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Asthma Attacks

Dear EVERYONE!

In April of 1997, I just about worked myself to death. A new job, new organization within a BIG computer company - new responsibilities and 20 x 5 hour days (so I could at least have the weekend with my family). This lead to a sudden SHUT DOWN of me mental and physical capabilities.

After 5 months of sleeping, anxiety medications, treatments for depression and some GOSS awful skin dermatitis/ulcers that erupted ALL OVER MY BODY, my allergies and asthma (which I've had all my life) have come to life in a grand way.

In October of 1997, I had the worst asthma attach ever! My lungs just closed down and my family had to call 911 and see Mom turn the color of death. Once I received treatment in the ER, and several hours later, I was sent home. Went to my PCP and allergist for a treatment plan: prednisone, Serevent, FloVent, albuterol.

Same thing happened in November. Same medications were given - same treatment plan.

In January of 1998, I had an almost fatal reaction to an anxiety drug, lorazepam. My lungs shut down, I blew up red and purple and was rushed to the ER - 911. They inhibited me and I was in ICU for 48 hours - then 5 days in the hospital.

Changed my asthma treatment plan a little - but because it was an allergic drug reaction, little change needed to be made.

On June 9, I had another almost fatal asthma attack - my lungs just shut down and I go into respiratory arrest. From Jan until Jun, I was doing remarkably well, even well enough to return to work on April 1. Since my return to work on a 3 hr day 5 days a week - I have severe asthma required the use of my nebulizer and more prednisone.

The company I work for is conducting environmental studies to see if anything there might be causing these attacks. I have made most to all of the changes in my home and personal life that I can without living in a complete plastic bubble.

I know that the company I work for will say that there is no evidence of any airborne pollutes that are causing the inflammation in my asthma - regardless of the fact the my symptoms and attacks occur after being in the work place for several hours/days. Since the need for 911 is used in my home - the problem is home related.

I have requested a copy of the companies air tests. When I receive this information, what can I look for that may indicate that the office environment is causing these attacks? I have also contacted a local state agency that conduct pollution control and air quality management.

Knowing that anxiety and stress are a common factor in asthma attacks as well as air quality - have you any suggestions or recommendations that may help my doctors and me look for the right treatment?

Since my June 9 asthma attack, my meds are theo 300mg x2 day, 10mg of prednisone (was on a tapper of 60mg day), zyrtec 10mg, accolate 20mg x2 day, humibid x2 day, FloVent 2 puffs 2x day and albuterol as needed.

My family and I are at witts end trying to get MOM better and finding the right treatment for the environments that Mom is in. Please help us find the right control for this terrible disease.

Thank you.

Vicky D.

Thanks for asking about your severe asthma flare ups.

Unfortunately, your story is not unique. Many asthma patients experience severe flares of hyperreactive airways during periods of environmental pollution, viral infections within the lungs, high pollen and mold episodes and during sinus infections.

The medications that you are taking are excellent choices. Your Allergy and Asthma Specialist is certainly up to date.

The fact that you required intubation suggests that there may be a precipitating factor yet to be discovered.

So, the questions:

1) Were you taking any aspirin or Motrin like compounds just prior to the severe 911 episodes of asthma? Aspirin sensitive patients can "explode" from taking even small doses of pain meds such as Nuprin, Motrin etc.

2) What phase of your menstrual period were you in a the time of the severe asthma flares? Pre-menstrual asthma occurs in some severe cases about 7-10 days before bleeding.

3) Have you had any symptoms of excessive stomach acid or heartburn? Many asthma patients have reflux of acid into the lower esophagus which can aggravate asthma.

4) You did not mention if you were found to be allergic to foods. Do any foods cause symptoms of allergy? And finally, are you allergic to any outdoor pollens or mold spores? Many foods will cross react with pollen allergens, so it is a good idea to know exactly what you are allergic to so that avoidance can be achieved.

I hope this info is useful to you and your doctors. You have an especially difficult case of asthma.

Let me know how you do. Good luck.

Steve Kagen, M.D.
Allernet.com