Allergy immunotherapy

Hi

Is it possible to have immunology for allergies like food allergies or hayfever if you have severe chronic asthma?

Feeling really low as I have been hiding away indoors all bank holiday weekend long and when I went out for a short while I broke out in a heat rash and hives!

[Tre]

Hi There,

I am on immunology treatment since last Oct, I’m on Grazax tablets daily, I have seasonal severe asthma from tree & grass pollen. A couple of years ago they tried me on the immunology injections, I coped reasonably well with the tree pollen, although did need antihistamines 4 times daily & the blue inhaler far too much. Unfortunately when they injected, a smaller dose than normal, of the grass pollen I had a severe asthma attack & it was deemed too dangerous to continue.

So two years down the line & having to take weeks & weeks worth of 40mg steroids - last year was a very long season - like I say I am now on the Grazax. I don’t know if they will work, there might be a slight improvement this year, but I have had to take Fostair 100 all during the winter, which I don’t normally have to do.

I have worked very hard on my fitness levels & weight, last Sept despite a bad summer, I competed in a Nordic Walking Marathon - raising money for Asthma UK - in Dorset on the coast which is a very hilly course. I also joined the long distance walking association walking upto 24 miles over mountains. I am 9lb off target now & although on full medication I am determined to have a good summer & not pile the weight back on due to inactivity & steroids. I have also learnt how to do Buteyko breathing, although I didn’t complete the course due to getting flu, I have found it helpful. I also do Iyenga Yoga & find the poses for opening the chest both helpful & relaxing.

It’s always worth talking to your consultant/GP/asthma nurse, it’s taken me years to get a consultant but now I have one that I have great confidence in I am also under the care of the allergy department both at Wythenshaw hospital Manchester. We are all so totally different & I really don’t know how I’d cope with chronic severe asthma, 12-14 weeks is enough, good luck with your investigations into immunology.

[Hidden in reply to Tre]

HI Tre,

Thank you so much for this. I needed to hear your experience. I have recently been reffered to see an immunology specialist and its really playing on my mind as i have a lot of skin allergies, the asthma, a variation of gerd and the mulitiple food allergies with severe hayfever.

I was referred to the Brompton for asthma treatment and just like you i didnt get much out of it. How have you found the Buteyko breathing help. I think you are very inspirational in how you are dealing with your condition and adapting the hollistic options.

Take care.