It starts with uncontrollable, constant, hacking cough, to where ye can't breathe, feels like throat is closing.

Last week he had to take an ambulance to the ER and got an Epi-pen injection here, and stuff they said was "like Benedryl" injected, which brought him back to normal.

Today, it happened again, only I gave the Epi-pen here..and tryid to get through to Doc J. In a few minutes..he was OK..but the concern was why.

I assumed it has to be these meds (currently on Celexa and Xanex) but it is strange because nothing was changed or added, doses have been the same for two weeks.

Doc J consulted Doc SH, and between them they decided it was probably not the meds and was more likely an asmatic/allergic response to something else??

I have not had a chance to find out what that something else might be..and these things never happened before these meds were introduced, and he had strange reactions to two other psych meds (though not this reaction)

He was tested for the genotype for mold allergy, and came up positive.

We have had no visible mold in the garage or basement (have been checking over two years, house is three years old)

Some time ago, a small spot showed up in the garage..which was properly cleaned (6"by1" spot) and the walls are exposed, nothing behind it, and rest of walls are concrete..nothing there that you can see or smell.

Is it a safe assumption based on that that mold is not the culprit?

Does mold cause asmatic attacks?

I am not sure it isn't the medication, but without Xanex, his anxiety reaches danger levels..if you know his recent story..we've got time to wait before treatment.

Does Lyme cause asmatic attacks, new onset?

Anyone know if the combo of these meds could?

Thanks for any input or experience.

Mo

Thank God you had the meds ready for just such a reaction this time around!

PRAYERS!!!

My question is, does this follow a history of respiratory symptoms seemingly related to Lyme and is he off antibiotics now?

I've never heard of using Epi-Pen for anxiety attacks so be careful if someone tries to sell you that one.

I posted earlier but, somehow, it seems to have gotten lost. My recommendation was to talk with the doctors about plans for the things that could happen and how you can reach them in case of emergency. It may help to make the management of his situation, while off antibiotics, their problem and not solely your own.

Hang in.

you said:

Does Lyme cause asmatic attacks, new onset?

So sorry poor Ry had to go through such a scary experience..you too!

I am not a doctor, but thought I would share that my little boy never even sneezed during the high pollen counts before Lyme.

Now we have to carry a medicine bag everywhere we go. He has severe allergy attacks and asthma. Benadryl is our best friend.

He also has an inhaler we don't use unless a dire situation occurs. And a child who was never bothered by bee stings before lyme, now has to have a bee sting kit with him at all times as he had a life threatening reaction to a bee sting last month.

So yes, it is my opinion that Lyme can cause sensitivities, allergies, and Asthma.

I am totally confused and tired of playing Doctor!

Note: Xanax and Zithro..breathing difficulties..when used together or Zithro is stopped, as it was yesterday.

Celexa and Xanax...bad combo too.

The timimg on this is suspicious to me, as it is in sinc with med changes,last week and this week.

Mo

But then, drug allergies, too?

David, Lymetoo, Melanie..thanks too.

My heart aches to hear what your little one is having to go through. Bless him... and you.

You already know I think the meds are the problem... so I won't repeat myself.

I did want to be sure you got all the information needed when using drugs such as an EPI-PEN. I am a trained (Nationally) EPI-Tech and even I don't like to fool with the stuff unless absolutely necessary.

I didn't see where you had taken him to the ER after the dose you administered for follow up and to prevent additional problems..... so I am including some info that may be of help.

Follow up may not be necessary some of the time.. but all of a sudden it may be needed and if you are not prepared... bad things can happen. The ER should have told you to follow up after administering Epi...

You said..

"I am not sure it isn't the medication, but without Xanex, his anxiety reaches danger levels.."

Using a drug to sporadically control anxiety (meaning it isn't 100 percent working and there is still danger).. that then may be causing the need for a drug to prevent a potentially deadly allergic reaction..

Well... that can be dangerous to say the least.

The stress on you that you spoke about... and your worsening condition because of the stress... is bad news all around. If YOU go down... your child will be worse off... the other child will suffer.. and no one will be helped.

Do you think it might help to have professional help for your son (as an inpatient) at this point? His good doctors can then consult directly with the hospital staff.. and you won't be stuck playing the guessing games and having to play doctor and double check everything they say. His meds and any reactions can be monitored... and any dangerous behavior or reactions can be dealt with by professionals at the time. Oxygen is available... antidotes are available readily... and experienced people who deal with these situations will be on hand day time, night time, weekends.. etc..

I don't know how much longer you and your family can dodge the bullets that are coming out of no where... are not being addressed to a point where the issues are anywhere near resolved... and that is creating a unsafe environment for you and your little ones.

I KNOW duck motels suck.. but letting that notion rule the situation may be setting you up for worse things to come.

This whole situation is making you sick.. understandably... and it may be time to seek help from professionals... and not having to wait for phone calls to far away places in emergency situations to address immediate concerns that may be life threatening.

Just my thoughts....

Here is some of the basic facts for you to read through....

I will be hoping for the best dearest MoJo...

Epinephrine is a potent medication and is used ONLY in emergency situations.

Side effects of epinephrine include palpitations, rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, pallor, dizziness, weakness, tremor, headache, apprehension, nervousness, and anxiety.

In some cases, cardiac arrhythmias may occur after treatment with epinephrine.

http://www.anaphylaxis.com/pro/6_3.cfm

Penicillin alone is responsible for about 5,440 cases of fatal anaphylaxis each year, which accounts for an estimated 75% of the known annual US anaphylaxis deaths.2,3 Most deaths occur in people who have no medical history of allergic reactions.3

http://www.anaphylaxis.com/pro/6_2_4.cfm

Even after epinephrine has been administered, emergency medical treatment should be sought at once because severely allergic people who have experienced anaphylaxis may need emergency respiratory or cardiac care, or even to be resuscitated if they stop breathing altogether. More commonly, these patients will need professional care to determine whether additional epinephrine, steroids, antihistamines, or other treatments are required.

In any case, follow-up diagnosis and care by medical professionals after the administration of epinephrine is critical for recovery.

As many as 25% of people who have an anaphylactic reaction will experience a recurrence in the hours following the beginning of the reaction and will require further medical treatment, including additional epinephrine injections.2-4 This delayed reaction is called biphasic, meaning two phases.

Delayed or secondary reactions do occur, and patients should remain under medical supervision for at least 4 hours after an episode of anaphylaxis.6

http://www.epipen.com/epipen_dosing.html

Sometimes a single dose of epinephrine may not be enough to completely reverse the effects of an anaphylactic reaction. For that reason, your physician may prescribe more than one auto-injector.

VERY important to know.... Of the fatal allergic reactions in the study... 62 percent DID use the EPI-Pen.. and died anyway (from 3 hours to 30 days later)...

Clin Exp Allergy. 2000 Aug;30(8):1144-50.

Lessons for management of anaphylaxis from a study of fatal reactions.

Pumphrey RS.

Immunology Unit, Central Manchester Healthcare NHS Trust Hospitals, St Mary's Hospital, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 0JH, UK.

BACKGROUND: The unpredictability of anaphylactic reactions and the need for immediate, often improvised treatment will make controlled trials impracticable; other means must therefore be used to determine optimal management.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the circumstances leading to fatal anaphylaxis.

METHODS: A register was established including all fatal anaphylactic reactions in the UK since 1992 that could be traced from the certified cause of death. Data obtained from other sources suggested that deaths certified as due to anaphylaxis underestimate the true incidence. Details of the previous medical history, the reaction and necropsy were sought for all cases.

RESULTS: Approximately half the 20 fatal reactions recorded each year in the UK were iatrogenic, and a quarter each due to food or insect venom.

All fatal reactions thought to have been due to food caused difficulty breathing that in 86% led to respiratory arrest; shock was more common in iatrogenic and venom reactions.

The median time to respiratory or cardiac arrest was 30 min for foods, 15 min for venom and 5 min for iatrogenic reactions. Twenty-eight per cent of fatal cases were resuscitated but died 3 h-30 days later, mostly from hypoxic brain damage.

Adrenaline (epinephrine) was used in treatment of 62% of fatal reactions but before arrest in only 14%.

CONCLUSIONS: Immediate recognition of anaphylaxis, early use of adrenaline, inhaled beta agonists and other measures are crucial for successful treatment.

Nevertheless, a few reactions will be fatal whatever treatment is given; optimal management of anaphylaxis is therefore avoidance of the cause whenever this is possible.

Predictable cross-reactivity between the cause of the fatal reaction and that of previous reactions had been overlooked. Adrenaline overdose caused at least three deaths and must be avoided.

Kit for self-treatment had proved unhelpful for a variety of reasons; its success depends on selection of appropriate medication, ease of use and good training.

Publication Types:

* Review
* Review, Multicase

I was going to respond... and I have been researching for you.. but I really don't think anything I have to say will actually be considered... which is fine... and I think you already have your mind set on what you want to do... so I won't bother you with my thoughts at this time... cause you have enough on your mind.

You know.. your MIND... that little bump that sits on your shoulders...

hee haw hee haw hee haw

I will simply send you loving thoughts and hope that all goes well for you and your son on the path you choose to take.

If I can do ANYTHING for you... for Pete's sake.. just say so. I would be happy to try.

Now get some sleep or YOU will continue to get sicker and sicker.

I don't want no sick MoJo's round here.

O tay?

It appears that Celexa AND Xanax as WELL as Zithro CAN interact with each other... and most imporantly the serotonin syndrome issue.

I am a big fan of research anti anxietys and the like....... I about killed myself on a few of them suckers!

Here goes: http://www.247-pharmacy.com/Xanax_/xanax_.html

http://elgarhi.tripod.com/potentially%20lethal%20drug%20interaction.htm
http://www.fyipharmacist.com/demos/monographs/xanax.shtml
http://www.accessmednet.com/prescription-drug-information/celexa-online.html#interactions ( a definite interaction)

Drug Interactions: You cannot take Celexa if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. A dangerous drug interaction can occur when Celexa is combined with any of these medications. Before taking Celexa, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: another antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), trazodone (Desyrel), or nefazodone (Serzone); a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others; a seizure medication including carbamazepine (Tegretol) or felbamate (Felbatol); a stomach medicine such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75), or omeprazole (Prilosec); an antibiotic such as erythromycin (Eryc-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., Erythrocin, P.C.E., others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin); an antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or the asthma medication zafirlukast (Accolate). You may not be able to take Celexa, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Celexa. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Question: I am very concerned about the potentially life-threatening interaction and long-term dangerous effects of taking St. John's Wort combined with other SSRI's, especially Serzone. Serzone is a new SSRI structurally different from prozac, zoloft, paxil. I had been taking St. John's Wort when I was prescribed Serzone (150mg). The doctor asked no questions about whether I had taken St. John's Wort before, and I did not think to tell him. Several days prior to taking the Serzone, I had been prescribed "Celexa." I took only one, and it seemed to give me a headache and a tight jaw. I was switched to Paxil, and I took one, and had the same kind of reaction as to the Celexa, but milder. The doctor then switched me to Serzone because he said it's structurally different than Celexa. Later, I was told by a friend that Serzone is much more powerful than Celexa or Paxil. I took one Serzone pill and had a massive reaction. I nearly stopped breathing, almost passed out, and was taken by ambulance to the emergency room. The unique and bizzare effects of the serzone remained acute for the next 3-4 days. The symtoms included extreme difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, extreme fatigue, headache, chest pain, and confusion. It was as if my entire nervous system were shutting down. This occurred about three weeks ago. Since then, I have not regained my relatively normal state of functioning. I continue to be extremely dizzy, exhausted, and slow. The head-aches and chest pain have continued. My memory and concentration have precipitously deteriorated and not improved. My sleeping has been disrupted, and I either need to sleep all the time, or I can't sleep at all. I was somewhat "depressed" prior to taking the serzone. But that was nothing compared to what I am facing now. At first, the doctors in the ER reflexively thought I was having a panic attack. Then they put me on oxygen and an IV as a precaution. Finally, one doctor thought I was having a serotonin reaction after I told him about the previous herb and medications I have taken--all recommended by my doctors. I am absolutely certain it was not a panic attack. The chemical effects of the drug were so unique, so powerful, and lasted for several days in an acute phase. The symptoms have never worn off fully. It is a tremendous effort just to maintain ordinary function. I have always been very sensitive to medications, and I am very aware of my cognitive functioning. I do not drink or smoke or take other drugs. I exercise and eat well, but recent emotional traumas in my life led others to recommend taking an anti-depressant drug. I resisted but then did so against my bettern judgement. The results have been a disaster. I am afraid there has been some kind of long-term damage, but nobody seems to know anything about this. Please provide any information you have about so-called "serotonin syndrome" or other consequences of taking St. John's wort with serzone or other SSRI's. Thank you.

Name: Confidential

Email: Confidential

Response By: Interactions Team

Answer: "Serotonin Syndrome" is a cerebrotoxic response that was initially described in relation to interactions between MAO Inhibitors and drugs such as TCA's (Tricyclic Anti-depressants) or SSRI's. Some reports have been made in the literature associating concurrent use of St. John's Wort with SSRI's such as Serzone leading to symptoms resembling those of serotonin syndrome. It is possible that some individuals such as yourself have an idiosyncratic sensitivity to St. John's Wort and in combination with the SSRI drug can experience a strong adverse reaction. The neurotransmitter effects of St. John's Wort alone are not nearly as powerful as those of pharmaceutical drugs, which is why individual hypersensitivity is considered to play a role in such responses. The mechanism of the so-called serotonin syndrome is not understood, and in some cases coma has been reported.
http://remedyfind.com/rm-3935-Celexa.asp ( testimonies aboutu Celexa)
http://www.pharmacynetworkgroup.com/celexa-side-effects.htm ( extremely informative, the bloody truth on Celexa)
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/mentalhealth/messages/30588a.html ( serotonin Syndrome- what happens when you quit Celexa?)

I hope this helps! One of these links is a basic drug interaction chart and a MUST HAVE FOR EVERYONE HERE. I use this myself, a LOT.. otherwise, I could have bent myself by just adding a simple stomach pill to an abx.

Histamines and Biaxin? LETHAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck, let me know how it goes!
Jodie

Has your R handled any fruits/vegetables straight from the market lately? Or maybe pets that have been treated with anti-flea products or shampoos? Yard fertilizers? New laundry detergents? Anything that his skin may have come in contact with that on its own never bothers him?

Sounds like a question out of nowhere, I know. But let me share this story with you:

My hubby, after one of his back surgeries, had been home a couple of days and was just dying for one of his special secret recipe homemade vanillia peach milkshakes.

As he was peeling the peaches (yes, he washed them first) all of a sudden he noticed the palms of his hands turning beet red. Then his arms. Then his face and body.

He ran into the shower. While in the shower he calls out to me (mind you I was about four years into my untreated Lyme, losing my wits while trying to keep the kids calm through all their dad's surgeries, etc.)--anyway, my hubby calls out from the shower that his tongue is swelling up, his throat is closing up, and he can barely breathe!

I called the surgeon right away. He immediately recognized the analphyalactic shock symptoms and said "hang up NOW and call 911!"

The paramedics came, gave him a benedryl or epi shot (don't remember which) then took him by ambulance back to the hospital.

At the time hubby was just taking Darvocet for surgery pain. No other drugs. He had taken it before with no problems and can take it now with no problems.

Doc later summized that something on the skin of those peaches, combined with the chemical of the Darvocet, and a dose of post-surgery weakened immune system, must have all added up to the anaphylactic shock.

My llmd never allows any two drugs to be started on the same day, usually the same week in order to be able to tell which drug was the culprit.

Anxiety drugs are not to be stopped abruptly at any cost...but, since both of these drugs are similar and different at the same time...did one doctor prescribe both of these drugs?

Here's what I got from a google search for Celexa:

Celexa is contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or in patients with hypersensitivity to citalopram HBr or any of the ingredients in Celexa. As with other SSRIs, caution is indicated in the coadministration of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) with Celexa.

Here's what I found about mold and asthma by just using keywords, asthma, and mold on google.com:

Inhaling mold spores is a factor in causing asthma in children.

For millions of Americans, taking a breath is a major task. The culprit, asthma, affects more than 17 million Americans, including five million children. Asthma is a chronic disease in which air flow in and out of the lungs is impeded by swelling, constriction, and inflammation of the bronchial tubes, as was well as excess mucus production within those tubes. The airways of all people constrict when exposed to certain irritants like pollen, pollutants or some drugs. People without asthma can usually make the airways relax again quickly just by taking deep breaths. People with asthma cannot do that.

Patients my find their condition triggered or worsened by several factors, which can be allergic or non-allergic in nature. Allergic asthma means that asthma symptoms become more intense, perhaps even result in an "asthma attack," when the individual is exposed to allergens to which their immune system is sensitive. The inflamed airways of asthmatics are sometimes described as "twitchy", and inhaling pollens, molds, animal dander or other allergens can cause the airways to become even more inflamed, produce mucus and constrict. Most asthma in children is allergic in nature.

With non-allergic asthma, sufferers' symptoms worsen when they are around certain irritants, such as viruses, weather changes, air pollution, strong odors, anxiety, or other triggers Those irritants do not a cause a reaction in the immune system as allergens do. Still they can exacerbate symptoms for asthmatics. Courtesy of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology [U.S.A. Today, "All About Allergies and Asthma," March 16,2001]

Just did another search on Xanax and the following was on their website:

Is XANAX safe for younger people?
Safety and effectiveness of XANAX in individuals below 18 years of age have not been established.

I would certainly be calling my physician about this as soon as possible.

I had to see him suffer so.

Rosemary

I know it's not much info, but my son Jordan had severe asthma prblems before he was treated for bartonella...cough, even needed an inhaler for a hwile...then after treatment for bartonella for 6 months, it just went away..no problems since.

I'll be sending loving prayers for you and your family all day today...please keep us posted.

Thanks for this information, it is what I was coming across last night, but these references are clearer, and I lost track of the others.

The meds were prescribed by Doctor Sh..one in the fall..now I'm upset that he was left on it so long..the other recently..because of symptoms, I can see where SOMETHING had to be used, after all, in a psych hospital, they would have him on multiple medications.

So ...the more I read about it, I realize this is a complicated mess now with him so sick and these meds mixed, figuring out which is which..

Doctor Sh said she didn't think it was the meds, but I do see alot on this combo, being potentially bad news. Now it is sighted in several places.

I'll fax it to Doc J.

I would like a peach vanilla milkshake, please..

Mo, most certainly molds trigger asthma. My daughter had this problem many years ago. When taking her into a very old theater to see a Disney movie one summer day, I could smell the musty odor. Within 5 minutes she was beginning an asthma attack and we had to leave. I immediately gave her some OTC remedies that worked if we were able to give them in time...otherwise it was Ventolin and an ultrasonic nebulizer treatment.

She has, for the most part, "outgrown" this. Much greater resistance to the trigger.

From my files:

Magnesium and Allergies - Lyme Symptom #39

Interestingly, magnesium is needed to reduce histamine levels.
http://www.mindspring.com/~sandysimmons/5_13_magnesium.html#magnesium_allergies

(Calcium triggers histamine release. Magnesium acts as anti-histamine.)

"There are other things to do for food allergies as well,' Dr. Cass adds. 'Addictions and allergies are often related to magnesium deficiency and can be corrected by supplementation." (6)

"Chronic fatigue syndrome is closely connected to allergy.

Ostrom seconds this notion. People who have chronic fatigue syndrome will often develop allergies they have never had before. For instance, they will exhibit violent allergic reactions to medicines and show new food sensitivities. In patients with chronic fatigue syndrome as well as AIDS, a portion of the immune system shuts down, another portion, which causes immune reactions, is revved up, almost 100 percent. These people respond immunologically to things that, before they got sick, their immune system would not have recognized." (6)

Magnesium and Asthma - Lyme Symptom # 18

"Cutting edge research on asthma and bronchial sensitivity is currently focused on magnesium, a common and abundant mineral found in the body. Magnesium is known to influence muscle contraction and relaxation within the lungs. It is also know that people who have asthma attacks often have lower than normal blood levels of magnesium.

In particular, low intake of dietary magnesium has been linked to wheezing, poor lung function, and heightened sensitivity in bronchial tubes. Given by intravenous injection or in the form of an aerosol spray, magnesium suppresses asthma attack or makes symptoms less severe.

If you have asthma or allergies, you want to make sure you're getting at least the recommended daily amount of magnesium." (1)

"Asthma is has been linked to magnesium deficiencies in a wide variety of studies.

A study from Brown University showed "remarkable" improvement in children with asthma who were treated with intravenous magnesium.

Low polymorphonuclear magnesium content has been observed in patients with bronchial asthma. The study authors believe that polymorphonuclear magnesium content may have an important role in causing asthma.

A study reported on in the Lancet, notes that people who have diets lower in magnesium have more asthmatic symptoms. People with diets higher in magnesium have less asthmatic symptoms.

Magnesium prevents pre-asthmatic lung changes in animal studies.

Asthma is a common finding in connective tissue disorders, as are keratoconus, mitral valve prolapse, rachitic skeletal defects and many other conditions associated with magnesium deficiency. Asthma occurs frequently along with allergies, seizures and many other disorders that can all be linked to a magnesium deficiency." http://www.mindspring.com/~sandysimmons/5_13_magnesium.html#magnesium_allergies

"Some doctors who treat people with allergies recommend that their patients get the Daily Value of magnesium, which is 400mg. That's because this essential mineral is known to help relieve bronchospasm, or constricted airways in the lungs. Magnesium has been used intravenously to help relieve the symptoms of life-threatening, drug -resistant asthma attacks. 'Doctors who recommend it for simple nasal allergies are inferring that it may also help these symptoms,' Dr. Podell explains.

One study, by researchers at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, found that laboratory animals severely deficient in magnesium had much higher blood levels of histamine when exposed to substances that trigger allergies than animals getting sufficient magnesium.

'The flow of calcium into and out of a cell helps regulate some cell function,' explains Kay Franz, Ph.D., one of the study's authors. 'So it's possible that a magnesium deficiency changes the permeability of mast cell membranes, allowing calcium to more easily enter cells. When that happens, histamine is released.'

'Magnesium deficiency accentuates the allergic situation,' says Terry M. Phillips, D.Sc., director of immunogenetics and immunochemistry laboratory at George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and author of Winning the War Within.

'In animals, magnesium deficiency causes the release of substances that can act on immune cells such as mast cells and basophils and make them hyperactive - more likely to release histamine,' he says. Magnesium deficiency also causes other immune responses in the body that can lead to redness, swelling and pain.

'There are two major components of asthma. One is noisy - the wheezing, coughing, choking, can't-catch-your-breath feeling. That's the part most people call an asthma attack, or bronchospasm and congestion.

The second part of asthma is quiet. It is called inflammation - the part of asthma that is always present but not always noticed...Airway inflammation is not noticeable until the damage has become so extensive that an asthma attack begins.

During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the lungs' bronchial tubes contract, narrowing airways and making it hard to breathe.

People with asthma also have inflammation in their lungs. Them membranes lining the inner walls of the air passages become swollen and leaky. And the glands within these walls produce excess mucus. 'That makes it harder for the lungs to do their job of gas exchange, picking up oxygen from the air and dumping carbon dioxide out the body,' explains Ronald Simon, M.D., head of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla, California.

Asthma is usually treated with drugs that open airways and reduce inflammation as well as by avoiding substances that trigger attacks.

Dietary counseling for asthma, especially in young children, may include testing for possible problem foods. But it doesn't often include recommendations for vitamin and mineral supplements, experts say.

Nevertheless, some research suggests that certain nutrients may play roles in asthma by reducing airway sensitivity and dampening inflammation.

'Magnesium has properties that may help people with asthma,' says John Britton, M.D., a senior lecturer in the respiratory medical unit at City Hospital in Nottingham, England.

This essential mineral helps reduce inflammation by stabilizing immune cells - mast cells and T lymphocytes - so that they are less likely to break down and dump their irritating contents in the lungs, dr. Britton explains. It also helps the body eliminate certain lung-irritating chemicals. And magnesium helps produce anti-inflammatory biochemicals, called prostacyclins, in the body.

'All of these functions could help relieve congestion, constrictions and hypersensitivity in people with asthma and other lung problems,' Dr. Britton says.

A study by Dr. Britton and his colleagues found that people who got about 450mg of magnesium a day from food could expel more air from their lungs than people getting only about 200mg of magnesium a day. People getting the larger amount of magnesium were also twice as likely to be able to tolerate the maximum dose of an airway-constricting spray, Dr. Britton says.

Interestingly, magnesium is sometimes given intravenously to treat serious asthma attacks. Large doses of magnesium relax the muscles around blood vessels and airways. Intravenous magnesium is helpful for a person having a life-threatening asthma attack called status asthmaticus, which does not respond to the usual drugs. Apparently the trick is to get the magnesium into the body fast, say doctors from Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas."(5)

"Respiratory problems such as asthma have also been associated with high levels of noradrenaline, and thus magnesium might be of help for those conditions."
http://web.mit.edu/london/www/magnesium.html

The Epi Pen contains adrenaline.

Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a hormone.
http://www.ifond.org/IFOND/dict_a.php3

The late Dr. Albert Kreuger, professor emeritus at U.C. Berkeley's School of Public Health found that excessive positive ions cause the body to increase the production of adrenaline. http://www.ionlight.com/articles/healthome.html.

The brain under environmental stress from increased positive ions produces hormones and chemicals to deal with this stress. The two main hormones released are melotonin and serotonin. Serotonin is increased in the brain and body and fed into the blood stream. The increased serotonin triggers the release of adrenaline which allows the body to work through the stress. Adrenaline is not quickly renewed as are other chemicals in your body. If a body produces too much serotonin for long duration's, the adrenaline gets used up. The body then has no defense to this positive ion effect and the chemical system in the body is now unbalanced.{11}
http://mypage.direct.ca/g/gcramer/

One step in the synthesis of adrenaline, the transformation of dopamine into noradrenaline, takes place inside the vesicle.

nitrogen-containing substances such as adrenaline...
http://webpages.ull.es/users/isccb12/ChromaffinCell/Primer.html

GO HERE!!!
http://www.majidali.com/Vol%201%20No%202%20The%20Sixth%20Path.htm.

Don't forget Bb is PFK dependent...PFK is the BRAKES for glycolosis.

The interaction of all of this really is mind boggling...isn't it?!

This ALL STARTS because this bug loves magnesium (and sugar). This is the underlying CAUSE of all the problems that spiral out of control. It causes a MAJOR imbalance. Then add long term abx. (which deplete other vits and minerals) and the problems compound.

Magnesium, for those who are new...controls BOTH ATP processes, is basic for a healthy immune system and can repair DNA damage...it also controls over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. This is a SERIOUS electrolyte. It controls the sodium - potassium pump too. Without enough magnesium ...down the road...the calcium and potassium levels drop and you will be very very ill if this happens. It takes a long time to "restock" the storage areas.

P.S. Good research from others! Mo...make that a chocolate milkshake...balance the magnesium and calcium. Chocolate contains magnesium.

"Ability of a cocoa product to correct a chronic Mg deficiency in rats" by Planells E, Rivero M, Mataix J, Llopis J Department of Physiology, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Granada, Spain Int J Vitam Res 1999 Jan; 69(1): 52-60

I use several pharmacies, Canadian, out-of-town for compounding, and two locally...I have to keep my regular Pharmacist informed of all the ones I take, even the samples from the doctor, for it is the Pharmacist that will be able to tell you what drug can be taken or as in your child's case not be taken at the same time.

Doctors just don't have the time to know everything about the drugs they subscribe.

I've got a new thought for you on this one -

The Terrarium.

That's right. Molds/asthma/allergies/terrariums - they go together! If it's in his room, move it to another area of the house, ASAP.

I speak from some experience on this - was diagnosed (by a teacher - duh) as being "depressed" in intermediate school because I couldn't get up in the mornings. I was so tired, couldn't focus on my homework, etc. Set a school record for "most days absent" that year (68!). Thank God my mom put it together! We moved the terrarium out of my room (how I loved my lizard, Snurt!) and into the livingroom. Voila, I could get up in the mornings, I could do homework, again, I didn't have the constant stuffy nose....

You get the picture.

I know that Ry needed the geckos for a distraction, but if he's sleeping in the same room with them, it might be the source of his asthmatic episodes. And come on, don't you think that you're about due for a "simple fix" at this point? I do! I say that the Universe owes you one by now!

Crossing fingers....

Hi Mo,

You've been given such great resources,links and support!

I have no studies or links to offer at this point. I will say from our personal experience:

* Yes, TBD's have been the primary contibutor (for us) to many years of "allergies" to food, mold, inhalents, chemicals and water.

* Maqgnesium is key and taurine can help reduce the vulnerability to exposures, esp chemical. These are standard remedies used by EI/MCS(enrironmental illness, multiple chemical sensitivities) docs. I don't have time right now to look at Msajid Ali's site but he is one such doc. (Marnie listed it for you.)

I'm targeting you and your family with love and prayers, big time!!

Try to gaurd your own fragile progress as your family needs you and it's sometimes slow to regain lost ground. Take care of yourself.

You know youself and Ryan best. I support whatever your decisions may be.

Continued healing thoughts and prayers,

From Tincup's post, it looks like this time it might have been the "two phase" reaction of the EpiPen??

Although of no use in your case, I took Celexa and Xanax with no problems, and you said Ryan did for two weeks, as well. If there were to be a reaction between those two, I'd think it would be sooner than two weeks.

I stay away from the MAOs...too many warnings and things to worry about. But there does not appear to be a conflict between the two mentioned above, perhaps it's the abx thrown in that might have somehow jolted what previously was working.

Or the switching between Xanax and Klonopin...I know I was switched from the Xanax once and they never taperd me, just switched. I had big problems!

This one is beyond me and I hope that your docs will be able to figure it out. I agree that maybe a few days' hospitalization might be in order, to monitor just what the culprit is.

Many prayers and good thoughts going out to you for peace and wellness to surround your home and family.

Now the little monsters are in my room...when they hear you walk in, they creep out of there cage in a raptor like fashion and look right at you...looking for food...

Then you feed them a few live crickets...

Yea..thanks ALOT Mikken

With that I have also relocated to share my bouduior...five land crabs,two crayfish,and the crickets..

Anyway..he is also on the Zurtec to protect agalnst allergis reaction to anything alse..hopefully even the meds..

I have to joke because today was an awful day, for him symptom wise. Real bad.....

We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Are you supposed to be feeding the crickets to the geckos? Or is that just your way of getting rid of unwanted guests?

What's next on their menu, the crayfish?

Then you feed them a few live crickets...

Yea..thanks ALOT Mikken

*****

Hehe - sorry 'bout that! Sounds like it's time to rename your bedroom "The Jungle"... I don't suppose that Ry would enjoy a pet monkey, next? You know, just to fit in with the theme!

Sorry to hear that Ry had a bad day - we are all counting down with you to his test day.

Mom used to say that God doesn't give you any more than you can handle - and wasn't it Mother Theresa who said that she wished that God didn't have quite so much faith in her?

Yeah, you'll get through this ok, you'll see. And when your son gets well again and becomes "himself" once more, he'll remember how much you were there for him and he'll carry that love forever.

Keep going, Mo - you're almost there!

quote:

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It starts with uncontrollable, constant, hacking cough, to where ye can't breathe, feels like throat is closing.

Last week he had to take an ambulance to the ER and got an Epi-pen injection here, and stuff they said was "like Benedryl" injected, which brought him back to normal.

Today, it happened again, only I gave the Epi-pen here..and tryid to get through to Doc J. In a few minutes..he was OK..but the concern was why.

I assumed it has to be these meds (currently on Celexa and Xanex) but it is strange because nothing was changed or added, doses have been the same for two weeks.

Doc J consulted Doc SH, and between them they decided it was probably not the meds and was more likely an asmatic/allergic response to something else??

[This message has been edited by Mo (edited 09 July 2003).][/B]

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Mo,

I have had the exact same experience as you. No previous history of allergies, but when I hit my first seriously bad herx (Tequin being the leading factor in this herx), I went into an anaphylaxic shock from one piece of peanut butter. Firemen, paramedics, Epipen and other meds through IV, rushed to the hospital..the whole nine yards, just like you guys. No, I am not allergic to peanuts and when the herxing went down, I could eat peanutbutter to my hearts desire again.

This was 2 1/2 months ago.

I am on new regiment now for my lyme, Doxy, Ceftin, Zithro and Mepron. The latter two giving me some new all-time worst herxing right on the money, on the fourth day, and now on the fourth week. This past week, however, I was struck down again with this swelling of my throat, heart palpitations, shortness of breath etc. My wife has been sitting ready with the Epi-pen each time I have tried to take a small bite of something. It triggers this immuneresponse every singel time, even with water if the water is too cold, believe it or not. We managed to stay out of the ER this time, and today our LLMD gave me some Prednisone and within minutes I was relieved of my symptoms. I have been told I have a very severe case of Borrelia, Babesia and Bartonella and I have been fortunate to have the lab work test positive for the critters too, not just a clinical diagnosis. There is no doubt that certain people when extreme herxing can experience the same as you did. We are all different.

My body is so hypersensitive now from the lyme, I also went into shock and had a seizure (another trip in the ambulanse) when my doctor gave me my first Magnesium injection. Seems I can only take Mag orally, but we didn't know that then.