I've been reading the National Review of Asthma Deaths after the news last week on the increase in asthma deaths. I was diagnosed with asthma in January this year (54 with no history of asthma), after a hospital stay I'm managing very well on anti-histamines (over the counter) and Relvar Elipta 92/22. Whilst reading the report under Patient Factors and Perception of risk it states:
Patient factors and perception of risk
Patient self-management should be encouraged to reflect their known triggers, eg increasing medication before the start of the hay fever season, avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or by the early use of oral corticosteroids with viral- or allergic-induced exacerbations".
Would anyone know why asthmatics should avoid "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs" I'm assmuming they mean something like ibuprofen?
Also, I have made an appointment to see the asthma nurse as my chest in the last 4 to 5 days is tight and I'm not feeling as well as I should, peak flow fine at between 450 and 500 (but then it always has been).. does anyone else have triggers at the beginning of August with allergic asthma, I can see that I'm doing anything different although I could have a mild cold but can't tell whether its a cold of flare up! I can't get to see the nurse until next Tuesday 20th.
Many thanks all Jo
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For non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (and, yes, they do mean things like ibuprofen), they can trigger some people's asthma, but it is very individual and not everyone reacts to them. They say avoid them because they'd rather people didn't take the risk and end up with a severe or life-threatening attack. Having said that, if you've been taking them (since being diagnosed with asthma) and been fine, you're probably alright to continue.
My triggers around this time of year are pollen (grass for me, but I think weed pollen starts around this time of year too) and fungal spores. And sometimes humidity, thunderstorms, using electric fans (they dry out the airways) etc. as and when. Colds, viruses and infections can also trigger asthma, so it'd be worth seeing a medical professional to check for those too. Asthma UK have a fairly comprehensive list of potential triggers if you wanted to have a look: asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/ The other thing - if it turns out it is the moulds and fungi triggering you - is that people who are sensitive to these tend to have (or develop later on) severe asthma. There's a specific type of asthma called Severe Asthma with Funal Sensitivity (SAFS) that you would need to be aware of if fungi does trigger you, just to watch for any potential worsening.
The last thing I want to say is that if your asthma is bad, please don't wait until the 20th. Asthma can drastically worsen even within the space of a few hours, so please don't put yourself at risk for the next 8 days! If you ring your doctors and tell them you need to see someone for asthma, they HAVE to give you an appointment the same day, because asthma can kill and they can't take that risk. Because you're still very newly-diagnosed, I'd definitely say err on the side of caution and see your GP within 24 hours just to be sure. It might be that you can't see the asthma nurse until the 20th, but a GP can see you now, and then you could follow up with an asthma nurse review on the 20th. The GP would be able to assess for any infection that might need antibiotics and whether you might need a short course of steroids or not. They would also be able to consider changing your regular medication if needed. Please make sure you are seen - don't put yourself at risk!
Many thanks, really good information for me here... oddly really warm & humid weather is great for my asthma although I know a lot of people it isn't, windy, cold weather not good for it.. Yes, I agree I think I should see my GP asap as the day has gone on I'm feeling worse, so now going to brave the GP receptionist! Jo
You say: "I was diagnosed with asthma in January this year (54 with no history of asthma)".
You also say: "Also, I have made an appointment to see the asthma nurse as my chest in the last 4 to 5 days is tight."
What evidence is there that you are having inflamed airways causing the asthma. What action are you taking to reduce the tightness in the chest. Tight chest reduced ability to remove obnoxious substances from lungs.
Hi John, many thanks, your post you shared is very interesting. I'm used to physio I've been a professional sports person for the majority of my adult life, x-rays, scan's and a full diagnostic was done privately in late January & February this year, so it definitely is asthma... ho hum.. I am still very active and actually saw my physio 3 weeks ago to release my piriformis so I'm not against any alternative that may help me but sometimes the drugs work best! Jo
I suspect your muscles are too tight for the ageing fascia. It is a problem a lot of athletes have as they get older. Also the brain controls muscle behaviour. As we age the brain control of muscle is not as good.
Note: it is known that after a period of time many asthma drugs stop working effectively and require changing.
I reacted to anti inflammatories after years and years of being fine.... I've now been told never to touch an NSAID again including aspirin it's something to do with the "pathways" they take to work, they are more likely to upset asthma sufferers however they also tell me it's a small portion (something like 10-15%) of asthmatics that actually react
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