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Asthma/my husband

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Expert: - 12/12/2011


Question
my husband has been hacking and coughing up blood for a week now and he seems to think its just allergies plus the air stagnation im afraid it might be asthma but we have no insurance to see a doctor or the money to either.  he is allergic to hay dust which started his coughing, but now its so hard for him to breath that he barely sleeps at night. he has no family history of asthma or anything. am i over reacting or should i go ahead and find a doctor willing to take cash payments?

Answer
Hi Akira,

I'd start by contacting the health department. Most health departments operate free clinics, or can refer you to doctors willing to help. Also, if you are an attendee of a church, they generally have resources available to help those in need. One organization, Catholic Charities, does help people out without regard to the religion they practice.

Finally, emergency rooms, by law, are not allowed to turn away people without insurance or ability to pay.

You are not over-reacting. He needs to find out what is going on and not put it off. Men are bad about this. They have a tendency of saying "Oh, it's nothing, leave me alone." They think that it is a sign of weakness to seek help.

Sincerely,

Marc

Asthma

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Volunteer

Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)

Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

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