Question:

Thanks for the input. I guess I probably need to return to the doctor for further evaluation. Maybe this time a specialist . Thanks again.

Response:

Could you simply be swallowing air??  That can cause the symptoms you describe.  And nerve damage due to a throat infection can cause you to unconsciously swallow air. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About two months ago I  had a light case of bronchitis and when I was almost over it my coughing started causing asthma type symptoms. When I would cough I would start gasping for air making a seal like sound struggling to get my breath usually swallowing air that I would later belch up. I then found out these attacks could be brought on by several other things such as drinking something too fast( especially something cold), laughing, hollering,etc. I went to my doctor who said my lungs were clear and that he felt it was allergy related and would pass in time.He put me on flovent and serevent which did help very much but did not totally eliminate it. I thought it had finally passed until yesterday while watersking I took a hard fall and swallowed some water that set off an attack. It has become very frustrating and wondered if anyone else has had this but with a different diagnosis. I would add that I am not alone, several people I know I had this same thing but their doctors also diagnosed it as allergies.Also I should mention these attacks usually last anywhere from 15-45 seconds,but it usually takes several minutes before things seem normal again .Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Response:

About two months ago I  had a light case of bronchitis and when I was almost over it my coughing started causing asthma type symptoms. When I would cough I would start gasping for air making a seal like sound struggling to get my breath usually swallowing air that I would later belch up.

It might be that the coughing is affecting your vocal cords. It happened to me a couple of years ago or so. Laryngoscopy revealed that I had vocal cord dysfunction. They said that inhaled steroids can affect the muscles that control the vocal cords and that excessive coughing can upset them as well. As I had recently been on inhaled steroids and was coughing a lot at that time, I had both of those reasons for vocal cord trouble. After a few speech therapy sessions, the problem resolved itself without further intervention. Jo.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About two months ago I  had a light case of bronchitis and when I was almost over it my coughing started causing asthma type symptoms. When I would cough I would start gasping for air making a seal like sound struggling to get my breath usually swallowing air that I would later belch up. I then found out these attacks could be brought on by several other things such as drinking something too fast( especially something cold), laughing, hollering,etc. I went to my doctor who said my lungs were clear and that he felt it was allergy related and would pass in time.He put me on flovent and serevent which did help very much but did not totally eliminate it. I thought it had finally passed until yesterday while watersking I took a hard fall and swallowed some water that set off an attack. It has become very frustrating and wondered if anyone else has had this but with a different diagnosis. I would add that I am not alone, several people I know I had this same thing but their doctors also diagnosed it as allergies.Also I should mention these attacks usually last anywhere from 15-45 seconds,but it usually takes several minutes before things seem normal again .Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

It sounds like the bronchitis may have caused lung damage resulting in cough variant asthma. Asthma is diagnosed using lung function tests. The fact asthma drugs like Flovent and Serevent help tends to support an asthma diagnosis; but referral to a pulmonologist and lung function tests could confirm the asthma diagnosis. Asthma can be allergic or nonallergic or a combination. If you have other allergies, like hayfever, it’s likely allergic asthma is involved. For exercise induced asthma, pretreatment with an albuterol inhaler can help [albuterol is the asthma rescue drug] Also monitoring lung function with a peak flow meter, and using an Action Plan to adjust drugs when peak flows drop, can help.  See: http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/patient.htm Patient Asthma Action Plans Ellis

Response:

sorry about my typing, should read     several people I know have had this – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About two months ago I  had a light case of bronchitis and when I was almost over it my coughing started causing asthma type symptoms. When I would cough I would start gasping for air making a seal like sound struggling to get my breath usually swallowing air that I would later belch up. I then found out these attacks could be brought on by several other things such as drinking something too fast( especially something cold), laughing, hollering,etc. I went to my doctor who said my lungs were clear and that he felt it was allergy related and would pass in time.He put me on flovent and serevent which did help very much but did not totally eliminate it. I thought it had finally passed until yesterday while watersking I took a hard fall and swallowed some water that set off an attack. It has become very frustrating and wondered if anyone else has had this but with a different diagnosis. I would add that I am not alone, several people I know I had this same thing but their doctors also diagnosed it as allergies.Also I should mention these attacks usually last anywhere from 15-45 seconds,but it usually takes several minutes before things seem normal again .Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Response:

About two months ago I  had a light case of bronchitis and when I was almost over it my coughing started causing asthma type symptoms. When I would cough I would start gasping for air making a seal like sound struggling to get my breath usually swallowing air that I would later belch up. I then found out these attacks could be brought on by several other things such as drinking something too fast( especially something cold), laughing, hollering,etc. I went to my doctor who said my lungs were clear and that he felt it was allergy related and would pass in time.He put me on flovent and serevent which did help very much but did not totally eliminate it. I thought it had finally passed until yesterday while watersking I took a hard fall and swallowed some water that set off an attack. It has become very frustrating and wondered if anyone else has had this but with a different diagnosis. I would add that I am not alone, several people I know I had this same thing but their doctors also diagnosed it as allergies.Also I should mention these attacks usually last anywhere from 15-45 seconds,but it usually takes several minutes before things seem normal again .Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Response:

Question:

Hey everyone,       ummmmm…I have a rather unusual question.  I have asthma and one (of many) main triggers is air polution.  I was wondering what I can do to get rid of that "metal band" around my lungs that has been there for months.  My docotrs have been helpful, but It’s still there.  I’m on Flovent 220 (two puffs,2x/day), and Proventil two puffs before the flovent and 15 minutes before exercise (I have really bad exercise-induced asthma) and as need for asthma complications.  But, when I go outside, the band gets tighter.  I don’t want to be a hermit.  Am I doomed?  I’m 18, I want to go out and live life up, but I have problems being outside.  Thanx.

Response:

: Hey everyone, :       ummmmm…I have a rather unusual question.  I have asthma and one (of : many) main triggers is air polution.  I was wondering what I can do to get : rid of that "metal band" around my lungs that has been there for months. My : docotrs have been helpful, but It’s still there.  I’m on Flovent 220 (two : puffs,2x/day), and Proventil two puffs before the flovent and 15 minutes : before exercise (I have really bad exercise-induced asthma) and as need for : asthma complications.  But, when I go outside, the band gets tighter.  I : don’t want to be a hermit.  Am I doomed?  I’m 18, I want to go out and live : life up, but I have problems being outside.  Thanx. Live it up in Key West or the the Bahama’s. — Gordon    W5RED www.couger.com/gcouger "You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take."   – Wayne Gretzky : :

Response:

I don’t want to be a hermit.  Am I doomed?  I’m 18, I want to go out and live life up, but I have problems being outside.  Thanx. Live it up in Key West or the the Bahama’s.

or get campaigning to cut down air pollution it makes my life a misery on bad days too…we have to start making enough noise about it so that those causing the air pollution see what harm they are doing, and so that the legislators take it seriously…we all also have to do our bit to see that we are not adding unnecessarily to it…on which note I will save some electricity by signing off and going to bed — eric "if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing to excess"

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t want to be a hermit.  Am I doomed?  I’m 18, I want to go out and live life up, but I have problems being outside.  Thanx. Live it up in Key West or the the Bahama’s. or get campaigning to cut down air pollution it makes my life a misery on bad days too…we have to start making enough noise about it so that those causing the air pollution see what harm they are doing, and so that the legislators take it seriously…we all also have to do our bit to see that we are not adding unnecessarily to it…on which note I will save some electricity by signing off and going to bed — eric "if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing to excess"

Well said! It might also help if some of you would join the discussions on newsgroups such as talk.environment, sci.environment and alt.save.the.earth (amongst others) where invariably we are bombarded with "pollution is down, what’s the problem?" replies and "where’s your proof?". My proof is just going outside and trying to breathe at certain periods of the day, in certain areas. Seems simple enough to me but there are probably sites which record the daily pollution index.  There is one for Ontario. Also exercise in the early morning or in the evening if prevailing winds seem to at least be moving the pollution away from where you intend to exercise.  Parks (which don’t allow vehicles) might be a good place too. FWIW J

Response:

Hey everyone,       ummmmm…I have a rather unusual question.

Your question isn’t really unusual.  The only bronchial dilator you mentioned was proventil which is considered a rescue inhaler, you might benefit from serevent which is a longer lasting bronchial dilator.  Also, many people on this NG have reported improvement after adding leukotriene receptor antagonist to their medications.  There are two available, singulair and accolate.  I have tried both and have had positive results with singulair, others have had success with accolate.  Read all you can about asthma. here’s a couple links if you haven’t already seen them. http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/guide/guidelin/pathog… ogen.htm http://www.noah.cuny.edu/asthma/asthma.html#ASTHMA MANAGEMENT

Response:

: : : I don’t want to be a hermit.  Am I doomed?  I’m 18, I want to go out : and live life up, but I have problems being outside.  Thanx. : : Live it up in Key West or the the Bahama’s. : : : or get campaigning to cut down air pollution : It might help your kids but we will die before anything meaningful is done. Your only chance is to leave it behind and let them that make it live in it. — Gordon    W5RED www.couger.com/gcouger "You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take."   – Wayne Gretzky

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : : I don’t want to be a hermit.  Am I doomed?  I’m 18, I want to go out : and live life up, but I have problems being outside.  Thanx. : : Live it up in Key West or the the Bahama’s. : : : or get campaigning to cut down air pollution : It might help your kids but we will die before anything meaningful is done. Your only chance is to leave it behind and let them that make it live in it.

yeah…but it’s an option I, for one, simply don’t have…I’m stuck in London for the forseeable future because that is where the work is…and I’m pretty sure I WILL die before it gets significantly better…but that isn’t a reason for not trying to do what I can — eric "if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing to excess"

Response:

Wear an air filtered mask to go outside. It only costs a coupl of dollars to get a box of 5.

Response:

You might try correlating your local smog level numbers in Irvine with your symptoms; use of a peak flow meter could help do this. See: http://www.aqmd.gov/smog/inhealth.html Smog & Health "The symptoms are familiar to all those who live in cities where the  air is polluted: aching lungs, wheezing, coughing, headache.  Millions of residents of the South Coast Basin (which includes  Los Angeles, Orange, and parts of San Bernardino and Riverside  counties) breathe dirty air some one-third the days of the year. Ozone may pose a particular health threat to those who already  suffer from respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema and  chronic bronchitis. About 10% of the basin’s approximately 14  million residents fit into this category. Ozone may also pose a  health threat to the young, elderly and cardiovascular patients. Ozone affects healthy people as well. In 1990, the State Air  Resources Board established a new health advisory level in response to mounting evidence that smog affects healthy,  exercising adults at lower levels than previously believed. Now, a health advisory is issued at .15 parts per million (on the pollutant standards index) before a first stage smog alert  is called when ozone levels reach .20 ppm. During a health advisory, everyone, including healthy adults and  children are advised to avoid prolonged, vigorous outdoor exercise. Susceptible individuals, including those with heart or lung disease,  should avoid outdoor activities until the advisory is cancelled. Hourly updates on air pollution levels are available to the public  through the AQMD’s toll-free, taped telephone information service. The number for residents of Los Angeles is (800) 242-4022,  (800) 445-3826 for Orange County and (800) 322-4710 for  Riverside/San Bernardino counties. " AQMD also provides a live, toll-free line at (800) 242-4666, where  callers can ask specific questions about air pollution conditions." I see you are posting from UC Irvine. How about transferring to one of the clean air UCs; like UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara? or Humboldt State? and maybe UCSF and UC Berkeley. Ellis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey everyone,       ummmmm…I have a rather unusual question.  I have asthma and one (of many) main triggers is air polution.  I was wondering what I can do to get rid of that "metal band" around my lungs that has been there for months.  My docotrs have been helpful, but It’s still there.  I’m on Flovent 220 (two puffs,2x/day), and Proventil two puffs before the flovent and 15 minutes before exercise (I have really bad exercise-induced asthma) and as need for asthma complications.  But, when I go outside, the band gets tighter.  I don’t want to be a hermit.  Am I doomed?  I’m 18, I want to go out and live life up, but I have problems being outside.  Thanx.

Response:

Question:

Evidence, please? I love Kale and collard greens, but I love dairy too.  Pasteurization is important for public health.

Pasteurization is important for the convenience of the industry, and destroys most of the nutritional value of milk. No time to research this at the moment, I am rushing off to work. Habib

Response:

I love Kale and collard greens, but I love dairy too.  Pasteurization is important for public health. Pasteurization is important for the convenience of the industry, and destroys most of the nutritional value of milk. No time to research this at the moment, I am rushing off to work.

So it’s just coincidence that there was a huge drop in infant mortality from respiratory diseases caused by milk borne patogens as soon as pasteurization became the law?  Pasteurization was vehemently opposed by farmers. erf

Response:

I love Kale and collard greens, but I love dairy too.  Pasteurization is important for public health. Pasteurization is important for the convenience of the industry, and destroys most of the nutritional value of milk. No time to research this at the moment, I am rushing off to work. So it’s just coincidence that there was a huge drop in infant mortality from respiratory diseases caused by milk borne patogens as soon as pasteurization became the law?  Pasteurization was vehemently opposed by farmers.

Fairness would force me to point out that you’re talking about milk- borne diseases, whereas Habib is talking about nutrition.  Don’t get me wrong; I don’t agree with Habib on this one, but you are talking at cross-purposes. It’s still possible to find raw milk, often directly from farmers. Every so often, it causes an outbreak of disease.   — David Wright :: wright at ibnets.com :: Not a Spokesman for Anyone      These are my opinions only, but they’re almost always correct.              The Millennium actually begins on January 1, 2001                 So Get Ready for a Second Round of Parties

Response:

The so-called vitamin D that is put into milk is not a vitamin at all, but a synthetic hormone. Please prove that.  Your body doesn’t care. Vitamin D is a chemical and it’s the same no matter how you get it. AF

Can you prove their is no difference in the body? Can you prove they are the same chemical, especially when they have different structures and chemical names?

Response:

Please prove that.  Your body doesn’t care. Vitamin D is a chemical and it’s the same no matter how you get it. AF Can you prove their is no difference in the body? Can you prove they are the same chemical, especially when they have different structures and chemical names?

He most certainly can’t prove it, when it happens to be an analog, which is definitely different chemically. Habib

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please prove that.  Your body doesn’t care. Vitamin D is a chemical and it’s the same no matter how you get it. AF Can you prove their is no difference in the body? Can you prove they are the same chemical, especially when they have different structures and chemical names? He most certainly can’t prove it, when it happens to be an analog, which is definitely different chemically. Habib

That is a big problem with the debunglers. They love to make claims they cannot prove. Yet they demand proof from anyone else making a claim. They must live in a fantasy world where they rule, and the rules do not apply to them.

Response:

For most Americans, who get only about 600 mg of calcium daily (The Arthritis Foundation being the source of that figure), to drop milk means one has to get very serious about vegetarian diet, and fast. Unless you like to munch on sardines (bones and all), that is. To the majority of us, calcium supplementation is essential, and this goes double for the ladies. More on calcium deficiency at http://doctoryourself.com/calcdef.html and at http://doctoryourself.com/osteoporosis.html As for "dietary" vitamin D, good luck.  They don’t put it in milk for nothing.  Y’all like cod liver oil?  Y’all live in sunny states with no ozone-layer depletion?  Fine.  The rest of us need modest supplementation of vitamin D (again, especially the ladies.) "Dietary" is insufficiently accurate.  "Supplemental" is the one. — Over 125 articles (indexed by topic, or keyword with an on-site search engine) plus nearly 1,000 scientific references on nutritional therapeutics are posted at http://doctoryourself.com  Links to other clinical nutrition and alternative medicine sites are provided. In article <Pine.GSO.4.10.10006281209170.18144- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I stopped dairy for one month and noticed no improvement in my condition, although I was simultaneously trying other "alternative" therapies (so maybe the vitamin C, the echinacea, the astragalus, the goldenseal, or the acupuncture cancelled out the benefits of stopping dairy consumption?  Who knows? Not you.) Upon resuming my usual habit of consuming dairy with nearly every meal, I noticed no worsening of my condition, either. Fine, dairy products don’t affect you.   But at least you tried it. Are you suggesting that others shouldn’t even try cutting out dairy as a trial, just as you did? Not at all.  As I said, I’m sure it’s safe and it can’t hurt to try cutting them out.  Some people are lactose intoelrant or have a milk allergy, and that’s a sure way to find out if you’re one.  If you feel better, go for it.  But your personal experience will in no way prove that milk "causes strep throat" (or sinusitis, or anything else) reliably and predictably in others.  For that we need controlled studies.  And the controlled studies we do have don’t support such claims. That’s what I am saying.  And make sure, if you do drop the dairy in your diet, to replace it with another good source of dietary calcium and vitamin D.  That’s crucial. AF

Before you buy.

Response:

Please prove that.  Your body doesn’t care. Vitamin D is a chemical and it’s the same no matter how you get it.

The most abundant form cholecalciferol or vitamin D3 is obtained primarily through synthesis by ultra-violet light (UVB) in the skin, from where it then translocates into our circulation. Consequently, though many people aren

Question:

Alternative Medicine: Expanding Medical Horizons A Report to the National Institutes of Health on Alternative Medical Systems and Practices in the United States Asthma Bronchial Asthma. Asthma, better termed hyperactive airway disease, is an autoimmune disease characterized by increased responsiveness of the tracheobronchial tree to exogenous and endogenous stimuli. The hallmark of this illness is widespread inflammation and narrowing of the tracheobronchial tree. This is manifested clinically by dyspnea (shortness of breath), wheezing, and cough, which generally occur simultaneously. Asthma is typically managed with bronchodilator therapy and/or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, currently used pharmaceutical formulations for bronchodilation, such as theophylline, have a narrow therapeutic margin because adverse effects often occur at concentrations high enough to be effective (Taburet and Schmit, 1994). In addition, prednisone, the most common anti-inflammatory drug used to treat asthma, is also associated with a variety of adverse side effects. Such limited effectiveness of presently available treatments has recently sparked research into less toxic, immune-enhancing nutritional approaches to treating asthma. Data on the efficacy of vitamin C and magnesium in the treatment of this condition are presented below. Vitamin C. Bielory and Gandhi (1994) conducted a comprehensive literature search of relevant English-language papers pertaining to the use of vitamin C in in the treatment of asthma and allergy and analyzed the studies according to their design, inclusion and exclusion criteria, population studied, variables or factors tested, method of intervention or treatment with vitamin C, and results and conclusions. They found a number of studies that support the use of vitamin C in asthma and allergy. Significant results included positive effects of vitamin C on pulmonary function tests; bronchoprovocation challenges with methacholine, histamine, or allergens; improvement in white blood cell function and motility; and a decrease in respiratory infections. On the other hand, their review also revealed several studies that did not support a beneficial role for vitamin C in asthma and allergy. These studies did not report improvements in pulmonary function tests or bronchoprovocation challenges or on other reactivity or specific immunologic factors and levels. From their review, the researchers concluded that the majority of the studies were too short-term and assessed immediate effects of vitamin C supplementation. Rather, long-term supplementation with vitamin C or delayed effects need to be examined for the studies to be valid. The researchers went on to note that although the current literature does not support a definite indication for the use of vitamin C in asthma and allergy, the promising and positive studies were worth following up. Furthermore, the researchers suggested, with a large portion of health care dollars being spent on alternative medicine and vitamin C in particular, further studies are needed to define its role, if any, in the treatment of this condition. Magnesium. First reported almost 50 years ago (Haury, 1938), the efficacy of magnesium in the treatment of bronchial asthma has received considerably more attention in the past few years. Its bronchodilating effect was reported in patients with mild asthmatic attacks, and when that was found effective, applied to those with severe attacks (Okayama et al., 1988). Intravenous magnesium sulfate was found to relieve respiratory failure in asthmatic patients not responsive to standard drug therapy (Hauser and Braun, 1991; McNamara et al., 1989; Neves et al., 1991; Noppen et al., 1990; Okayama et al., 1991; Skobeloff et al., 1989) and has been considered lifesaving (Dellinger, 1991; Kuitert and Kletchko, 1991). Not all published trials of magnesium treatment of bronchial asthma, however, have been successful (Green and Rothrock, 1992; Kufs, 1990). However, the protocols of those studies reporting no therapeutic benefit of magnesium in asthma patients have been criticized on the grounds that insufficient dosages were used, with the result that the serum levels found effective in the treatment of preeclampsia and eclampsia (see below) were not achieved (Fesmire, 1993). Another criticism leveled at the negative efficacy reports was that the study group was too small for significance; this was countered by pointing out that analysis of results from the first 40 patients indicated withholding magnesium from comparably compromised patients would be unethical, so the study was ended and the results were reported (Skobeloff and McNamara, 1993).

Response:

Magnesium. First reported almost 50 years ago (Haury, 1938), the efficacy of magnesium in the treatment of bronchial asthma has protocols of those studies reporting no therapeutic benefit of magnesium in asthma patients have been criticized on the grounds that insufficient dosages were used, with the result that the serum levels found effective in the treatment of preeclampsia and eclampsia (see below) were not achieved (Fesmire, 1993).

One comment on Magnesium: The serum levels of Mg that are used in treating eclampsia are sufficient to cause muscle weakness and suppress reflexes. These would be difficult and dangerous to try to achieve by the oral route when not the hospital. You would need to take about 5-10 400mg pills every few hours. — CBI, M.D. Please note: It is impossible to accurately diagnose medical problems without seeing the patient and reviewing the entire history. These posts are intended to be helpful and informative. Always check with your doctor before following any advice given.

Response:

From their review, the researchers concluded that the majority of the studies were too short-term and assessed immediate effects of vitamin C supplementation. Rather, long-term supplementation with vitamin C or delayed effects need to be examined for the studies to be valid. The researchers went on to note that although the current literature does not support a definite indication for the use of vitamin C in asthma and allergy, the promising and positive studies were worth following up

Hi, I’m fairly certain I read recently that daily doses of Vitamin C (in excess of 500mg) are reputed to be a contributing factor in hardening of the arteries.  Anyone else read that?? Patrice

Response:

Yes. A study seemed to conclude that there was measurable thickening of the carotid arteries. I don’t think it was very conclusive though. Pierre – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m fairly certain I read recently that daily doses of Vitamin C (in excess of 500mg) are reputed to be a contributing factor in hardening of the arteries.  Anyone else read that?? Patrice

Response:

Question:

Kristen Cold surfaces such as ice, snow, hail, rain etc. reduce the vapor pressure of moisture in the air (even indoors) and this increases drying of the airways. Drying is a known trigger for EIA and nocturnal asthma. I take these steps to breathe appropriately and avoid symptoms i.e. No mouth breathing!  Breathe in smartly! and out slowly!, as I gain control, even slower expirations become easier and beneficial. Also if necessary to keep my nose from freezing I use a mask or scarf to reclaim warmth and moisture from exhaled air.  Appropriate warm up exercises (short bursts) and cool down (taper down) exercises are also useful, avoid dehydration and I shouldn’t need to say, carry emergency med. and use before exercise if necessary. I continue to practice breathing out slower than in even when resting or after using reliever, never suppress a sigh or yawn, enjoy them, they keep the lung healthy. It is possible to eliminate symptoms altogether. I make sure I sleep with mouth closed as this prevents nocturnal symptoms also due to drying.  You should check this out in consult with your MD but be aware that moisture balance in the lung is an area of ignorance. Bill. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I was diagnosed with mild exercise enduced asthma a few years ago. It doesn’t usually bother me. I ran a lot this summer, and only had mild coughing. But, i went skiing the other day, and I started coughing. I couldn’t take a deep breath, and I would start coughing and it would be hard to stop. Of course I didn’t bring my albuterol with me because I never have problems. So this went on for about a half an hour until I got home and I used my inhaler. The coughing went away in less than 2 minutes. I have a few questions: 1) Could the cold air have something to do with this. It was 10 degrees outside. 2) Should I take my inhaler before outdoor sports now, or was this probably just a one time occurance. 3)Was this really asthma? Or could it be something else. I have never experienced a real attack ( I know i’m really lucky) and I dont’ know what to make of it. Thanks. Kristen

Response:

1) Could the cold air have something to do with this. It was 10 degrees outside.

Yes, cold air is a common asthma trigger. 2) Should I take my inhaler before outdoor sports now, or was this probably just a one time occurance.

This is something that you should discuss with your doctor.  However, you need to remember Rule #1 for asthmatics:  Never ever, no matter how good you feel, go anywhere without taking your rescue inhaler. You got lucky this time.  Next time you may not be lucky. 3)Was this really asthma? Or could it be something else. I have never experienced a real attack ( I know i’m really lucky) and I dont’ know what to make of it.

Talk To Your Doctor.  This is very likely a ‘real’ asthma attack, but only your doctor can tell for sure. No electrons were harmed in the posting of this message.

Response:

Hi I was diagnosed with mild exercise enduced asthma a few years ago. It doesn’t usually bother me. I ran a lot this summer, and only had mild coughing. But, i went skiing the other day, and I started coughing. I couldn’t take a deep breath, and I would start coughing and it would be hard to stop. Of course I didn’t bring my albuterol with me because I never have problems. So this went on for about a half an hour until I got home and I used my inhaler. The coughing went away in less than 2 minutes. I have a few questions: 1) Could the cold air have something to do with this. It was 10 degrees outside. 2) Should I take my inhaler before outdoor sports now, or was this probably just a one time occurance. 3)Was this really asthma? Or could it be something else. I have never experienced a real attack ( I know i’m really lucky) and I dont’ know what to make of it. Thanks. Kristen

Response:

But, i went skiing the other day, and I started coughing. I couldn’t take a deep breath, and I would start coughing and it would be hard to stop.

Crosscountry skiing? That’s what I was doing when I had the most recent bad attack. I had only been skiing once before and didn’t realize how deceptively easy this type of skiing is. I had been getting exercise by trudging through the snow in my boots. *That’s* hard work. Then I got the skis and was amazed how easy it was to glide through snow with them. I didn’t feel like I was exerting myself much at all. I skied about 4 kilometers in one direction before I realized I was in trouble with asthma. Of course I didn’t bring my albuterol with me

Bad move! Of course, I did have an inhaler with me, but when I tried to use it I just kept coughing it out almost immediately. And I had to take the scarf away from my face to use it and the cold air shocked my lungs. I then turned around and made it about one kilometer back the way I’d come. I stopped and looked down the trail. It seemed endless and I knew there was no way I was going to make it all the way back to the trailhead and then the (equivalent of) 2 or 3 blocks to my house. I was just lucky that at that particular point I was near a place with a phone. Lucky because 99% of that trail is nothing but woods. because I never have problems.

I made similar mistakes that day: I had forgot to take Theophyline that morning, I went skiing alone, I had forgot to bring a spacer for the inhaler, I thought I would be fine because I was breathing just fine before I left, I didn’t think I’d have any trouble because crosscountry skiing feels so easy. 1) Could the cold air have something to do with this. It was 10 degrees outside.

Yes the cold air could have something to do with it. Wear a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth when you go out. 2) Should I take my inhaler before outdoor sports now,

You should talk to your doctor about that. I usually use albuterol 15-20 minutes before exercise … on my doctor’s advice, of course. 3)Was this really asthma?

Asthma can be triggered by cold air and/or exercise. If the incident concerned you enough to ask the questions you’re asking here, you should definately see your doctor about it.

Response:

Question:

Hi Thanks to all of you who have responded to me. I think the baby will die. William says she she stops breathing for what seems to him like 5 or 10 minutes at a time. (ie the breathing beeper sounds). He says she stares into space not moving her eyes, not moving her little chest to breathe. The doc keep telling him when he asks questions that "I can’t discuss that right now". William is an immigrant (or at least his english is not great). I don’t even know if he has insurance – or what kind of insurance he has. I wanted to give him 150 bucks yesterday, but he had gone. I know he would accept. I often work late and he empties my garbage and vaccuums my office. When he vacuums, I know its time I should be leaving work.He did a great job cleaning an entrance way at my request the night before a bunch of important international suits came by. I can only pray to god, if there is one, and be there for william when he needs to talk. What does does Naomi have ? She probably has some brain damage from not breathing how long before that happens? Any way You’ve all been a great help. Chilla

Response:

Asthma generally doesn’t cause bleeding in and of itself but infection can commonly cause some blood to show in the sputum whether bronchitis or pneumonia. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi The janitor at work, William, has a  3 month old daughter in intensive care. She’s been there since last week. The doc says she has asthma but they are doing tests for other things. She is very very sick and on systemic steroids and will be in intensive care, if I understand correctly, at least for another 2 weeks. William said that he had seen blood (coughing it up I assume). Does this happen with severe asthma ? He and his wife and other daughter think little Naomi may die. I feel sad for them. William is such a kind janitor (obviously not rich). I don’t know how to help him, but I’d like to. All I can think of is seeing if anyone at work wants to chip in some money to give to him. He has to work, but looks so worn. He made me cry for he and his family. I guess I could pray? Even though my beliefs are fuzzy. Any useful suggestions? I told him I would ask questions for him on this newsgroup if he has any. Chilla

– Don Elton Columbia, SC http://www.midcarolina.org

Response:

A pneumothorax would be a very rare cause of coughing up blood – in fact out of hundreds of cases of pneumothorax that I’ve treated I can’t remember ever seeing it happen. There are some lung diseases that can cause some blood to show in sputum but by far the most common cause is bronchitis. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi.  The janitor at work, William, has a  3 month old daughter in intensive care. She’s been there since last week. The doc says she has asthma but they are doing tests for other things. She is very very sick and on systemic steroids and will be in intensive care, if I understand correctly, at least for another 2 weeks. William said that he had seen blood (coughing it up I assume).  Does this happen with severe asthma ? Asthma can cause a pneumothorax (essentially, a blow out of the lung) which can cause a coughing up of blood (very red oxygenated blood and, sometimes, tissue as well). This is a serious condition that can collapse lungs and, from my son’s experience, is only treatable by allowing the lungs to heal. The drugs seem to be appropriate for this. Of course, coughing up blood can also be a sign of TB or other systemic diseases as well. Though the docs should surely have elminated most of these as a cause by now. Rick

– Don Elton Columbia, SC http://www.midcarolina.org

Response:

I’ve never heard of coughing up blood as being a symptom of asthma.  Poor little baby, doesn’t matter how "fuzzy" your beliefs are, your thought of prayer for her is the best thing you can do for her or for yourself.   I, too, will say a prayer for little Naomi, and a prayer of thanks that my own baby is so healthy.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi The janitor at work, William, has a  3 month old daughter in intensive care. She’s been there since last week. The doc says she has asthma but they are doing tests for other things. She is very very sick and on systemic steroids and will be in intensive care, if I understand correctly, at least for another 2 weeks. William said that he had seen blood (coughing it up I assume). Does this happen with severe asthma ? He and his wife and other daughter think little Naomi may die. I feel sad for them. William is such a kind janitor (obviously not rich). I don’t know how to help him, but I’d like to. All I can think of is seeing if anyone at work wants to chip in some money to give to him. He has to work, but looks so worn. He made me cry for he and his family. I guess I could pray? Even though my beliefs are fuzzy. Any useful suggestions? I told him I would ask questions for him on this newsgroup if he has any. Chilla

Response:

Hi The janitor at work, William, has a  3 month old daughter in intensive care. She’s been there since last week. The doc says she has asthma but they are doing tests for other things. She is very very sick and on systemic steroids and will be in intensive care, if I understand correctly, at least for another 2 weeks. William said that he had seen blood (coughing it up I assume). Does this happen with severe asthma ? He and his wife and other daughter think little Naomi may die. I feel sad for them. William is such a kind janitor (obviously not rich). I don’t know how to help him, but I’d like to. All I can think of is seeing if anyone at work wants to chip in some money to give to him. He has to work, but looks so worn. He made me cry for he and his family. I guess I could pray? Even though my beliefs are fuzzy. Any useful suggestions? I told him I would ask questions for him on this newsgroup if he has any. Chilla

Response:

Hi.  The janitor at work, William, has a  3 month old daughter in intensive

care. She’s been there since last week. The doc says she has asthma but they are doing tests for other things. She is very very sick and on systemic steroids and will be in intensive care, if I understand correctly, at least for another 2 weeks. William said that he had seen blood (coughing it up I assume).  Does this

happen with severe asthma ? Asthma can cause a pneumothorax (essentially, a blow out of the lung) which can cause a coughing up of blood (very red oxygenated blood and, sometimes, tissue as well). This is a serious condition that can collapse lungs and, from my son’s experience, is only treatable by allowing the lungs to heal. The drugs seem to be appropriate for this. Of course, coughing up blood can also be a sign of TB or other systemic diseases as well. Though the docs should surely have elminated most of these as a cause by now. Rick

Response:

Question:

x-posted to alt.support.asthma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been experiencing very thick secretions down near my vocal cords for approximately six years.  The problems are exacerbated by eating and drinking, and cause me to have the urge to constantly clear my throat.  If I don’t, my voice becomes garbled due to the mucous.  I have been diagnosed with asthma and have had allergy tests which show that I am allergic to most everything (dust, mites, trees, grasses, mold etc.). I have been on shots for over one year, and don’t notice any appreciable improvement.  I have also tried just about every conceivable Rx including Claritin, Zyrtec, Provental, many steriod nasal sprays, and a mucous thinner.  Nothing seems to help. My sinuses are clear on the CT scan (although I do have a severly deviated septum on one side). The ENT doc wants to operate to correct this problem and thinks that it may help alleviate some of my problem, but I am skeptical. Does anyone out there experience these symptoms, and if so, what helps??

Since you mention it’s worse with food or drink, has GE reflux been considered. GE reflux can trigger or worsen asthma due to reflux being aspirated into lungs. Treatment includes elevating head of bed 6-8" with wood blocks, no meals near bedtime, drugs like omeprazole and H2 blockers. A gastroenterologist can diagnose GERD. Your ENT seems to think it’s postnasal drip? This would tend to indicate sinusitis or rhinitis. These can worsen asthma due to postnasal drip getting into lungs. Not sure how effective an operation for deviated septum would be. The emphasis should be on controlling any post nasal drip with nasal sprays, saline wash, etc. Links: http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/gerd.htm Asthma and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-GERD  Nov ‘97 JAMA http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/sinus.htm Asthma and Sinusitis 11-97 JAMA

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-posted to alt.support.asthma I have been experiencing very thick secretions down near my vocal cords for approximately six years.  The problems are exacerbated by eating and drinking, and cause me to have the urge to constantly clear my throat.  If I don’t, my voice becomes garbled due to the mucous.  I have been diagnosed with asthma and have had allergy tests which show that I am allergic to most everything (dust, mites, trees, grasses, mold etc.). I have been on shots for over one year, and don’t notice any appreciable improvement.  I have also tried just about every conceivable Rx including Claritin, Zyrtec, Provental, many steriod nasal sprays, and a mucous thinner.  Nothing seems to help. My sinuses are clear on the CT scan (although I do have a severly deviated septum on one side). The ENT doc wants to operate to correct this problem and thinks that it may help alleviate some of my problem, but I am skeptical. Does anyone out there experience these symptoms, and if so, what helps?? Since you mention it’s worse with food or drink, has GE reflux been considered. GE reflux can trigger or worsen asthma due to reflux being aspirated into lungs. Treatment includes elevating head of bed 6-8" with wood blocks, no meals near bedtime, drugs like omeprazole and H2 blockers. A gastroenterologist can diagnose GERD. Your ENT seems to think it’s postnasal drip? This would tend to indicate sinusitis or rhinitis. These can worsen asthma due to postnasal drip getting into lungs. Not sure how effective an operation for deviated septum would be. The emphasis should be on controlling any post nasal drip with nasal sprays, saline wash, etc. Links: http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/gerd.htm Asthma and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-GERD  Nov ‘97 JAMA http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/sinus.htm Asthma and Sinusitis 11-97 JAMA

Ellis: Thanks for the post and the links.  I neglected to mention that my allergist has explored the possibility of GERD by prescribing Prilosec. I took the medication for about one week and didn’t notice any improvement.  I have not tried to elevate the head of the bed. Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-posted to alt.support.asthma I have been experiencing very thick secretions down near my vocal cords for approximately six years.  The problems are exacerbated by eating and drinking, and cause me to have the urge to constantly clear my throat.  If I don’t, my voice becomes garbled due to the mucous.  I have been diagnosed with asthma and have had allergy tests which show that I am allergic to most everything (dust, mites, trees, grasses, mold etc.). I have been on shots for over one year, and don’t notice any appreciable improvement.  I have also tried just about every conceivable Rx including Claritin, Zyrtec, Provental, many steriod nasal sprays, and a mucous thinner.  Nothing seems to help. My sinuses are clear on the CT scan (although I do have a severly deviated septum on one side). The ENT doc wants to operate to correct this problem and thinks that it may help alleviate some of my problem, but I am skeptical. Does anyone out there experience these symptoms, and if so, what helps?? Since you mention it’s worse with food or drink, has GE reflux been considered. GE reflux can trigger or worsen asthma due to reflux being aspirated into lungs. Treatment includes elevating head of bed 6-8" with wood blocks, no meals near bedtime, drugs like omeprazole and H2 blockers. A gastroenterologist can diagnose GERD. Your ENT seems to think it’s postnasal drip? This would tend to indicate sinusitis or rhinitis. These can worsen asthma due to postnasal drip getting into lungs. Not sure how effective an operation for deviated septum would be. The emphasis should be on controlling any post nasal drip with nasal sprays, saline wash, etc. Links: http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/gerd.htm Asthma and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-GERD  Nov ‘97 JAMA http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/sinus.htm Asthma and Sinusitis 11-97 JAMA Ellis:

Thanks for your post and the links to JAMA.  I neglected to mention that my allergist has attempted to treat possible GERD by prescribing Prilosec.  I took it for about one week and did not see any difference.  That is what is so frustrating about my symptoms, nothing seems to relieve them.  Frankly, I can live with the asthma, but the mucous in my throat is driving me CRAZY. Before you buy.

Response:

Thanks for the post and the links.  I neglected to mention that my allergist has explored the possibility of GERD by prescribing Prilosec. I took the medication for about one week and didn’t notice any improvement.  I have not tried to elevate the head of the bed.

How would Prilosec establish the presence or absence of gastro-esophageal reflux? If you have not elevated the bed you have not investigated the possibility of GER. — Larry Preuss Ann Arbor, MI USA

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the post and the links.  I neglected to mention that my allergist has explored the possibility of GERD by prescribing Prilosec. I took the medication for about one week and didn’t notice any improvement.  I have not tried to elevate the head of the bed. How would Prilosec establish the presence or absence of gastro-esophageal reflux? If you have not elevated the bed you have not investigated the possibility of GER. — Larry Preuss Ann Arbor, MI USA

Intriguing point, Larry. I had a well qualified allergist last year put me on Prilosec for a month for exactly that reason, to see whether I had GERD based upon my level of spirometer improvement after the Prilosec.  She concluded that I did not have GERD.  Fortunately a subsequent pulmonary physician ordered a barium swallow which showed a lovely hiatal hernia and significant GERD.  Back on Prilosec and much happier; I wonder whether there is a train of thought in the medical community that thinks as the allergist does. pavane

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the post and the links.  I neglected to mention that my allergist has explored the possibility of GERD by prescribing Prilosec. I took the medication for about one week and didn’t notice any improvement.  I have not tried to elevate the head of the bed. How would Prilosec establish the presence or absence of gastro-esophageal reflux? If you have not elevated the bed you have not investigated the possibility of GER. — Larry Preuss Ann Arbor, MI USA Intriguing point, Larry. I had a well qualified allergist last year put me on Prilosec for a month for exactly that reason, to see whether I had GERD based upon my level of spirometer improvement after the Prilosec.  She concluded that I did not have GERD.  Fortunately a subsequent pulmonary physician ordered a barium swallow which showed a lovely hiatal hernia and significant GERD.  Back on Prilosec and much happier; I wonder whether there is a train of thought in the medical community that thinks as the allergist does. pavane

Prilosec, as a drug that lowers gastric acid secretion, may well ameliorate the symptoms of heartburn that accompany GER, but that is not the prime consideration when we are talking about pulmonary problems: there, the mechanism has to do with aspiration of stomach contents that have refluxed into the esophagus, usually while you are recumbent. It makes no difference whether you have acid reflux symptoms, and the absence (or presence) of these does not tell whether GER might be contributing to asthma. I am pleased that you feel better now, with a good diagnosis and Prilosec. I wonder if you are carrying out any other anti-GER measures. — Larry Preuss Ann Arbor, MI USA

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the post and the links.  I neglected to mention that my allergist has explored the possibility of GERD by prescribing Prilosec. I took the medication for about one week and didn’t notice any improvement.  I have not tried to elevate the head of the bed. How would Prilosec establish the presence or absence of gastro-esophageal reflux? If you have not elevated the bed you have not investigated the possibility of GER. — Larry Preuss Ann Arbor, MI USA Intriguing point, Larry. I had a well qualified allergist last year put me on Prilosec for a month for exactly that reason, to see whether I had GERD based upon my level of spirometer improvement after the Prilosec.  She concluded that I did not have GERD.  Fortunately a subsequent pulmonary physician ordered a barium swallow which showed a lovely hiatal hernia and significant GERD.  Back on Prilosec and much happier; I wonder whether there is a train of thought in the medical community that thinks as the allergist does. pavane Prilosec, as a drug that lowers gastric acid secretion, may well ameliorate the symptoms of heartburn that accompany GER, but that is not the prime consideration when we are talking about pulmonary problems: there, the mechanism has to do with aspiration of stomach contents that have refluxed into the esophagus, usually while you are recumbent. It makes no difference whether you have acid reflux symptoms, and the absence (or presence) of these does not tell whether GER might be contributing to asthma. I am pleased that you feel better now, with a good diagnosis and Prilosec. I wonder if you are carrying out any other anti-GER measures. — Larry Preuss Ann Arbor, MI USA

No, the only other measure that I am aware of is the raising of the head of the bed but to do that I would have to scrap a quite lovely existing combination bedframe/side table combination that is both very heavy and quite nice.  Are there other things that can be done other than the bed raising? Thanks… pavane

Response:

In most patients with GERD, a therapeutic trial of a proton pump inhibitor (Prevacid or Prilosec) can help establish whether symptoms are a result of GERD. To do this though you need relief of symptoms with the medicine and return of symptoms when the medicine is discontinued. Other measures certainly help GERD but usually not with the effectiveness of the medicines. The patients still reflux but they don’t reflux acid which is the cause of most symptoms discussed here (alt.support.asthma). Thanks for the post and the links.  I neglected to mention that my allergist has explored the possibility of GERD by prescribing Prilosec. I took the medication for about one week and didn’t notice any improvement.  I have not tried to elevate the head of the bed. How would Prilosec establish the presence or absence of gastro-esophageal reflux? If you have not elevated the bed you have not investigated the possibility of GER.

– Don Elton Columbia, SC http://www.midcarolina.org

Response:

Try getting several large pillows to sleep on to raise your upper body an eqivalent amount Tim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the post and the links.  I neglected to mention that my allergist has explored the possibility of GERD by prescribing Prilosec. I took the medication for about one week and didn’t notice any improvement.  I have not tried to elevate the head of the bed. How would Prilosec establish the presence or absence of gastro-esophageal reflux? If you have not elevated the bed you have not investigated the possibility of GER. — Larry Preuss Ann Arbor, MI USA Intriguing point, Larry. I had a well qualified allergist last year put me on Prilosec for a month for exactly that reason, to see whether I had GERD based upon my level of spirometer improvement after the Prilosec.  She concluded that I did not have GERD.  Fortunately a subsequent pulmonary physician ordered a barium swallow which showed a lovely hiatal hernia and significant GERD.  Back on Prilosec and much happier; I wonder whether there is a train of thought in the medical community that thinks as the allergist does. pavane Prilosec, as a drug that lowers gastric acid secretion, may well ameliorate the symptoms of heartburn that accompany GER, but that is not the prime consideration when we are talking about pulmonary problems: there, the mechanism has to do with aspiration of stomach contents that have refluxed into the esophagus, usually while you are recumbent. It makes no difference whether you have acid reflux symptoms, and the absence (or presence) of these does not tell whether GER might be contributing to asthma. I am pleased that you feel better now, with a good diagnosis and Prilosec. I wonder if you are carrying out any other anti-GER measures. — Larry Preuss Ann Arbor, MI USA No, the only other measure that I am aware of is the raising of the head of the bed but to do that I would have to scrap a quite lovely existing combination bedframe/side table combination that is both very heavy and quite nice. Are there other things that can be done other than the bed raising? Thanks… pavane

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been experiencing very thick secretions down near my vocal cords for approximately six years.  The problems are exacerbated by eating and drinking, and cause me to have the urge to constantly clear my throat.  If I don’t, my voice becomes garbled due to the mucous.  I have been diagnosed with asthma and have had allergy tests which show that I am allergic to most everything (dust, mites, trees, grasses, mold etc.). I have been on shots for over one year, and don’t notice any appreciable improvement.  I have also tried just about every conceivable Rx including Claritin, Zyrtec, Provental, many steriod nasal sprays, and a mucous thinner.  Nothing seems to help. —cut—– Since you mention it’s worse with food or drink, has GE reflux been considered. GE reflux can trigger or worsen asthma due to reflux being aspirated into lungs. Treatment includes elevating head of bed 6-8" with wood blocks, no meals near bedtime, drugs like omeprazole and H2 blockers. A gastroenterologist can diagnose GERD. Your ENT seems to think it’s postnasal drip? This would tend to indicate sinusitis or rhinitis. These can worsen asthma due to postnasal drip getting into lungs. Not sure how effective an operation for deviated septum would be. The emphasis should be on controlling any post nasal drip with nasal sprays, saline wash, etc. Links: http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/gerd.htm Asthma and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-GERD  Nov ‘97 JAMA http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/sinus.htm Asthma and Sinusitis 11-97 JAMA Ellis: Thanks for your post and the links to JAMA.  I neglected to mention that my allergist has attempted to treat possible GERD by prescribing Prilosec.  I took it for about one week and did not see any difference.  That is what is so frustrating about my symptoms, nothing seems to relieve them.  Frankly, I can live with the asthma, but the mucous in my throat is driving me CRAZY.

One week on Prilosec is not sufficient treatment to rule out GERD. The following link from AMA indicates 12 week therapy needed. Somtimes surgery is needed. More links: http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/AsthmaIM/comp2/Control.html#Gas… Reflux "Medical management of gastroesophageal reflux should be instituted for any patients with asthma complaining of frequent heartburn or pyrosis, particularly those with frequent episodes of nocturnal asthma. Medical management of gastroesophageal reflux includes:  Avoiding food and drink within 3 hours of retiring (Nelson 1984)  Elevating the head of the bed on 6- to 8-inch blocks (Nelson 1984)  Using appropriate pharmacologic therapy (Hixson et al. 1992) For patients who have persistent symptoms following optimal  therapy, further evaluation is indicated. For patients with poorly controlled asthma, particularly with a nocturnal component, investigation for gastroesophageal reflux may be warranted even in the absence of suggestive symptoms (Irwin et al. 1989). The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are common in both children and adults with asthma (Nelson 1984). Reflux during sleep can contribute to nocturnal asthma (Martin et al. 1982; Davis et al. 1983). Both medical (Ekstrom et al. 1989) and surgical (Perrin-Fayolle et al. 1989) therapy of gastroesophageal reflux have been reported to reduce the symptoms of asthma. " http://www.njc.org/MFhtml/GER_MF.html Gastroesophageal Reflux 1994., NJC http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/library/readroom/40894.htm Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Asthma Diagnosis and  Management JAMA Excerpt: "Summary Gastroesophageal reflux occurs commonly in asthmatics and, in  selected patients, appears to contribute to the state of  bronchospasm. The contribution of GER to the inflammatory  state associated with asthma remains to be adequately evaluated.  The mechanism by which GER potentiates bronchoconstriction is  likely multifactorial, with the asthma itself worsening reflux, leading to a vicious cycle. Association of reflux with  asthma should be sought in patients who describe  reflux-associated respiratory symptoms, a worsening of  asthma after meals or reclining, nocturnal asthma, asthma  worsened by bronchodilator therapy, or after the new development  of intrinsic asthma in an adult. Ambulatory pH monitoring  allows documentation of GER and correlation with respiratory  symptoms and is the diagnostic test of choice.  Furthermore, repeated monitoring allows confirmation of the  efficacy of medical therapy. If suspicion remains high despite  a negative pH study result, endoscopy or barium studies may be  indicated. A trial of medical antireflux therapy requires an  adequate dose of acid-suppressive therapy (omeprazole or  H2RA) taken for at least 12 weeks. If asthma improves with the  treatment of GER, and the patient is a suitable candidate,  antireflux surgery should be considered. " Ellis

Response:

Does an upper GI or barium swallow always show GERD if it is present?  I have many symptoms of GERD, but had an upper GI in 1997 that did not indicate reflux. Patrice

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the post and the links.  I neglected to mention that my allergist has explored the possibility of GERD by prescribing Prilosec. I took the medication for about one week and didn’t notice any improvement.  I have not tried to elevate the head of the bed. How would Prilosec establish the presence or absence of gastro-esophageal reflux? If you have not elevated the bed you have not investigated the possibility of GER. — Larry Preuss Ann Arbor, MI USA Intriguing point, Larry. I had a well qualified allergist last year put me on Prilosec for a month for exactly that reason, to see whether I had GERD based upon my level of spirometer improvement after the Prilosec.  She concluded that I did not have GERD.  Fortunately a subsequent pulmonary physician ordered a barium swallow which showed a lovely hiatal hernia and significant GERD.  Back on Prilosec and much happier; I wonder whether there is a train of thought in the medical community that thinks as the allergist does. pavane

Response:

My ENT says secretions are less annoying when they are thinned down by drinking lots of water, eliminating substances with a diuretic effect (caffeine, coffee, tea, lemon, etc.) and avoiding medication like antihistamines which dry you up. It’s a very simple and basic therapy which worked for me. I am prone to sinus infections and found the increased water, combined with a regimen aimed at getting my sinuses to drain (expectorant, decongestant, steroid spray) works very well for me. I take antihistamines now only when my allergy symptoms go beyond stuffy head stuff. Good Luck! Adelle Stavis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-posted to alt.support.asthma I have been experiencing very thick secretions down near my vocal cords for approximately six years.  The problems are exacerbated by eating and drinking, and cause me to have the urge to constantly clear my throat.  If I don’t, my voice becomes garbled due to the mucous.  I have been diagnosed with asthma and have had allergy tests which show that I am allergic to most everything (dust, mites, trees, grasses, mold etc.). I have been on shots for over one year, and don’t notice any appreciable improvement.  I have also tried just about every conceivable Rx including Claritin, Zyrtec, Provental, many steriod nasal sprays, and a mucous thinner.  Nothing seems to help. My sinuses are clear on the CT scan (although I do have a severly deviated septum on one side). The ENT doc wants to operate to correct this problem and thinks that it may help alleviate some of my problem, but I am skeptical. Does anyone out there experience these symptoms, and if so, what helps?? Since you mention it’s worse with food or drink, has GE reflux been considered. GE reflux can trigger or worsen asthma due to reflux being aspirated into lungs. Treatment includes elevating head of bed 6-8" with wood blocks, no meals near bedtime, drugs like omeprazole and H2 blockers. A gastroenterologist can diagnose GERD. Your ENT seems to think it’s postnasal drip? This would tend to indicate sinusitis or rhinitis. These can worsen asthma due to postnasal drip getting into lungs. Not sure how effective an operation for deviated septum would be. The emphasis should be on controlling any post nasal drip with nasal sprays, saline wash, etc. Links: http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/gerd.htm Asthma and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-GERD  Nov ‘97 JAMA http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/updates/sinus.htm Asthma and Sinusitis 11-97 JAMA Ellis: Thanks for your post and the links to JAMA.  I neglected to mention that my allergist has attempted to treat possible GERD by prescribing Prilosec.  I took it for about one week and did not see any difference.  That is what is so frustrating about my symptoms, nothing seems to relieve them.  Frankly, I can live with the asthma, but the mucous in my throat is driving me CRAZY. Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Alpine?  Yeah we’ve been there, tried that..  Changed our lives!

Alpine?  Looked at it, gathered the relevant safety data.  Went to objective sources (such as the EPA, FDA, and the American Lung Association) noted the warnings.  Went and looked at Alpine’s history of making false claims that the product is safe.  And decided that I am not going anywhere near those things. You can buy air cleaners that are not only more effective and actually safe, but they cost less! "Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, diffucult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it." Gene Spafford 1992

Response:

Do not use a machine that generates Ozone it is a known lung irritant:I have spoken to the head of medical products testing in Canada and the most effective part of Alpine machines is the fan[not the negative ionizer] which drives particulates to the walls.They did extensive and very interesting testing on those machines.As for the radio waves going through walls of your whole house to clean the air-they could not even get those waves to go one foot through a sealed chamber on a lab bench,hmmm We have some quite extensive discussion and resources on the this subject on the bulletin board at our site.Under”allergy products”.Tomorrow the Alpine dealer is coming to visit yet again hoping to gain my endorsement [$125 for each customer I send him-easy money but I would be selling out] There are so many better and cheaper products… * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You want to provide a bit more documentation as to what case that is ? Plaintiff, the United States of America F.Exhibit B-6 What medical problems can it cause? Breathing problems are most common. Some people report dizziness, headaches, burning eyes, aching throats or loss of energy – symptoms often mistaken for colds or viruses, but disappear when victims leave the building. Allergies, depression, and chronic illness may also be a result. UNITED STATES v. ALPINE INDUSTRIES, INC., Civ. No. 2:97-CV-509 (E.D. Tenn.)  Parties:       Alpine Industries, Inc.       William J. Converse  Assigned Attorneys:       Elena I. Paoli (BCP/ENF)       Elizabeth Stein (DOJ/CIV)  Nature of Action:       Action to seek civil penalties, injunctive & other relief for       violations of prior Commission consent order.  Status:            Complaint filed 12/30/97.            Discovery scheduled to end 6/15/99.            Trial scheduled for 9/29/99. OZONE LINKS http://asthma.miningco.com/msub21.htm     Occupational Asthma – Asthma Net Links http://people.delphi.com/drchrisr/noframes/wheezingatwork.html     The Sneeze Gazette: Wheezing at Work http://www.admin.ch/sar/fal/publ/sr/sr25e.html     Relevance of biogenically emitted trace gases for the ozone     production in the planetary boundary layer in Central Europe http://www.airpurifiers.com/ozone.htm     Ozone Air Purifiers Are Dangerous http://www.alaw.org/problems.html     American Lung Association     Lung Information and Service Center     Ozone Air Pollution Fact Sheet     Problems With Ozone Generators http://www.allergytech.com/ITFAQozone.htm     Ozone and Ozone Air Purifiers http://www.ama assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/guide/guidelin/comp2/occupati.htm     Journal of the American Medical Association     JAMA Asthma Information Center     Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma     Treatment Center     Occupational Exposures http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/10028156.html     Centers for Disease Control     National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health     Documentation for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health     Concentrations (IDLHs) Ozone http://www.dhs.cahwnet.gov/ps/deodc/ehlb/iaqs/ozone.htm     California Department of Health Services     Indoor Air Quality Info Sheet     Health Hazards of Ozone-generating Air Cleaning Devices http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html     Indoor Air Pollution     An Introduction for Health Professionals http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html     Ozone Generators That Are Sold As Air Cleaners http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/residair.html     Residential Air Cleaning Devices http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/ozonegen.html     Ozone Generators That Are Sold As Air Cleaners http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/     Air Pollution     EPA OAR Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/regusmog/infozone.html     Regulating Smog and Particle Air Pollution: Ozone http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/regusmog/smog.html     Smog Sources http://www.epa.gov/oar/primer/     EPA’s Updated Clean Air Standards     A Common Sense Primer     September 1997 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1995/9506/living.htm     Marketers of Ozone-Generator Air Cleaners Agree To Settle FTC Charges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1995/9509/quantum.htm     Ozone Generators’ Consent Agreement http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1998/9801/alpine-2.htm     Alpine Industries, Inc.     FTC Seeks Civil Penalties     Against Ozone Generator Firm Over Air Cleaning Claims In     Violation Of Prior Order http://www.ftc.gov/os/1998/9801/complt12.htm     US v. Alpine Industries, Inc., et al. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/    Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/main/hc/web/ehp/ehd/catalogue/general/iyh/misl…     Misleading Advertisement     Of Home Use Medical Devices http://www.indiana.edu/~atmoslab/conf98/     The School of Public and Environmental Affairs     Indiana University, Bloomington     Kinetic Measurements of the OH + Isoprene and     OH + Ethylene Reactions http://www.lungusa.org/air/cleaning_factsheet.html     American Lung Association     Fact Sheet     Air Cleaning Devices and Duct Cleaning http://www.lungusa.org/pub/cleaners/air_clean_toc.html     American Lung Association     Residential Air Cleaning Devices     Types, Effectiveness and Health Impact http://www.lungusa.org/pub/cleaners/air_clean_chap4.html#d3     American Lung Association     Residential Air Cleaning Devices     Types, Effectiveness and Health Impact Chapter IV http://www.mediconsult.com/mc/mcsite.nsf/condition/asthma~Journal+Art…     Thunderstorm-associated asthma:     a detailed analysis of environmental factors http://www.pei.sympatico.ca/Contents/Health/HEALTHYWAY/ana_2.html     Sympatico HealthyWay the Health Journal     Anatomy http://www.pirg.org/enviro/cleanair/ozone98/page2.htm     The Health Effects of Ground Level Ozone or "Smog"     http://www.tonerstore.com/SoftCart/store3/ofiltert-1.htm     Ozone Filters – FAQ

Sometimes publicity is the last thing you want–but hard to avoid. Jerry Oltion

Response:

Hmm,  A lot of Alpine owners that I know use words like " awesome", "incredible", …"best thing we ever invested in."   Then again, most of them tried for a week free BEFORE they purchased it.  Also, typically well over half the people that try a unit for a few days invest in it.  An independent survey including customers from 13 years ago to recent purchasers had some amazing results!  Well over 90% were satisfied with their investment!  Can the same be said of any other product in this field?

Look up Phen-Fen.  Lots of things that are dangerous have hordes of people claiming that it is wonderful. This is why we need to ignore the sales hype and stick with objective sources.  Of course you are a representative of a company that signed a consent decree promising to cease making fraudulent claims that your product is 1) safe and 2) effective. "Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, diffucult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it." Gene Spafford 1992

Response:

You want to provide a bit more documentation as to what case that is ? Harold Spatz Independent Alpine Dealer (610) 796-2452 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroups: alt.support.asthma X-Newsreader: Forte Agent 1.5/16.451 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit NNTP-Posting-Host: 207.8.229.248 X-Trace: monger.newsread.com 936048169 207.8.229.248 (Mon, 30 Aug 1999 17:22:49 EDT) Organization: Talon Network Services (talon.net) I believe that statement to be slanderous.  I am forwarding it to Alpine to see if they decide to to pursue it legally.   I would suggest you be able to back it up.  After 13 years and approximately 3 million units sold — almost all of which intentionally produce a light concentration of ozone — I know of NO documented case brought against Alpine proving that ozone caused ANY health-related problems. In this world where someone sued McD’s because their coffee was hot ? Think about it. Haven’t you told them before?  I remember you making this threat before. May I cut in? Plaintiff, the United States of America What medical problems can it cause? Breathing problems are most common. Some people report dizziness, headaches, burning eyes, aching throats or loss of energy – symptoms often mistaken for colds or viruses, but disappear when victims leave the building. Allergies, depression, and chronic illness may also be a result. posts for 3 months: Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Organization: Microserve Information Systems (800)-380-INET Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Mime-Version: 1.0 Newsgroups: alt.support.asthma You are associated with the Alpine company – which has been proven to have made fraudulent claims as to the safety and effectiveness of the product.  This is why we are demanding independent verification of your claims.  And warning others as to the dangers of the product. Colin,  That statement is libel in my opinion and I am forwarding it to Alpine’s legal dept to see if they feel it appropriate to istitute further action.  The lawsuit that you so often refer to does not say that the claims are fraudulent but instead questions the documentation…   A MAJOR difference !   I can and will continue to post in here.   I fully believe in the benefits of Alpine’s products and on an almost DAILY basis hear from others who have had success with them.  Negative reactions?  There are nowhere NEAR the negative reactions or side effects associated with most of the drugs that you would find acceptable.   To the best of my knowledge there are NO lawsuits against Alpine where our machine has been shown to cause harm in any form. You don’t want one that’s fine.   I don’t know what your background is that you think you have the right to put down alternative ideas or options and I frankly don’t care !   You attack my company you better make sure you can back it up.  I do not have the authority to speak for Alpine as a company but I guarantee you anything I see you or anyone else post that I feel is libelous will be passed on.    I’ve put up with it as long as I intend to.   To any other Alpiners….  If you’ve been with the business any length of time you know the quality and integrity of both the company and it products.   The longer you’re with Alpine the more folks you meet who’ve been helped by our products.   Don’t let folks like this guy or others prevent you from speaking out.   The best way to overcome ignorance is to show the truth.  Demonstrate it…. Professionally Harold Spatz Independent Alpine Dealer Proud and honored to be one Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Organization: Microserve Information Systems (800)-380-INET Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Mime-Version: 1.0 Newsgroups: alt.support.asthma Colin and all others who post here have a right to their opinion and to voice that opinion.   I am not moaning about free speech.  It is one of the greatest freedoms in the U.S. though I know this newsgroup goes beyond that.   I was warning that libel or slander wouldn’t be tolerated. Harold Spatz Independent Alpine Dealer    Oh golly!  A cartooney rears his head and mumbles– er, I mean, roars. I guess we’re in trouble now.  As it’s been shown that Alpine, or it’s representatives, made some false claims with regard to the product, THIS threat is nothing more than an attempt to chill Colin’s expression with regard to the disgust and contempt shown snake oil salesmen on alt.support.asthma.    You do have a right to post here, and we have the right to castigate you for doing so.  So do me a favor and stop moaning about "free speach" when it’s patently obvious that you’re just trying to scare people off. UNITED STATES v. ALPINE INDUSTRIES, INC., Civ. No. 2:97-CV-509 (E.D. Tenn.)  Parties:       Alpine Industries, Inc.       William J. Converse  Assigned Attorneys:       Elena I. Paoli (BCP/ENF)       Elizabeth Stein (DOJ/CIV)  Nature of Action:       Action to seek civil penalties, injunctive & other relief for       violations of prior Commission consent order.  Status:            Complaint filed 12/30/97.            Discovery scheduled to end 6/15/99.            Trial scheduled for 9/29/99. OZONE LINKS http://asthma.miningco.com/msub21.htm     Occupational Asthma – Asthma Net Links http://people.delphi.com/drchrisr/noframes/wheezingatwork.html     The Sneeze Gazette: Wheezing at Work http://www.admin.ch/sar/fal/publ/sr/sr25e.html     Relevance of biogenically emitted trace gases for the ozone     production in the planetary boundary layer in Central Europe http://www.airpurifiers.com/ozone.htm     Ozone Air Purifiers Are Dangerous http://www.alaw.org/problems.html     American Lung Association     Lung Information and Service Center     Ozone Air Pollution Fact Sheet     Problems With Ozone Generators http://www.allergytech.com/ITFAQozone.htm     Ozone and Ozone Air Purifiers http://www.ama assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/guide/guidelin/comp2/occupati.htm     Journal of the American Medical Association     JAMA Asthma Information Center     Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma     Treatment Center     Occupational Exposures http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/10028156.html     Centers for Disease Control     National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health     Documentation for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health     Concentrations (IDLHs) Ozone http://www.dhs.cahwnet.gov/ps/deodc/ehlb/iaqs/ozone.htm     California Department of Health Services     Indoor Air Quality Info Sheet     Health Hazards of Ozone-generating Air Cleaning Devices http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html     Indoor Air Pollution     An Introduction for Health Professionals http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html     Ozone Generators That Are Sold As Air Cleaners http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/residair.html     Residential Air Cleaning Devices http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/ozonegen.html     Ozone Generators That Are Sold As Air Cleaners http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/     Air Pollution     EPA OAR Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/regusmog/infozone.html     Regulating Smog and Particle Air Pollution: Ozone http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/regusmog/smog.html     Smog Sources http://www.epa.gov/oar/primer/     EPA’s Updated Clean Air Standards     A Common Sense Primer     September 1997 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1995/9506/living.htm     Marketers of Ozone-Generator Air Cleaners Agree To Settle FTC Charges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1995/9509/quantum.htm     Ozone Generators’ Consent Agreement http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1998/9801/alpine-2.htm     Alpine Industries, Inc.     FTC Seeks Civil Penalties     Against Ozone Generator Firm Over Air Cleaning Claims In     Violation Of Prior Order http://www.ftc.gov/os/1998/9801/complt12.htm     US v. Alpine Industries, Inc., et al. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/    Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/main/hc/web/ehp/ehd/catalogue/general/iyh/misl…     Misleading Advertisement     Of Home Use Medical Devices

… read more »

Response:

Hmm,  A lot of Alpine owners that I know use words like " awesome", "incredible", …"best thing we ever invested in."   Then again, most of them tried for a week free BEFORE they purchased it.  Also, typically well over half the people that try a unit for a few days invest in it.  An independent survey including customers from 13 years ago to recent purchasers had some amazing results!  Well over 90% were satisfied with their investment!  Can the same be said of any other product in this field? Been there, seen it, done it. The Alpine unit is just another useless gadget. Get rid of the _source_ of indoor pollution, and get yourself a proper ventilation unit.

Hmmm… 80% of the dust you see floating in the air is dead human skin cells…   Get rid of the source…   You see where that could be a problem?  Getting rid of the source of the indoor pollution would mean to get rid of the humans…   That’s kind of difficult in a residence. I prefer to run my Alpine Xl-15…  Drop the dust including skin flakes out of the air.  (You see a shaft of sunlight coming into our home — It’s totally dust-free!)  I find it works and I breathe a WHOLE lot easier.  So does my family including my daughter. For the first three months of her life Anne was only able to get any sleep if her mom held her upright while sitting in a chair.  If she was laid flat in her crib she’d stuff up within 10-15 minutes and wake up screaming.   We tried an Alpine on a demo as a favor to a friend. Tere brought the unit over, set it up and went through a quick demo. Seemed kind of neat but I had no plans to invest in one. 24 hours later my wife laid Anne down so she could do the dishes quick.  For the first time in her life Anne slept flat in her crib for 3 hours.  When she woke up it was only because she was hungry.  Her sinuses were clear!  Since that time her sinuses have been fine.   Alpine?  Yeah we’ve been there, tried that..  Changed our lives! Harold Spatz Independent Alpine Dealer (610) 796-2452

Response:

I believe that statement to be slanderous.  I am forwarding it to Alpine to see if they decide to to pursue it legally.   I would suggest you be able to back it up.  After 13 years and approximately 3 million units sold — almost all of which intentionally produce a light concentration of ozone — I know of NO documented case brought against Alpine proving that ozone caused ANY health-related problems. In this world where someone sued McD’s because their coffee was hot ? Think about it.

Haven’t you told them before?  I remember you making this threat before.   BTW, since I can provide the relevant scientific articles demonstrating that ozone in the same levels as those emitted by your products is harmful to asthmatics – I expect the same results as the last time somebody tried to intimidate me.  I was not impressed and they backed down. By the way,  I have read more than a few testimonials from asthmatics with Alpines.  They flat out love them.

And we all know that testimonials are not a substitute for actual science. The fact of the matter is that your product emits ozone at levels that are known to be harmful to people with asthma and/or allergies.   "Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, diffucult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it." Gene Spafford 1992

Response:

I believe that statement to be slanderous.  I am forwarding it to Alpine to see if they decide to to pursue it legally.   I would suggest you be able to back it up.  After 13 years and approximately 3 million units sold — almost all of which intentionally produce a light concentration of ozone — I know of NO documented case brought against Alpine proving that ozone caused ANY health-related problems. In this world where someone sued McD’s because their coffee was hot ? Think about it. You realize of course that the levels generated by a typical, properly adjusted  Alpine XL-15 ( Hottest selling residential unit ) are at or less than .04 ppm.  Most people set it lower than that.  That’s roughly the same level you would find in a lot of fresh, unpolluted country air, unpolluted air on a bright sunny day, near some waterfalls,  at a lot of beaches, or after a good thunderstorm. By the way,  I have read more than a few testimonials from asthmatics with Alpines.  They flat out love them. Harold Spatz Independent Alpine Dealer (610) 796-2452 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -FYI, there is no such thing as ’safe’ ozone.  And the levels of ozone produced by the Alpine unit are _known_ to be harmful to asthmatics.

Response:

Ozone in toxicity levels can be harmful to anyone not only asthmatics. I found tremendous results with Alpine’s Living Air machine which controls the ozone to what is outside.  The only time you can’t be comfortable outside is on a hot humid day when there are no negative ions in the air.  Many things in toxicity levels are bad for us.  My husband takes 1 aspirin a day but you can OD on aspirin.  Oxygen is needed for us to sustain life – but too much can kill us.  Alpine’s ozone is safe.  However, I believe it is the negative ionization that is what helps us.

FYI, there is no such thing as ’safe’ ozone.  And the levels of ozone produced by the Alpine unit are _known_ to be harmful to asthmatics. This machine takes polluants out of the air which helps you breathe easier.  It helped me so much that I quit my job to market them full- time.  My nurse has packed her neb away she has had such great results from it.

Ever notice how the only people who recommend this product are selling it? Before anybody tries this product I would suggest that they review what the FTC says about it, what the American Lung Association says, the EPA, the FDA, the Canadian Lung Association and Consumer Report’s magazine. All of the above recommend against ozone generators. "Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, diffucult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it." Gene Spafford 1992

Response:

Yes, Ashleigh, I agree that the mold is a problem.  Mold spores during it’s growth cycle and goes airborne.  It is so small nothing can catch it.  But Living Air ionizes it and makes it fall to the ground and then the small amount of ozone burns it up. I put a petri dish in a school 3 weeks ago and about 80% of the mold is killed from the air from the next petri dish. My own health testimony is that of mold.  After coughing for 11-12 years but in the last 6 months so hard that I lost my voice for 3 weeks, I stopped in 5 days of one of my customers listening to my cough and telling me I better get to a doctor.  I told him I had be doctoring for 6 months my next appt. they were going to check me for asthma coughing.  He brought a Living Air in and it worked for me.  You should try one and see if it works for you.  There is no obligation. Barbara – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have you ever heard of this? I have heard time and time again that ozone has a definate negative effect on the lungs, and sinus’s.  Obviously this would also effct asthma as well. Anyone know how the toxic mold effects asthmatics? Is your son allergic to Mold?  I am highly allergic to mold, and would assume having a toxic mold problem would torment my asthma.  I’m sure that getting rid of the mold would only help your son.  If there’s a problem with your son being around the chemicals they might use (for the ozone or mold cleaning), stay a couple of nights in a motel until the "smell" is gone.  That could help to avoid a possibly serious reaction he may have. Good Luck! Ash http://www.angelfire.com/tn/Ashleigh1976/index.html

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Is your son allergic to Mold?  I am highly allergic to mold, and would assume having a toxic mold problem would torment my asthma.  I’m sure that getting rid of the mold would only help your son.  If there’s a problem with your son being around the chemicals they might use (for the ozone or mold cleaning), stay a couple of nights in a motel until the "smell" is gone.  That could help to avoid a possibly serious reaction he may have.

The equipment used by professional restoration companies requires that all living things (that you want to remain alive) be removed.   "Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, diffucult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it." Gene Spafford 1992

Response:

Hi There, Just wondered if you guys had heard of an Ozone cleaner? It is used (by companies doing restoration)after a fire to disinfect the air, removing chemicals and that burnt smell. Have you ever heard of this? My insurance adjustor told me about this after I explained the severity of  my son’s asthma and the residual dander (?) or other chemical problems(?) we have in our house and he suggested this ozone disinfector….done by a professional company. Anyone know if this is asthma friendly? Or a good plan???

If you find a good and reputable outfit it should work.  Make sure that they guarantee the work. "Usenet is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, diffucult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it." Gene Spafford 1992

Response:

Ozone in toxicity levels can be harmful to anyone not only asthmatics. I found tremendous results with Alpine’s Living Air machine which controls the ozone to what is outside.  The only time you can’t be comfortable outside is on a hot humid day when there are no negative ions in the air.  Many things in toxicity levels are bad for us.  My husband takes 1 aspirin a day but you can OD on aspirin.  Oxygen is needed for us to sustain life – but too much can kill us.  Alpine’s ozone is safe.  However, I believe it is the negative ionization that is what helps us. This machine takes polluants out of the air which helps you breathe easier.  It helped me so much that I quit my job to market them full- time.  My nurse has packed her neb away she has had such great results from it. They are free for you to try in your own home for a week.  If you can’t find someone local to you.  I’d be happy to send a unit for you to try. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have you ever heard of this? I have heard time and time again that ozone has a definate negative effect on the lungs, and sinus’s.  Obviously this would also effct asthma as well. Anyone know how the toxic mold effects asthmatics? Is your son allergic to Mold?  I am highly allergic to mold, and would assume having a toxic mold problem would torment my asthma.  I’m sure that getting rid of the mold would only help your son.  If there’s a problem with your son being around the chemicals they might use (for the ozone or mold cleaning), stay a couple of nights in a motel until the "smell" is gone.  That could help to avoid a possibly serious reaction he may have. Good Luck! Ash http://www.angelfire.com/tn/Ashleigh1976/index.html

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Hi There, Just wondered if you guys had heard of an Ozone cleaner? It is used (by companies doing restoration)after a fire to disinfect the air, removing chemicals and that burnt smell. Have you ever heard of this? My insurance adjustor told me about this after I explained the severity of  my son’s asthma and the residual dander (?) or other chemical problems(?) we have in our house and he suggested this ozone disinfector….done by a professional company. Anyone know if this is asthma friendly? Or a good plan??? Please let me know thanks. Oh and they just found toxic mold in our master bedroom too, (when we were getting our hardwood floor put in). Now we have to get this fixed, and the mold removed from the ceiling… Anyone know how the toxic mold effects asthmatics? Thanks in advance, Vicky

Response:

Have you ever heard of this?

I have heard time and time again that ozone has a definate negative effect on the lungs, and sinus’s.  Obviously this would also effct asthma as well.   Anyone know how the toxic mold effects asthmatics?

Is your son allergic to Mold?  I am highly allergic to mold, and would assume having a toxic mold problem would torment my asthma.  I’m sure that getting rid of the mold would only help your son.  If there’s a problem with your son being around the chemicals they might use (for the ozone or mold cleaning), stay a couple of nights in a motel until the "smell" is gone.  That could help to avoid a possibly serious reaction he may have. Good Luck! Ash http://www.angelfire.com/tn/Ashleigh1976/index.html

Response:

Question:

Ellis – or anyone else – do you have the web address for the pediatric asthma management guidelines that were released within the last several years.  any help would be appreciated.

Response:

do you have the web address for the pediatric asthma management guidelines

that were released within the last several years.

http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/treatmnt.htm http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/Asthma/Asthma.html http://allergy.mcg.edu/physicians/manual/manual.html perhaps this will be of help to you… Scooby RCP, EMT-P Perinatal-Pediatric Respiratory Specialist This mail is a natural product.  The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

Response:

thank you ever so much. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – do you have the web address for the pediatric asthma management guidelines that were released within the last several years. http://www.ama-assn.org/special/asthma/treatmnt/treatmnt.htm http://www.vh.org/Providers/ClinGuide/Asthma/Asthma.html http://allergy.mcg.edu/physicians/manual/manual.html perhaps this will be of help to you… Scooby RCP, EMT-P Perinatal-Pediatric Respiratory Specialist This mail is a natural product.  The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

Response:

Question:

He same for asthma? Asthma is a symptom of the weakened state of the He adrenals. So why not strenghten them so they prevent future attacks, He instead of weakening them leading to more attacks? This is what we mean He when we say that conventional medicine covers up the symptoms rather He than treating the problem.    And what are some of the ways to build up the adrenals thru natural    methods?

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are very important for proper adrenal function. I prefer natural sources of vitamin C, especially amla berry. Pantothenic acid is also important. Adaptogenic herbs help strengthen the adrenals as well. I particularly like schisandra berries, which I have seen several people use successfully for their asthma. Other adaptogenic herbs include astragalus, Siberian ginseng, suma, licorice root, and ashwaganda.

Response:

Topic:  Alternative vs Modern Medicine

He Then answer these 2 questions: He 1. The more an asthamatic uses their inhaler, the more frequently the He need to use it. This would appear that the inhalers are aggravating the He condition. Why? He 2. Why do asthmatics respond so well to herbs and supplements which He support adrenal function?     And what are some examples of these herbs and supplements? .. End  of  message ___ Blue Wave/386 v2.30 [NR]

Response:

He same for asthma? Asthma is a symptom of the weakened state of the He adrenals. So why not strenghten them so they prevent future attacks, He instead of weakening them leading to more attacks? This is what we mean He when we say that conventional medicine covers up the symptoms rather He than treating the problem.     And what are some of the ways to build up the adrenals thru natural     methods? .. End  of  message ___ Blue Wave/386 v2.30 [NR]

Response:

Herbassist, Thanks for the laundry list.  I have a child with a "stressed out" adrenal system. (The theory being that my own depleted adrenal system "used up" hers in utero – kid #2 – sorry I’m not good at remembering chapter and verse on studies – I just partially remember the findings!) We’ve had good experience with B Complex – B-100 or B-50, extra B-6 (up to 100 mg), B-12 w/trace minerals and Folic Acid, and Adrenal glandulars, also use Bach’s Rescue Remedy for major stress outs and tantrums – she’ll go to sleep – kinda scary! – and we’ve stopped hysterics with Kali Phos.  The best mood evener we’ve used for this child is Children’s TAT – tyrosinal, adrenal and thyroid – mfg by Dews 21st Century in Texas.  Mr. Dews is quiet an interesting man.  He is a chemist and as a chemist developed these glandulars to cure himself because he was dying of liver failure – quite a story.    (I have no stake here – just stating what has worked.) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – He same for asthma? Asthma is a symptom of the weakened state of the He adrenals. So why not strenghten them so they prevent future attacks, He instead of weakening them leading to more attacks? This is what we mean He when we say that conventional medicine covers up the symptoms rather He than treating the problem.    And what are some of the ways to build up the adrenals thru natural    methods? Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are very important for proper adrenal function. I prefer natural sources of vitamin C, especially amla berry. Pantothenic acid is also important. Adaptogenic herbs help strengthen the adrenals as well. I particularly like schisandra berries, which I have seen several people use successfully for their asthma. Other adaptogenic herbs include astragalus, Siberian ginseng, suma, licorice root, and ashwaganda.

Response:

    Okay, but why not use natural medicine to treat the problem       without creating side effects?     Like using aloe vera or vitamin C / MSM?

This is the fiorst time I’ve seen reference to these substances and treatment for asthma.  How would they be administered?  At what dose?  duration/onset of action? Anti-inflammatory effect? +– Edward J. Mathes, RPA-C Physician Assistant Internal Medicine Opinions above are mine and mine alone. Opinions above are NOT medical advice. If you don’t like these opinions, make up some of your own. My spelling, syntax, denotation and grammar are perfect.  It is my typing that is bad. Get Paid to Surf the Web:  http://alladvantage.com/go.asp?refid=ARG-758

Response:

Topic:  Alternative vs Modern Medicine And let’s asthma or autoimmunity for which they give you steroids to suppress your immune system so you mount an immune defense. This is not treating the problem, but merely preventing the symptoms.

EM Wrong, at least in the case of most asthma. EM Asthma is an inflammatory disease. EM Steroids are a potent anti-inflammatory. EM Have inflammatory asthma, give anti inflammatory steroids, treat the EM problem at the cause, not hiding the symptoms.     Okay, but why not use natural medicine to treat the problem       without creating side effects?     Like using aloe vera or vitamin C / MSM? .. End  of  message ___ Blue Wave/386 v2.30 [NR]

Response:

Topic:  Alternative vs Modern Medicine AF You’re quite right.  I never said the improvement in life expectancy AF was due to pharmaceuticals alone.  Pharmaceuticals are just one AF component of a developing rational scientific society.   As humans AF began to master science and thereby their own universe and their own AF nature,  they began to have longer better lives.  Medicine is a AF pre-eminent example of such mastery.  Pharmaceuticals are a good AF example of medicine as science.  But your final example confuses AF things.  Most people don’t die — nor dd they die in the past — of AF traumatic injuries.  They die of disease.   Our control of disease in AF this century has been remarkable, and pharmaceuticals and public AF hygeine are the major reasons.     Question:  Why can’t nutrition be considered a good example of     medicine as well as of science? .. "Scotty, beam me up another Blue Wave message." ___ Blue Wave/386 v2.30 [NR]

Response: