Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 11/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hey I've just got a quick question. I'm 19 and about to move out to college, My Family has had a few cats for my entire life. they have always been cats that have shed alot and put most of their hair all over the couch and pretty much anything else we use. Now I've heard that cat dander can be pretty hard for asthma, I've gone over to my friends house and haven't had much problem with asthma, is it possible that at college without the cats my asthma will be greatly reduced?

ANSWER: Hi Eric,

Not everyone with asthma is necessarily allergic to cats and their dander. The fact that you've had them around you your entire life has probably desensitized you to their dander. That being said, totally eliminating the dander would at the minimum, not be noticeable, but in fact, would more likely be quite beneficial to you. Part of the issue has to do with an asthma patients' perception of "normal" lung function. What you may have accepted as "normal" could actually been a significant level of impairment. Assuming that the college residence is kept clean, and mold free, you will probably experience an improvement in your breathing, with less fatigue, better sleep patterns, and greater exercise tolerance. All of which will make your college experience more exhilarating. More energy for your studies, as well as for participating in extracurricular events.

Should this be the case, be cautious when heading back home. Once you return to that environment, it may affect you to a greater degree. Should you sense this improvement in well-being, make your primary care doctor aware of this.

Are you presently on any asthma medications, continuously and/or rescue? If so, let me know what you are prescribed, and I'll give you some additional guidance.

Happy holidays!

Sincerely,

Marc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yeah i'm currently taking advair 100/50 even then I take it maybe once every 3-4 days

Answer
Hi Eric,

Advair is not a relief/rescue medication. It must be taken DAILY, every 12 hours. The steroid in it takes up to a full 6 months to reach maximum benefit. In asthma, even when well controlled, there is always a degree of lung inflammation present. Without you using the medication properly, you will always be at greater risk of a severe attack, and diminished lung function. If you do not have insurance to cover the medication, GSK, the manufacturer, has a program where the cost is GREATLY reduced (last time I checked, ~ $25.00/month), allowing you to use the medication as intended.

You may also wish to discuss with your doctor, should your case warrant a trial, of trying Singulair tablets, one at bedtime, instead of the Advair. You may get similar relief, and once daily treatment may make it easier for you to be complaint with. Should the Singulair not do the trick, Pulmicort Inhaler, a different inhalation steroid, can be used just once daily.

In addition, you should always have a rescue inhaler (albuterol: Ventolin-HFA, Proventil-HFA or ProAir-HFA). The people who die from a severe asthma attack generally succumb due to not having their rescue inhaler with them at the time of attack.

See what your doctor thinks, and be honest with him regarding your not taking the medication as directed.

Sincerely,

Marc