Anyone with asthma have problems with colds?

[skooooo]

I'm fighting one now. Trying to keep my lungs clear, doing massive (ok exaggerating a little) amounts of albuterol, Vicks cough syrup, expectorant and ibuprofen.

Damn, is this what I have to look forward to the rest of my life?

[skygazer]

1. Asthma weakens your lungs

Since they're already fighting the effects of asthma, a cold can really mess them up. For me, I developed asthma after a bad case of pneumonia and for about six years, I got pneumonia every spring and fall - as soon as the damp, cool weather hit. Each time, though, it was less severe and I haven't had pneumonia in probably 8 years. But I only have mild asthma.

I guess it probably depends on a lot of things. I'm sorry you feel so rotten, though. :hug:

[alittlelark]

2. I've had asthmatic bronchitis many times

Mostly in my youth, but 3-4 bouts as an adult.

In all honesty I'd only do the albuterol when semi-desperate, and cut out the Vicks if possible.

Try LOTS and LOTS of water. Hot w/ lemon is great. Teas are good too. Vitamin C, 500mg 2-3x a day. At least 1 HOT shower - the steam is what you really need.


I'm not sure how old you are - but my bouts w/ it lowered dramatically w/ age. At 40something I've only had 3-4 since HS.

Good Luck - It's really awful.:hug:

[XemaSab]

3. I've been there

Orange juice.... HUGE HUGE amounts of fresh OJ. Just keep a bottle and work at it all day.

If you're insured, talk to the doc about singulair. I haven't had a cold since 2000, and I used to get them ALL THE TIME.

[SarahB]

4. Don't do too much albuterol!!!

What can happen is what's known as a rebound effect. Too much use will result in it NOT working at a time when you really need it. Not to scare you, but people have stopped breathing because their airway shut too much because the albuterol didn't work due to overuse (someone I know personally lost their life because of this). If you need it more than every 4 hours, get to your doctor, and get some steriodal meds in addition until you get through your cold. Less interventive measures include a cool mist humidifier.

[skooooo]

7. Thanks for the advice...

I think I'm on the upswing. Didn't know that about albuterol. This only lasted a few days, so I think it's ok. I also think the expectorant really helped clear my lungs out.

It sucks. I hope as I get older it doesn't get worse. :/

[Pithlet]

5. I have mild asthma and colds always give me a bad cough

I hope you feel better soon :hug:

[KitchenWitch]

6. Yes

If I get a cold, it does exacerbate my asthma, and usually ends in either bronchitis or pneumonia.

[Nye Bevan]

8. At the risk of sounding like a drug company commercial...

... ask your doctor about Advair (an inhaler).

My kids went through a phase of getting asthma when they got colds. Albuterol is great for alleviating the symptoms but inhaled steroids such as Advair or Flovent can prevent your airways from closing up before it happens. "Steroid" sounds scary but INHALED steroids have basically no side-effects.

Talk to your doctor about what you are experiencing. He may well tell you to start inhaling something like Advair when you first experience cold symptoms, until the cold goes away. Or he may prescribe two puffs a day throughout the cold season. These medicines worked wonders for my kids.

[skooooo]

9. I've used Advair..

...and I can't tell that it helps much. Singulair has been a big help, and keeps my asthma under control. Thanks for the advice though.

[AtomicKitten]

10. Yep, adult-onset

On Pulmicort corticosteroid (2 puffs q.a.m) which is convenient
also albuterol p.r.n.

I am really susceptive to allergic symptoms and weather changes. Since moving to SF, I've had an e-ticket ride with my asthma symptoms. Hot and cold weather, changing daily and within each day, fog, etc. llergens.

[WCGreen]

11. Take the over the counter Mucinex.....

Man that stuff works well...

I have asthma that developed into life threatening pnemonia and ended up with an extreme case that resulted in 36 days in hospital...

Make sure you take the time to rest and get the stuff out of your body....

Mucinex works wel....

But see a doc....

Your lings are nothing to mess around with...

Trust me on this....