linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
I went to the ER with shortness of breath over the weekend. I have asthma.
The doc did tests and only prescribed ibuprofen, since I explained I shouldn't take steroids.
It's helped some, and I've been using my albuterol, but not the steroid inhaler.
I am still short of breath and called the pulmonary md this am and am waiting for a call back.
He almost always prescribes a course of steroids for this.
Has anyone out there been able to take steroids without detriment to their tx and health.
After all I have heard about them being an absolute no-no for lyme I am at a loss as to what to do.
Has anyone asked their llmd about this one?
Thanks.
Linky
Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Yes, actually. I too have a severe case of asthma and am on 5 asthma meds currently. I was on more, but ran out of a few and can not afford to reorder, so I have to pick and choose very carefully what is worth it to me.
My LLMD, whom I respect very much, made it very clear to me when I asked the same questions as you are... that at times, steroids for asthma are absolutely necessary. And the damage that can be done is far outweighed by the damage that NOT taking the medicine can do.
However, it should be monitored very closely by a good doc who is experienced with TBDs, and one should not stay on them indefinitely.
Which meds are you on, and what is being suggested?
Breathing IS rather important! Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Yes, echoing Melanie's post - in an emergency or even sometimes, as maintenance, steroid inhalers can save a life. The key for lyme patients is to have their LLMD guide treatment so that they are covered with appropriate medicine to also keep lyme in check.
I can't tolerate any of the inhalers, so I've found other things that help such as Stinging Nettle, Quercertin and Cordyceps. Allicin also really opens up my lungs.
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This was just in the news last week about Singulair:
Agency requiring drugmakers to include language on psychiatric problems
Associated Press - Fri., June 12, 2009
WASHINGTON - New labels on popular asthma drugs like Merck's Singulair must highlight language about suicidal behavior, depression and anxiety seen in a small number of patients, federal regulators said Friday.
After 15 months of investigation, the Food and Drug Administration said Merck & Co. Inc., AstraZeneca and Cornerstone Therapeutics will have to raise label warnings about psychiatric problems reported by a handful of patients taking their drugs.
``Patients and healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential for neuropsychiatric events with these medications,'' the FDA said in a posting to its Web site.
A spokeswoman for Merck said the language already appears in Singulair's label, but will be raised to the ``precautions'' section. It's now listed in a section about various side effects reported by patients.
``We've been working with the FDA since Singulair came to market and every time we update the label it's in cooperation with them,'' said Merck spokeswoman Pamela Eisele.
Singulair was Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based Merck's best-selling product last year, with U.S. sales of $3.5 billion.
A spokesman for London-based AstraZeneca said new labeling on its drug would only mention two psychiatric problems: depression and insomnia.
A spokesman for Cary, N.C.-based Cornerstone Therapeutics had no immediate comment Friday evening.
FDA regulators last spring began reviewing a handful of reports about mood changes, suicidal behavior and suicide in patients who had taken Singulair. The agency also launched probes into other drugs in the class, including AstraZeneca PLC's Accolate and Cornerstone Therapeutics Inc.'s Zyflo.
Earlier this year, the agency said company studies of the three drugs did not show an increased risk of suicidal behavior, though they were not designed to detect such problems. An FDA spokeswoman said Friday the agency is monitoring ongoing reports of suicide and other psychiatric problems among patients.
``We did move this language to the 'precautions' section to highlight that we're continuing to see these things,'' said FDA spokeswoman Karen Riley.
The exact language of the labeling updates has not been released, but the FDA said it could mention a slew of psychiatric problems, including: ``agitation, aggression, anxiousness, dream abnormalities and hallucinations, depression, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, suicidal thinking and behavior -- including suicide -- and tremors.''
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Wow Keebler! Singulair was one of my prescribed meds, but after a few months @ $150 per month, I had to give it up. Perhaps that was a good thing? Thanks so much for bringing this to our attention, M
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
Yes, you are right; breathing is important. I was hoping there was an alternative to the steroids.
The doc still hasn't called back, and I'm breathing a little better.
My symptoms started to really worsen two years ago when I was on steroids for asthma, though I never made the connection at the time, since I had no idea I had lyme.
If he prescribes them, I'll ask the llmd what to do.
The steroids really do mess with your head! My depression, anxiety, irritability, not to mention appetite, went through the roof when I was on them.
Great for inflammation, but they sure do mess up a lot of other things!
Thanks
Linky
Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Steroids may be required in an emergency and to stabilize asthma. However . . .
for maintenance or chronic asthma or other breathing problems, there can an alternative to the steroid inhalers - at least I've found that to be. It's best to see a LL ND (naturopathic doctor) for this, though, and work with your LLMD, too.
Stinging Nettle, Quercertin, Allicin and cordyceps have been tremendously helpful for me. Turmeric is good to reduce inflammation. There are many other things that can help but a LL ND is best to consult for the full range of options, including acupuncture.
A review of the literature about acupuncture therapy for asthma reveals that the methods . . . Acupuncture texts that describe asthma treatment strategies and . . . -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
You should notice that the herbs we use for asthma are almost the same as the herbs used for upper respiratory infections, except that we do not use the strongly anti-bacterial herbs like isatis root and leaves, forsythia fruit and honeysuckle flowers.
Instead, we use a higher proportion of tonic and nourishing herbs, because chronic lung illness always weakens the tissues.
Also, don't forget to choose the appropriate diet based on whether there is more mucus, tension or inflammation.
Cordyceps mushroom is sweet and bland in taste, and warming in action. It strengthens immunity and fortifies and heals the lungs, heart and kidneys. Used as a tonic for weakness in the elderly and to promote longevity.
. . . TCM doctors use it medicinally to treat chronic cough, wheezing from deficiency, emphysema, and consumptive cough. Because it tonifies both Yin and Yang, it is very safe and can be taken over a long period of time to stimulate endocrine function, reduce fatigue and calm nervousness. . . .
. . . cordyceps most useful for treating lung and kidney weakness of any variety. . . . ===================
CORDYCEPS is also recommended by Dr. Burranscano and by Dr. SIngleton (book: The Lyme Disease Solution" at www.lymedoctor.com )
WHAT IT DOES: Stinging nettle leaf is bitter in taste and cooling in action. It cleanses the blood. Nettle seed nourishes and removes toxins from the kidneys.
. . .
* Nettle leaf extracts reduce inflammation, in part, by suppressing the release of inflammatory cytokines. They do this by blocking a chemical inducer known as NF-KappaB, which alters gene expresion. This may be one explanation for the beneficial efffects this herb has exhibited in rheumatoid arthritis (Riehemann et al., 1999).
* One set of in vitro experiments on live blood using extracts of stinging nettle leaf exhibited its ability to slow down the inflammatory cytokine response caused by endotoxins. In the same experiments, when there was no endotoxin present, the nettle leaf actually stimulated an immune response.
Researchers believed these results could explain the positive effects of this extract in the treatment of rheumatic diseases (Obertreis B et al., 1996).
. . . .
- Full chapter at link above.
From ``The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook'' (Tillotson, et.al.)
==========================
Quercetin also has really helped me - within even a half hour. You can read about that at Vitamin Research Products' Library:
Carol
Posts: 6956 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797
posted
In an emergency, steroids work fast. Too many people die from asthma attacks. If you are already on antibiotics it should make it less of a problem in your treatment.
I have lung problems. I have found Biaxin to be a help. Inhalers or preventives don't work well for me.
Breathe Easy tea by Traditional Medicinals (most grocery and health stores) works quickly.
My mom, before she died, had lungs that could be described as old deflated footballs. I had her sip on the tea and it really helped her breathe better.
linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
The doc called back and recommended steroids.
He did say a shot would have less impact than oral meds and might be effective enough.
Have never heard of a salt pipe, and will look into the above txs. Thanks.
Linky
Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Which doctor? Your LLMD, I hope . . . or at least I hope your LLMD is working with the other doctor on this so that you are covered with the right antibiotic protection.
Were you able to try Quercertin? That has really helped me in the past.
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