AboutKathleen MacNaughton Expertise As both a registered nurse and health educator, as well as someone living with asthma/allergies, I can answer questions about what asthma is, how it is diagnosed, asthma symptoms, asthma triggers, asthma treatment--both traditional and holistic--and tips for living with asthma.
Experience I have had mild persistent asthma and severe eye, nose, and skin allergies all of my life. In addition, I am a registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience caring for people with chronic illness. For the past 7 years, I have been writing consumer health education materials, both online and offline, with a specialty in asthma and allergies. I have also been the asthma guide at About.com for the past 18 months.
Expert: Kathleen MacNaughton Date: 5/15/2008 Subject: Sudden onset of cortisone-dependent asthma in a 60 year old white woman
Question I am a 60 year old woman. Eight months ago I suddenly developed asthma, which turns out to be cortisone-dependent. I am having severe problems getting off cortisone, which has terrible side effects for me although it "cures" within hours. As soon as I stop the cortisone, I have serious wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. I have NO history of hay fever, asthma, allergies or anything like that. My internist is stumped as to why a 60 year old would suddenly develop cortisone-dependent asthma. My allergist says I have no appreciable allergies, and he feels this is not allergic asthma. I am due to see a pulmonologist soon. I am using a nebulizer with Pulmicort and Xopenex every 4-6 hours, and inhaled Advair, which only gives me moderate control. I am mostly stuck at home and can do very little. Have you ever heard of this? Thank you very, very much.
Answer Hi Lynn,
Adult asthma can strike at any age, and is often quite severe and less responsive to medicine. You might find the Adult Asthma Guide at HealthCentral.com to be informative in learning more about the condition: http://www.healthcentral.com/asthma/adult-asthma.html
I'm glad to hear you're going to see a pulmonologist, because it's obvious you need the expertise of a specialist to get your symptoms under control, which you should be able to do, by the way. And even though your internist doesn't think it could be allergic asthma, you still might want to get tested, just to be sure.
Meanwhile, I'd start an asthma diary to try and pinpoint what might be setting off your symptoms. It could be an allergic trigger, such as pollen, mold, dust, animals, etc. Or it could be what is known as an irritant, which is some sort of fumes, smoke, etc. A diary will help you figure out patterns. Here's more info on that strategy: http://asthma.about.com/od/signssymptomsofasthma/a/asthmadiary.htm
Once you know if you have triggers or irritants in your environment, you can start working to avoid them, which should make a significant difference in the severity and frequency of your symptoms.
