Need Help!!
Question:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am 25 years old and I need assistance with information regarding my > medical condition. Yes, I have been to several doctors and have > received nothing, but prescriptions. Please read the following issues > and help me if you can with my questions below. > Asthma Conditions > I have had asthma for 15 years and over the past three years it has > gotten worse and worse. I currently take Flovent and Albuterol for my > asthma control. I am now using my Albuterol inhaler around every two > to three hours a day to control tight breathing. Sometimes I try to > work it out on my own with breathing or caffine, but nothing will work > like the inhaler. I am afraid that I am using my inhaler too much > even with the Flovent and need to know the long term effect and any > medical alternatives. > Other Medical Conditions (Allergies and Acid Reflux) > To add to it, I have acid reflux, of which I take PrevAcid for. I was > put on three different medications for that and after a hospital visit > and severe reactions, PrevAcid seems to be the champion. I also have > allergies of which I take Allegra and Vaconase. > Medical Insurance > Due to economic conditions, I was laid off and have been independantly > contracting for 8 months now. I went through Blue Cross and Unicare > and I ended up settling for Unicare, but they would not cover me only > my family. > Questions > 1. What effect this will have in the long-run, hear damage, etc? > 2. Why is my asthma getting worse? > 3. Any recommendations on independent insurance companies that would > cover my conditions. > Thanks, > Joe
Hello: There is a less expensive way to purchase medication if one does not have insurance coverage. There are several online U.S.companies that are connected with Canadian based companies. There can be 30% to 80% lower cost. http://www.mapleleafmeds.com and http://www.canadameds.com. Visit the sites perhaps they can be of some use. Insurance coverage, so far I have not found any company that covers pre-existing conditions and is affordable in my income level. I research online and ask local folks about insurance coverage. If possible a move to an area with better air quality may be of help. Ask your doctor about the long term effects of your medical condition and the medications you use. Research online. I hope Advair is a long term solution for you. Remember to have an eye pressure test when changing medications due to the possibility of an increase in ocular pressure. I have several problems one not unlike your problem but in my case due to interactive healh problems Prednisone is the most effective medication. Take Care. beamish.
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You’re doing the right things: albuterol and Flovent. Jus’ looks like you need to up the Flovent. Maybe you’ like to switch to Pulmocort (budesonide) the other effective ’steroid.
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I have responded to some of you via e-mail, but wanted to say thank you again for all of your information. Thanks again, Joe
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Update!!! I went to my doctor on Friday and she gave me a prescription for Advair. I have taken it for two days now and have only used one puff of my inhaler. I hope this stays for a while, I am very much releaved and am feeling and breathing much better. -Joe
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–cut– > Asthma Conditions > I have had asthma for 15 years and over the past three years it has > gotten worse and worse. I currently take Flovent and Albuterol for my > asthma control. I am now using my Albuterol inhaler around every two > to three hours a day to control tight breathing. Sometimes I try to > work it out on my own with breathing or caffine, but nothing will work > like the inhaler. I am afraid that I am using my inhaler too much > even with the Flovent and need to know the long term effect and any > medical alternatives.
The need to use albuterol one or more times per day indicates the need to increase the dose of your steroid inhaler, in this case Flovent. Failure to control the lung inflammation with the steroid inhaler can lead to ‘remodeling’ of the lung. An alternative to reduce the need for Flovent, is to add theophylline in low dose. This may not be a viable option for you due to your reflux condition [theophylline can exacerbate reflux]. However the long acting bronchodilator Serevent can be added to reduce the need for steroid inhalers and albuterol. Another possibility might be to try adding Singulair, but it only helps 2/3 who try it and it’s not cheap. > Other Medical Conditions (Allergies and Acid Reflux) > To add to it, I have acid reflux, of which I take PrevAcid for. I was > put on three different medications for that and after a hospital visit > and severe reactions, PrevAcid seems to be the champion. I also have > allergies of which I take Allegra and Vaconase.
Rhinitis & GE reflux can worsen asthma. > Medical Insurance > Due to economic conditions, I was laid off and have been independantly > contracting for 8 months now. I went through Blue Cross and Unicare > and I ended up settling for Unicare, but they would not cover me only > my family. > Questions > 1. What effect this will have in the long-run, hear damage, etc? > 2. Why is my asthma getting worse? > 3. Any recommendations on independent insurance companies that would > cover my conditions. > Thanks, Joe
1, Albuterol is a relatively safe drug, even in huge doses; however albuterol does not treat the underlying inflammatory condition; failure to adequately treat the inflammation with inhaled steroids can cause permanent lung damage. 2. There are a variety of reasons why asthma could get worse; not enough inhaled steroid to control bronchial inflammation, lung infection of some sort, GE reflux and rhinitis not adequately controlled, environmental factors, etc. 3. Insurance companies are in business to make a profit. They expect to take in more in premiums than they pay out in benefits. Hence they tend to reject patients with chronic conditions or charge high premiums. Your best bet is for you or your wife to go to work for a company with group insurance. There are ways for those who qualify to get low cost drugs. See: http://www.phrma.org/pap/ Directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs http://www.themedicineprogram.com/ The Medicine Program "MEDICINE at NO COST!" http://www.needymeds.com/ Free Drugs http://www.ashp.org/public/news/breaking/asthma.html Free asthma & allergy drugs Ellis
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>1, Albuterol is a relatively safe drug, even in huge doses;
Thanks Ellis, this just documents what you have previously expressed.
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Long term uncontrolled asthma can lead to irreversible airway disease, such as COPD. Excessive albuterol use can be dangerous and cause life threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest and paradoxical bronchospasm. Sounds like you need to see a pulmonologist to get your asthma under control. Many places will setup payment plans, and sometimes offer discounts and give extra samples of medications to those without insurance. You may also try looking for a free clinic in your area if you qualify. If you need help locating a pulmonologist or free clinic Best of luck to you, J. Thompson, RRT >Questions >1. What effect this will have in the long-run, hear damage, etc? >2. Why is my asthma getting worse? >3. Any recommendations on independent insurance companies that would >cover my conditions. >Thanks, >Joe
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>Excessive albuterol use can be dangerous and cause life threatening >conditions such as cardiac arrest and paradoxical bronchospasm.
Just curious, but what do you call exessive usage?
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You’re right Joe. If you’re using albuterol that often your asthma isn’t under control. Flovent is a good steroid but you may not be using enough of it. For that bad Houston air I hope you have a hepa type air cleaner (machine) Many good brands. I also use a de-humidifier in the wet months and a humidifier in the cld weather when the steam heat is going. jack
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am 25 years old and I need assistance with information regarding my > medical condition. Yes, I have been to several doctors and have > received nothing, but prescriptions. Please read the following issues > and help me if you can with my questions below. > Asthma Conditions > I have had asthma for 15 years and over the past three years it has > gotten worse and worse. I currently take Flovent and Albuterol for my > asthma control. I am now using my Albuterol inhaler around every two > to three hours a day to control tight breathing. Sometimes I try to > work it out on my own with breathing or caffine, but nothing will work > like the inhaler. I am afraid that I am using my inhaler too much > even with the Flovent and need to know the long term effect and any > medical alternatives. > Other Medical Conditions (Allergies and Acid Reflux) > To add to it, I have acid reflux, of which I take PrevAcid for. I was > put on three different medications for that and after a hospital visit > and severe reactions, PrevAcid seems to be the champion. I also have > allergies of which I take Allegra and Vaconase. > Medical Insurance > Due to economic conditions, I was laid off and have been independantly > contracting for 8 months now. I went through Blue Cross and Unicare > and I ended up settling for Unicare, but they would not cover me only > my family. > Questions > 1. What effect this will have in the long-run, hear damage, etc? > 2. Why is my asthma getting worse? > 3. Any recommendations on independent insurance companies that would > cover my conditions. > Thanks, > Joe > Joe, > If your living in Houston, that is your first problem. That is the nastiest > air I have ever attempted to breathe. I went there to do some work for my > company and I got into town and I turned around and left. I called my
It really matters where in Houston. The east side is the industrial side. I live on the west side and don’t smell anything. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> supervisor and told him to get someone else to work Houston. All those > factories spewing their crap in the air is so concentrated it has nowhere to > go. I used to have a website that showed how much pollution in a day in the > cities around the country, but my computer crashed and I lost it. Nope, I > did not back up. 
> That always showed Houston to be one of the worst. > Most private insurance companies won’t cover you for the 1st year for > pre-existing conditions. If you get a job with company insurance you are > usually covered from the 1st day. Hope this helps you. > Kathy
Response:
I am 25 years old and I need assistance with information regarding my medical condition. Yes, I have been to several doctors and have received nothing, but prescriptions. Please read the following issues and help me if you can with my questions below. Asthma Conditions I have had asthma for 15 years and over the past three years it has gotten worse and worse. I currently take Flovent and Albuterol for my asthma control. I am now using my Albuterol inhaler around every two to three hours a day to control tight breathing. Sometimes I try to work it out on my own with breathing or caffine, but nothing will work like the inhaler. I am afraid that I am using my inhaler too much even with the Flovent and need to know the long term effect and any medical alternatives. Other Medical Conditions (Allergies and Acid Reflux) To add to it, I have acid reflux, of which I take PrevAcid for. I was put on three different medications for that and after a hospital visit and severe reactions, PrevAcid seems to be the champion. I also have allergies of which I take Allegra and Vaconase. Medical Insurance Due to economic conditions, I was laid off and have been independantly contracting for 8 months now. I went through Blue Cross and Unicare and I ended up settling for Unicare, but they would not cover me only my family. Questions 1. What effect this will have in the long-run, hear damage, etc? 2. Why is my asthma getting worse? 3. Any recommendations on independent insurance companies that would cover my conditions. Thanks, Joe
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am 25 years old and I need assistance with information regarding my > medical condition. Yes, I have been to several doctors and have > received nothing, but prescriptions. Please read the following issues > and help me if you can with my questions below. > Asthma Conditions > I have had asthma for 15 years and over the past three years it has > gotten worse and worse. I currently take Flovent and Albuterol for my > asthma control. I am now using my Albuterol inhaler around every two > to three hours a day to control tight breathing. Sometimes I try to > work it out on my own with breathing or caffine, but nothing will work > like the inhaler. I am afraid that I am using my inhaler too much > even with the Flovent and need to know the long term effect and any > medical alternatives. > Other Medical Conditions (Allergies and Acid Reflux) > To add to it, I have acid reflux, of which I take PrevAcid for. I was > put on three different medications for that and after a hospital visit > and severe reactions, PrevAcid seems to be the champion. I also have > allergies of which I take Allegra and Vaconase. > Medical Insurance > Due to economic conditions, I was laid off and have been independantly > contracting for 8 months now. I went through Blue Cross and Unicare > and I ended up settling for Unicare, but they would not cover me only > my family. > Questions > 1. What effect this will have in the long-run, hear damage, etc? > 2. Why is my asthma getting worse? > 3. Any recommendations on independent insurance companies that would > cover my conditions. > Thanks, > Joe
Joe, If your living in Houston, that is your first problem. That is the nastiest air I have ever attempted to breathe. I went there to do some work for my company and I got into town and I turned around and left. I called my supervisor and told him to get someone else to work Houston. All those factories spewing their crap in the air is so concentrated it has nowhere to go. I used to have a website that showed how much pollution in a day in the cities around the country, but my computer crashed and I lost it. Nope, I did not back up. That always showed Houston to be one of the worst. Most private insurance companies won’t cover you for the 1st year for pre-existing conditions. If you get a job with company insurance you are usually covered from the 1st day. Hope this helps you. Kathy
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