Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 4/15/2011

Question
QUESTION: I am a Sub three hour marathon runner,who took a chest infection early february.Since then i have had antibiotics and 2 courses of steriods.I am asthamtic and up to this took seretide 250 moring and night,and a reliever pre exercise.I am now taking seretide 4 times a day and a reliever 8 times ,without much effect.I have been to a sepecailist,who call the condition twicting airways and claims it will settle.This has not only ruin my sprting life but day to day activities,any info on help for this.Never been this low or brittle before.I am 40 years off age.

ANSWER: Hi Martin,

I'll need a lot more information. At the intro to this section, under my description, is an outline of all the baseline info I need to begin the assessment. Please review that and get back to me.

Next:
1) What kind a specialist? Pulmonologist, allergist, or ?
2) Seretide is NOT to be taken more than twice a day. Were you doing this on your own, or did the doctor prescribe it this way?
3) Did the doctor run any pulmonary function testing?

I'm working the next couple of days, and will be able to answer on Sunday evening or Monday morning.

Looking forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Marc


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

QUESTION: He was a Respitory Specialist,lung function came back at 135 litres of air in and out and the exray showed the lungs clear.He believes the airways have become hyper sensitive and will settle,but its three weeks after the appiontment and the condition has worsened.My normal peak flow up to Feb  was 650/700 ,now its 350.It seems to be the respitory tract thats twitching ?Both inhalers,especailliy the relief inhaler, only has a limited effect no matter how many times i take it.

thanks for the reply

Answer
Hi Martin,

I'm sorry. There is a component of the profile where the patient asking the question should read the below statement, instructing the background information I need to best ascertain the situation. When I looked up the profile, it was not there, although it is in my setting file.
Thank you for answering the direct questions I gave in the initial response. Could you please address the issues below so I have a full picture of the situation.

Thank you for your patience!

Sincerely,

Marc

Please understand that I'm not here to diagnose your condition, although I may suggest the appropriate tests your physician should run to rule out other problems. My answers may appear generalized since I do not have access to specific medical information necessary to give a precise answer.
PLEASE:
1)provide where you live in, and whether a large city, small town or rural.
2)do you have pets at home,
3)list the names of medications you are on,how often you take them, and if you take them as the doctor prescribed.
4)asthma triggers  vary on the environment. If you are employed in a manufacturing or farming setting, please indicate that also, with the type of industry.

This will help narrow to narrow down your problems. Thanks!! :)