along. What I have found interesting is that although presently my asthma is aggravated by GERD,and I feel wheezy much of the day,once I get on my treadmill my lungs improve.Maybe it’s the frequent shallow breathing.Who knows.It works for me. Roseanne

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Hi. I’d be interested in hearing people’s experiences on which sport they find helps improve their asthma. My doctor has often recommended swimming to me but I’m a very poor swimmer and find I’m having a lot of problems trying to breathe properly, the chlorine in the pools also irritates me, so I was thinking of looking elsewhere. I know there are lots of sports people with asthma but I’m unfit and looking to get fit. Any ideas plus webs sites on this, most welcome. thanks all. Jemina

Jemina, I use a ski walker and exercise bike at a health club 3-5 times per week as well as outdoor walking if the weather is in moderate temperatures as both cold and humidity trigger my asthma.  I take ventolin prior to exercising at the health club and walking.  If my symptoms increase during exercise I slow the pace and take ventolin if necessary and stop activity. I also do floor exercises to tone my muscles.  Don’t overlook daily activities such as housework (with not harsh/smelly cleaners) for improving your fitness level. Hope this helps. — Janine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Hi. I’d be interested in hearing people’s experiences on which sport they find helps improve their asthma. My doctor has often recommended swimming to me but I’m a very poor swimmer and find I’m having a lot of problems trying to breathe properly, the chlorine in the pools also irritates me, so I was thinking of looking elsewhere. I know there are lots of sports people with asthma but I’m unfit and looking to get fit. Any ideas plus webs sites on this, most welcome. thanks all. Jemina

Walking is a good way to start out; get a good pair of walking/running or cross training shoes; go out the front door and start walking. Basically you want to find exercise you enjoy doing. I like to Folk Dance so that’s one of my exercises twice a week; plus I walk 2-3 miles a day and go hiking in the hills. Often you can find various exercise courses in the local adult education or junior college system. Do you have hiking groups in your area? I belong to the Sierra Club; they sponsor day hikes in my area graded at different levels from beginner to advanced. Some people prefer to join a health club and work with a trainer, but give it a trial before you pay your money. Here’s some exercise links: EIB http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/tips/tip01.html EXERCISE-INDUCED  ASTHMA & BRONCHOSPASM http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/advocate/96spring.html Working  Out With Ease, Not Wheeze http://www.lung.ca/asthma/exercise/index.html  Asthma and Exercise http://www.aap.org/policy/00301.html  Metered-Dose Inhalers for Young Athletes  With Exercise-Induced Asthma (RE9423) http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/jan_96/rupp.htm  Diagnosis and Management of  Exercise-Induced Asthma, Jan 96 http://www.health-line.com/articles/ap930006.htm   Exercise-Induced Asthma Ellis

Response:

Hi. I’d be interested in hearing people’s experiences on which sport they find helps improve their asthma. My doctor has often recommended swimming to me but I’m a very poor swimmer and find I’m having a lot of problems trying to breathe properly, the chlorine in the pools also irritates me, so I was thinking of looking elsewhere. I know there are lots of sports people with asthma but I’m unfit and looking to get fit. Any ideas plus webs sites on this, most welcome. thanks all. Jemina

Response:

Question:

Someone kindly sent me some suggestions on where to get information on this.My computer recently crashed and I had to reload everything. I lost all the information I collected. If anyone can help with this I’d appreciate it. I find that when I’m anxious or super angry or even laugh very hard my asthma seems to much worse and I feel very tight in my chest. thanks in advance. Jemina

Response:

Someone kindly sent me some suggestions on where to get information on this.My computer recently crashed and I had to reload everything. I lost all the information I collected. If anyone can help with this I’d appreciate it. I find that when I’m anxious or super angry or even laugh very hard my asthma seems to much worse and I feel very tight in my chest.

I think it has more to do with the fact that when people laugh, get angry, etc. the breathing rate increases. thanks in advance. Jemina

Response:

Someone kindly sent me some suggestions on where to get information on this.My computer recently crashed and I had to reload everything. I lost all the information I collected. If anyone can help with this I’d appreciate it. I find that when I’m anxious or super angry or even laugh very hard my asthma seems to much worse and I feel very tight in my chest. thanks in advance. Jemina

I hope you are backing your data up now, that reminds me, I need to do that, with a zip drive or something. You can retrieve old articles from this support group by going to the archives at www.dejanews.com and type in the name of the group and a subject, for example, ‘alt.support.asthma emotions’ etc. Emotions can be asthma triggers, like pollen or smoke. Emotions can cause breathing problems, which coexist with asthma. See: http://www.remcomp.com/asmanet/edit9702.html Hyperventilation Syndrome & Asthma http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/library/readroom/oc4154.htm Asthma/Panic  Disorder 1-97 To answer your other post, here are links on exercise-induced asthma: http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/tips/tip01.html EXERCISE-INDUCED  ASTHMA & BRONCHOSPASM http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/advocate/96spring.html Working Out With Ease, Not Wheeze http://www.lung.ca/asthma/exercise/index.html  Asthma and Exercise http://www.aap.org/policy/00301.html  Metered-Dose Inhalers for Young Athletes  With Exercise-Induced Asthma (RE9423) Ellis

Response:

Question:

Hi! I am almost 16 and I have dealt with Exersise-Induced Asthma for about 5 to 6 years. I just got back from an appt. with a new allergist/asthma doctor. I had this appt because none of my inhalers have ever worked. I have used Beclovent, Serevent, Tialade, and Maxair, all at different intervals and different dosages. For about the first 2 to 3 years, I used them all religiously and as my doctor perscribed. But none of them worked. I now only take my maxair as needed, but it provides no relief. My doctor said that it could be a couple things: Asthma, but one that can’t be treated; a problem other than asthma, like in the vocal chords; or a mix of the two. I go in for a few tests in about two weeks. But I still have a few questions that I was hoping someone out there may know the answers to. Like, ‘If it’s not asthma, what could be causing the very same symptoms’ and ‘How can I get this… whatever it is… under control’ and ‘What else could this be’? I’m really confused… if anyone can help me, please respond. Sarah

Response:

Ask your doctor about the possibility of GERD (stomach reflux). It can cause poor controlled asthma. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi! I am almost 16 and I have dealt with Exersise-Induced Asthma for about 5 to 6 years. I just got back from an appt. with a new allergist/asthma doctor. I had this appt because none of my inhalers have ever worked. I have used Beclovent, Serevent, Tialade, and Maxair, all at different intervals and different dosages. For about the first 2 to 3 years, I used them all religiously and as my doctor perscribed. But none of them worked. I now only take my maxair as needed, but it provides no relief. My doctor said that it could be a couple things: Asthma, but one that can’t be treated; a problem other than asthma, like in the vocal chords; or a mix of the two. I go in for a few tests in about two weeks. But I still have a few questions that I was hoping someone out there may know the answers to. Like, ‘If it’s not asthma, what could be causing the very same symptoms’ and ‘How can I get this… whatever it is… under control’ and ‘What else could this be’? I’m really confused… if anyone can help me, please respond. Sarah

Response:

I am almost 16 and I have dealt with Exersise-Induced Asthma for about 5 to 6 years. I just got back from an appt. with a new allergist/asthma doctor. I had this appt because none of my inhalers have ever worked. I have used Beclovent, Serevent, Tialade, and Maxair, all at different intervals and different dosages. For about the first 2 to 3 years, I used them all religiously and as my doctor perscribed. But none of them worked. I now only take my maxair as needed, but it provides no relief. My doctor said that it could be a couple things: Asthma, but one that can’t be treated; a problem other than asthma, like in the vocal chords; or a mix of the two. I go in for a few tests in about two weeks. But I still have a few questions that I was hoping someone out there may know the answers to. Like, ‘If it’s not asthma, what could be causing the very same symptoms’ and ‘How can I get this… whatever it is… under control’ and ‘What else could this be’? Sarah

A 15% decrease in your Peak Flow Rate after exercise tends to indicate EIB. Here is info from the 1997 Expert Panel Report on EIB (exercise-induced bronchospasm), also called EIA. Diagnosis–A history of cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, wheezing, or endurance problems during exercise suggest EIB. An exercise challenge can be used to establish the diagnosis. This can be performed in a formal laboratory setting or as a free-run challenge sufficiently strenuous to increase the baseline heart rate to 80% of maximum for 4 to 6 minutes. Alternatively, the patient may simply undertake the task that previously caused the symptoms. A 15% decrease in PEF of FEV1 (measurements taken before and after exercise at 5-min. intervals for 20-30 minutes) is compatible with EIB. Beta2 agonists, like Maxair or Ventolin, will prevent EIB in more than  80% of patients. Pretreating with Intal or Tilade may work. Serevent has been shown to prevent EIB for 10-12 hours. A lengthy warmup before exercise may help. Long term therapy may help (Beclovent) There are some asthma look alike conditions. Vocal cord disfunction is one of them. Here are some links: VOCAL CORD DISFUNCTION http://www.arbon.com/njc/vocal.htm Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Question:

I modified my exercise routine once the weather began to get cooler and now exercise in a fitness club 3 – 4 times per week and light exercises at home 7 days per week.  I take ventolin prior to exercising at the fitness club and have noticed an ammonia smell when I breath after exercising that persists for about a half hour.  I am careful to have water before, during and after exercising.  Could this be from the inhaler?  Also, prior to being diagnosed with asthma, I exercised regardless of how I felt except when I was too sick to move.  However, today I am beginning to feel the onset of a cold and am wondering if I should decrease exercising until I feel a bit better? Janine

I haven’t noticed ammonia smell from Ventolin. Maybe the janitor uses at the health club. Listen to your body. If you feel a cold coming on reduce your exercise accordingly. Be aware there is an immediate and late phase reaction to EIA. The late phase reaction can occur several hours after activity has ceased. Here’s some links on EIA. http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/tips/tip01.html EXERCISE-INDUCED  ASTHMA & BRONCHOSPASM http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/advocate/96spring.html Working  Out With Ease, Not Wheeze http://www.lung.ca/asthma/exercise/index.html  Asthma and Exercise Ellis

Response:

Hi all… I modified my exercise routine once the weather began to get cooler and now exercise in a fitness club 3 – 4 times per week and light exercises at home 7 days per week.  I take ventolin prior to exercising at the fitness club and have noticed an ammonia smell when I breath after exercising that persists for about a half hour.  I am careful to have water before, during and after exercising.  Could this be from the inhaler?  Also, prior to being diagnosed with asthma, I exercised regardless of how I felt except when I was too sick to move.  However, today I am beginning to feel the onset of a cold and am wondering if I should decrease exercising until I feel a bit better? Janine

Yes…not from risk of asthma…but heavy exercise when suffering from any viral infection is dangerous for anyone…as I understand it, you risk a long term problem akin to ME, I’ve even heard it suggested that ME is simply the result of working too hard through a viral infection…so take it a little easier when you have a cold…if work and family allow eric

Response:

Another question I have, is when is the optimal time to test, after using machine. The routine I am trying, is hopping on about 3 times a day, and doing a mile, which burns up about 60 calories. My legs can’t take much more than that, though my wind and heartbeat are fine. Should I test immediately after getting off bike, or should I wait awhile?

Don’t know if there is an answer for this…exercise will have immediate affects on BG. It might be good to know what your BG is before starting and then after you finish to see what that affect is. Do you exercise before or after eating ? I find if I exercise before I eat I’m more likely to have a liver dump…in which case I’ll usually plan a low-carb meal. If I exercise after eating I find I can tolerate more carbs in my meal.

Response:

The fat may have slowed things down, so your burger-carbs were not available when needed, so your body called on "stores", THEN the burger carbs hit — but by then you weren’t exercising anymore. My pre-exercise snacks are usually mostly carb — some fruit, maybe with a bit of cream &/or a small piece of chocolate; not a big snack (your burger would be more like a lunch to me), and I start my exercise within 30-45 minutes. The snack is so that I *can* exercise, without running out of gas along the way, the exercise is not to bring down bg. The only time I don’t carbo-snack for exercise is (a) when it hasn’t been that long since lunch or (b) a new routine — I *may* take a moderate walk to fill in the time between my fasting-Fosamax and when I’m allowed to eat — but I can’t do very much/vigorous without fuel! bj

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I must have dumped a *lot* of glucose last time I excercised. I ate a 4 oz. 10% fat burger, on a couple of pieces of trimmed toast (24g carb for the two slices, less trimmed) Was 80 pre meal. 110 1hr pp, then I did a mile on the bike. 60 cal burned. I tested immediately after excercise, 178!  2hr pp wasn’t much better 160. 3hr. I finally was down to 123. Sheesh. I need to get on top of this, and figure some things out.

Response:

Actualy, it *was* my lunch. I didn’t hit the bike until 1hr pp, and had

already jumped up 30pts in BG, so I figured I had some "juice" into my system. That’s what made me wonder why I had gone so high, (though I did test immediately after exercise, instead of waiting) Well I’ll get it all figured out one of these days. The good thing is that I’m getting the exercise in the first place, which for lazy me, is a big step. Thanks! Sometimes if I test right after exercise my bg is elevated but goes down to normal within 1/2 hour. This usually happens with a more rather than less vigorous workout (e.g. jogging rather than walking at whatever speed). I don’t worry about it! And after that 1/2 hour (time for shower & changing & a couple of chores) I have a snack or meal, whichever seems "due". I rarely test between snack and beginning exercise; doesn’t seem to be any point to it for me. Yes, it’s the *doing* of the exercise that’s important. And you’ll get used to it as a (new) part of your life. Best wishes. bj

Response:

Actos can cause weight gain.  It’s fluid retention.  Exercise may reduce it. Hey your’re doing it!!!! c

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have been using my stationary bike, but can’t figure a couple of things. Of course I don’t have a manual, and it isn’t made anymore, so I am having a problem finding anything online. Trying to figure out the digital meter on it. Some is obvious. Time, Calories, and Speed. Distance must be measured in walking, not biking, because It takes me about 7+ mins to do a mile, but I don’t walk as fast as I pedal, and I know it would take me a lot less than 7 mins to bike a mile. So I guess it is measuring my distance as how far I would walk, if walking at the pace I pedal. That is the only thing that makes sense to me. and the math comes out pretty close. There are a couple of other categories on the meter that I have no idea what they mean. I is Scan, and the other is 000. I thought one might be a cumulative, but either nothing comes up on the meter when I am watching it, or I am misinterpreting something when it does come up, as the little arrow indicators are very hard for me to see. It is a Vitamaster AirAdvantage, if anyone is familiar with it. Another question I have, is when is the optimal time to test, after using machine. The routine I am trying, is hopping on about 3 times a day, and doing a mile, which burns up about 60 calories. My legs can’t take much more than that, though my wind and heartbeat are fine. Should I test immediately after getting off bike, or should I wait awhile? I know this doesn’t seem like a lot of exercise, but with my claudication, and laziness, it’s pretty good for me, and I am hoping to improve. Funny thing though, I started Actos about 3 weeks ago, and my exercise routine about 2 weeks ago, yet I have gained 4 lbs. I am wondering if it is the Actos, as I am by no means buff. Thanks, Sleepy Q. How do republicans have sex? A. They don’t. They only screw the poor.

Response:

"Sleepyman" wrote in part …  Another question I have, is when is the optimal time to test, after using machine. The routine I am trying, is hopping on about 3 times a day, and doing a mile, which burns up about 60 calories. My legs can’t take much more than that, though my wind and heartbeat are fine.  Should I test immediately after getting off bike, or should I wait awhile? When you exercise, glucose that is stored in the muscles is released into the bloodstream — used by the body for energy.  That is why we may show a slight *increase* in BG just after exercise.  Wait for 30 to 40 minutes after so that the glucose can be absorbed back into the muscles.  You will get a much more accurate reading then. Arnie –

Response:

Sleepy Cycling is great exercise – if you can get a ‘recumbent’ exercycle you will get better results because the seat is far more comfortable and you have a back support – my advise is the computer is not really relevant – doesn’t really matter how many kms you go or what your speed is – only relevant statistic is your heart rate i.e. it is age related and there is a formula – you take 220 – deduct your age (say you are 50) – that makes 170 and then you take around 65% of that – so your target heart range is around 110 beats per minute – so that becomes your goal in exerciseb- say you jump on your cycle 2-3 times per day and do it for 10 mins each time and stay within that heart range – so if you don’t have one I would get a heart rate monitor – Polar is a good one – you have a strap around your chest and a watch picks up your heart rate – then you know that you are in the optimum range for fitness and fat burning David

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have been using my stationary bike, but can’t figure a couple of things. Of course I don’t have a manual, and it isn’t made anymore, so I am having a problem finding anything online. Trying to figure out the digital meter on it. Some is obvious. Time, Calories, and Speed. Distance must be measured in walking, not biking, because It takes me about 7+ mins to do a mile, but I don’t walk as fast as I pedal, and I know it would take me a lot less than 7 mins to bike a mile. So I guess it is measuring my distance as how far I would walk, if walking at the pace I pedal. That is the only thing that makes sense to me. and the math comes out pretty close. There are a couple of other categories on the meter that I have no idea what they mean. I is Scan, and the other is 000. I thought one might be a cumulative, but either nothing comes up on the meter when I am watching it, or I am misinterpreting something when it does come up, as the little arrow indicators are very hard for me to see. It is a Vitamaster AirAdvantage, if anyone is familiar with it. Another question I have, is when is the optimal time to test, after using machine. The routine I am trying, is hopping on about 3 times a day, and doing a mile, which burns up about 60 calories. My legs can’t take much more than that, though my wind and heartbeat are fine. Should I test immediately after getting off bike, or should I wait awhile? I know this doesn’t seem like a lot of exercise, but with my claudication, and laziness, it’s pretty good for me, and I am hoping to improve. Funny thing though, I started Actos about 3 weeks ago, and my exercise routine about 2 weeks ago, yet I have gained 4 lbs. I am wondering if it is the Actos, as I am by no means buff. Thanks, Sleepy Q. How do republicans have sex? A. They don’t. They only screw the poor.

Response:

I just watch heart rate, time, and distance.  After the first few weeks my heart rate didn’t go as high as in the beginning.  Then I increased the time and resistance a little.  In no time you will get up to 3 or 4 miles with medium resistance.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have been using my stationary bike, but can’t figure a couple of things. Of course I don’t have a manual, and it isn’t made anymore, so I am having a problem finding anything online. Trying to figure out the digital meter on it. Some is obvious. Time, Calories, and Speed. Distance must be measured in walking, not biking, because It takes me about 7+ mins to do a mile, but I don’t walk as fast as I pedal, and I know it would take me a lot less than 7 mins to bike a mile. So I guess it is measuring my distance as how far I would walk, if walking at the pace I pedal. That is the only thing that makes sense to me. and the math comes out pretty close. There are a couple of other categories on the meter that I have no idea what they mean. I is Scan, and the other is 000. I thought one might be a cumulative, but either nothing comes up on the meter when I am watching it, or I am misinterpreting something when it does come up, as the little arrow indicators are very hard for me to see. It is a Vitamaster AirAdvantage, if anyone is familiar with it. Another question I have, is when is the optimal time to test, after using machine. The routine I am trying, is hopping on about 3 times a day, and doing a mile, which burns up about 60 calories. My legs can’t take much more than that, though my wind and heartbeat are fine. Should I test immediately after getting off bike, or should I wait awhile? I know this doesn’t seem like a lot of exercise, but with my claudication, and laziness, it’s pretty good for me, and I am hoping to improve. Funny thing though, I started Actos about 3 weeks ago, and my exercise routine about 2 weeks ago, yet I have gained 4 lbs. I am wondering if it is the Actos, as I am by no means buff. Thanks, Sleepy Q. How do republicans have sex? A. They don’t. They only screw the poor.

Response:

Have been using my stationary bike, but can’t figure a couple of things. Of course I don’t have a manual, and it isn’t made anymore, so I am having a problem finding anything online. Trying to figure out the digital meter on it. Some is obvious. Time, Calories, and Speed. Distance must be measured in walking, not biking, because It takes me about 7+ mins to do a mile, but I don’t walk as fast as I pedal, and I know it would take me a lot less than 7 mins to bike a mile. So I guess it is measuring my distance as how far I would walk, if walking at the pace I pedal. That is the only thing that makes sense to me. and the math comes out pretty close. There are a couple of other categories on the meter that I have no idea what they mean. I is Scan, and the other is 000. I thought one might be a cumulative, but either nothing comes up on the meter when I am watching it, or I am misinterpreting something when it does come up, as the little arrow indicators are very hard for me to see. It is a Vitamaster AirAdvantage, if anyone is familiar with it. Another question I have, is when is the optimal time to test, after using machine. The routine I am trying, is hopping on about 3 times a day, and doing a mile, which burns up about 60 calories. My legs can’t take much more than that, though my wind and heartbeat are fine. Should I test immediately after getting off bike, or should I wait awhile? I know this doesn’t seem like a lot of exercise, but with my claudication, and laziness, it’s pretty good for me, and I am hoping to improve. Funny thing though, I started Actos about 3 weeks ago, and my exercise routine about 2 weeks ago, yet I have gained 4 lbs. I am wondering if it is the Actos, as I am by no means buff. Thanks, Sleepy Q. How do republicans have sex? A. They don’t. They only screw the poor.

Response:

Question:

my son was recently diagnosised with reactive airway desease ( fancy name for Asthma)- actually sports induced.  This was done by the new peditrician who replaced the older one.  The older peditrician diagnosised it as bronchitis for the last year.  Do you recommend I see an asthma/allergy specialist or can a peditrician acurately diagnosis this.

Response:

The proof

is in whether the treatment is effective.<<<< But do read all you can and educate yourself. You may be settling for a situation that you don’t have to. A good website to try is http://www.podi.com/health/aanma Good luck, Kathy

Response:

Thanks Bill- I feel alittle better about it all- He is being treated with an inhaler prior to exercise.    It appears to be working.  Of course my son is big into Soccer and Basketball, propably the two worst sports for this type of asthma.  Does this type of asthma normally develop into a more severe kind later in life?   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – More severe forms of asthma require the addition of long-acting preventor meds like Intal, Tilade, inhaled steroids.

Response:

To answer your question I refer you to the following links: http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/tips/tip01.html EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA & BRONCHOSPASM http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/tips/tip20.html CHILDHOOD ASTHMA http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/advocate/96spring.html Working Out With Ease, Not Wheeze http://www.lung.ca/asthma/exercise/index.html  Asthma and Exercise http://www.lungusa.org/noframes/learn/aschil/ascchildhoo.html Childhood Asthma, ALA http://www.njc.org/MFhtml/TMO_MF.html  School Asthma Plan http://www.aap.org/new/sitemap.htm  American Academy of Pediatrics http://vh.radiology.uiowa.edu/Providers/ClinGuide/AsthmaManagement.html Asthma Management: Guidelines for the Primary Care Physician (Virtual Childrens Hospital) http://www.podi.com/health/aanma/ Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. Ellis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Bill- I feel alittle better about it all- He is being treated with an inhaler prior to exercise.    It appears to be working.  Of course my son is big into Soccer and Basketball, propably the two worst sports for this type of asthma.  Does this type of asthma normally develop into a more severe kind later in life? More severe forms of asthma require the addition of long-acting preventor meds like Intal, Tilade, inhaled steroids.

Response:

Thanks Kathy, what a great site- it didn’t come up when I usd my search engine.  I am sure it will be very helpful! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A good website to try is http://www.podi.com/health/aanma Good luck, Kathy

Response:

Dear Bill, RAD’s is not actually a euphemism for asthma but describes a syndrome of airway irritation that follows sudden and severe exposure to airway irritants, most commonly in the occupational setting.  The terminology around asthma and airway disease is confusing. I’d agree with you though that the new doc seems more astute than the old one. Ken – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – my son was recently diagnosised with reactive airway desease ( fancy name for Asthma)- actually sports induced.  This was done by the new peditrician who replaced the older one.  The older peditrician diagnosised it as bronchitis for the last year.  Do you recommend I see an asthma/allergy specialist or can a peditrician acurately diagnosis this. This form of asthma is called EIB (exercise induced bronchospasm). Its a mild form of asthma treated with beta2-agonist inhalers like Ventolin, used as needed. Usually it would be used prior to exercising. A pediatrician is qualified to treat this. The proof is in whether the treatment is effective. More severe forms of asthma require the addition of long-acting preventor meds like Intal, Tilade, inhaled steroids. RAD (reactive airway disease) is a new name for asthma. It sounds like your new doctor has a better understanding of asthma than the older one. Ellis

– Kenneth Chapman Director Asthma Centre of The Toronto Hospital

Response:

Dear Doctor Chapman, I don’t usually argue with an asthma doctor, but there seems to be a difference between RAD (reactive airway disease), and RADS (reactive airway disease syndrome). The former term seems to be often applied to the asthmatic condition in young children, and the latter to occupational exposure as you describe. My original post said RAD, not RADS. Here is a reference from Dr. Hogg describing the difference: http://witness.net/archives/current/0432.html Excerpt I have read the several posts about RADS and I would like to offer a few comments. Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome is a specific entity that occurs after a single high-level exposure to a substance, often chemical in nature, although it is thought that several low-level exposures may also induce the syndrome. RADS was first described in 1985 by Brooks, who has published numerous studies since. The abstract of that article follows: RADS should not be confused with Reactive Airway Disease, (RAD), a synonym for asthma. RADS produces an asthma condition that may persist for years after a single exposure, yet is not mediated by any allergic process. I have consulted on this many times, and it is not "junk science". If you would like, I could send you some medline abstracts, although you can search on the Internet Medline for RADS by using a service such as Healthgate at: http://www.healthgate.com/HealthGate/MEDLINE/b.search-adv.shtml Hope this helps, William Hogg M.D." Here is another reference using RAD: http://www.aaaai.org/patpub/resource/publicat/tips/tip20.html Excerpt: "CHILDHOOD ASTHMA Reactive Airways Disease (RAD) Reactive Airways Disease is the name given to illnesses which have symptoms of wheezing and respond to bronchodilators. Asthma is included in this group. However, there is also a large group of children who wheeze with respiratory infections that they may outgrow. Differentiating between RAD and asthma is difficult and usually involves observing the child over the first few years of life to determine whether episodes of wheezing persist or resolve over time. Persistence of wheezing may indicate asthma. " I agree that these terms are confusing. Also it seems different doctors use the terms in somewhat different ways. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Bill, RAD’s is not actually a euphemism for asthma but describes a syndrome of airway irritation that follows sudden and severe exposure to airway irritants, most commonly in the occupational setting.  The terminology around asthma and airway disease is confusing. I’d agree with you though that the new doc seems more astute than the old one. Ken my son was recently diagnosised with reactive airway desease ( fancy name for Asthma)- actually sports induced.  This was done by the new peditrician who replaced the older one.  The older peditrician diagnosised it as bronchitis for the last year.  Do you recommend I see an asthma/allergy specialist or can a peditrician acurately diagnosis this. This form of asthma is called EIB (exercise induced bronchospasm). Its a mild form of asthma treated with beta2-agonist inhalers like Ventolin, used as needed. Usually it would be used prior to exercising. A pediatrician is qualified to treat this. The proof is in whether the treatment is effective. More severe forms of asthma require the addition of long-acting preventor meds like Intal, Tilade, inhaled steroids. RAD (reactive airway disease) is a new name for asthma. It sounds like your new doctor has a better understanding of asthma than the older one. Ellis — Kenneth Chapman Director Asthma Centre of The Toronto Hospital

Response:

my son was recently diagnosised with reactive airway desease ( fancy name for Asthma)- actually sports induced.  This was done by the new peditrician who replaced the older one.  The older peditrician diagnosised it as bronchitis for the last year.  Do you recommend I see an asthma/allergy specialist or can a peditrician acurately diagnosis this.

This form of asthma is called EIB (exercise induced bronchospasm). Its a mild form of asthma treated with beta2-agonist inhalers like Ventolin, used as needed. Usually it would be used prior to exercising. A pediatrician is qualified to treat this. The proof is in whether the treatment is effective. More severe forms of asthma require the addition of long-acting preventor meds like Intal, Tilade, inhaled steroids. RAD (reactive airway disease) is a new name for asthma. It sounds like your new doctor has a better understanding of asthma than the older one. Ellis

Response:

Question:

Hi, see my ‘NEW ASTHMA PROCESS", Pages 1,2,3,4. You may Email me

Response:

Now I have another reason to work out.  Not only does it make me feel

good about my appearance, but it helps my lungs to function better.   I just wanted to share this with you all.  Has anyone else experienced a

drastic reduction in asthma since beginning an exercise program?   I can relate to your story. I have chronic asthma and occasionally exercise induced asthama. A year ago I was swimming regularly, (3-4 times per week) and my asthma was much better controlled.  Initially when I started this regular exercise I would have occasional problems with exercised induced asthma. My doctor prescribed Intal and that helped. After a few weeks I didn’t need the Intal and I was using my bronchioldialater less frequently. I felt much better. I  kept taking my Asthmacort and kept my doctor updated. Last winter, I got a bad cold and then it turned into a sinus infection and I haven’t been swimming since. Your article reminded me how helpful exercise was and has me thinking about starting the swimming again. It did make a difference.

Response:

Last week I was sick and getting asthma 5x a day.  I wasn’t feeling well enough to do my usual daily aerobic workout.  I thought it was because I simultanously switched to Seldane from Hismanal. It turns out the Seldane switch was not to blame!  Once I resumed my aerobic workouts this week, my asthma decresaed to 0-1 one times a day, just like it was on Hismanal! Now I have another reason to work out.  Not only does it make me feel good about my appearance, but it helps my lungs to function better.  I’m only talking about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day, nothing monumental. I just wanted to share this with you all.  Has anyone else experienced a drastic reduction in asthma since beginning an exercise program?  

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I recently had a pretty rough couple of months which coincided with my not working out as regularly as before.  When I finally summoned up the courage to go back to the gym, my asthma improved dramatically.  I’m still new at this, having been diagnosed only 10 months ago, but I couldn’t help noticing the coincidence.  I wonder if the mechanism isn’t like this:  (1) asthma is at least partly dependent on your mood, (2) your mood is at least partly dependent on how much you enjoy exericise, and (3) you don’t get any mood uplift from exercise unless you actually do it. bernstein

: Last week I was sick and getting asthma 5x a day.  I wasn’t feeling well : enough to do my usual daily aerobic workout.  I thought it was because I : simultanously switched to Seldane from Hismanal. : It turns out the Seldane switch was not to blame!  Once I resumed my : aerobic workouts this week, my asthma decresaed to 0-1 one times a day, : just like it was on Hismanal! : Now I have another reason to work out.  Not only does it make me feel : good about my appearance, but it helps my lungs to function better.  I’m : only talking about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day, nothing : monumental. : I just wanted to share this with you all.  Has anyone else experienced a : drastic reduction in asthma since beginning an exercise program?   — Murray Stone phone:  (403) 486-5146  fax:  (403) 483-7791 snailmail:  616-21, 10405 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB, T5J 3S2 Canada

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