Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 1/5/2012

Question
Hi! I have had asthma since childhood. I am 56 years old in decent health.I use Q-var 40mg steroid inhaler twice a day as a preventative. I only use my rescue inhaler if I have asthma symptoms with a respiratory illness. I have food allergies and other allergies but I avoid any and all. I try and walk one mile a day and in the summer I swim. I do get winded if I walk up a hill. You would think I smoked but I don't and never did. My question is we are going to sedona AZ, flagstaff, the grand canyon at 7,000 ft elevation. Will I be alright. I sure would hate to keel over on vacation. Also I wanted to take a helicopter ride from Las vegas. Will I live through this? thanks for any help! Linda

Answer
Hi Linda,

When was the last time you had a pulmonary function test (spirometry)? My first direction would be to rule out the possibility that you asthma may be slowly progressing into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When you were growing up, the treatments really just targeted keeping the airways open, not reducing the inflammation. It is not abnormal for this to occur, and happens in about 1/3 of the patients with asthma.

To prevent and treat altitude sickness, discuss with your specialist if it would be appropriate to take a drug called acetazolamide. It is taken 125mg to 250mg twice a day beginning a day before heading up to the high altitude, and continued for 2 days after you get there. It may cause a metallic taste, tingling sensations and cramping due to potassium loss, so you would increase your intake of potassium by ingesting orange juice, bananas, etc.

You may also ask if it would be advisable to take a long-acting version of your rescue inhaler, should your asthma symptoms worsen. In addition, increase your fluid intake. The climate is much drier than what you are used to, and the dryness can increase the "twitchiness" of your airways.

Let me know how the trip went. Properly prepared, you should do just fine.

Great way to start the New Year!!

Sincerely,

Marc