Those of you with asthma...

[trixie108]

I have never been "officially" diagnosed with asthma, but about once a month I will wake up wheezing and have difficulty catching my breath. It's really a pain, because it's difficult to get back to sleep. Are there any over the counter products I can use to help? Are they safe? Any recommendations? TIA!

 

[soon2bfit]

I would go to the doctor, a pulmonologist should be able to tell if you have asthma. My son and I have asthma. My son is affected everyday from it and has even had a lung collapse. My asthma only hits when I get sick and when I workout. As far as it hitting you once a month, you might want to keep a diary so you can take it to the dr and give him some valuable info. Typically they will run some breathing tests on you and maybe even some allergy tests. I definetly would go to doc and not try to treat over the counter, if it is asthma it is something that will likely require management.

 

[mj476]

I would also head to the doctor. The cold weather triggers my asthma. I only got it six years ago. Before that, I never had any problems. Since you have trouble sleeping, I would definitely get it checked out. Asthma can be very serious and you should get it checked out as soon as possible. I don't know of any over the counter products for asthma. It's not a condition to treat over the counter. The last time I went to the ER, I turned blue and thought I was breathing my last breath. You'll feel so much better when you have it under control.

Marcy

 

[melimcn]

To echo the others, go to the doctor. There is nothing really over the counter that is effective for dealing with asthma, if that is what you have. Primetine Mist is the only thing that comes to mind. I've had asthma my whole life, and tried that in the past to no avail.

I currently manage mine daily with Advair, and I have a resuce inhaler as well. But my asthma is caused by allergies. You'll need a doctor to help you determine what is causing your breathing problems, and they can give you the appropriate help from there.

 

[babindy]

Asthma is no fun. I would definitely NOT recommend anything over the counter. Primatene is usually not readily available and it is non specific so it has a LOT of effects.

There are a lot of very good asthma drugs. If you're having a lot of attacks you get a maintenance inhaler. If they are infrequent you can get just a 'rescue' inhaler like albuterol. 'Rescue' just means it works quickly. There are combo inhalers too.

I have asthma but I'm lucky that I rarely have attacks and even then I'm able to manage them without meds usually. I restrict the triggers (smoke, pollen, dust, animal dander) as much as possible. My doctor makes me carry the albuterol but I don't like the side effects so much (for me headaches, rapid heart rate). BUT it's a wonder drug if you can't breathe.

As a pharmacist I would counsel you to talk frankly to your physician about your symptoms. Educate yourself on the condition as well as any medications they may prescribe. Good luck

 

[LaughingWater]

I agree ~ see a doctor. This is not something you should manage on your own.

 

[careyben]

One more vote to NOT try primatine mist. Asthma therapy has come a long way in the last few years. For the most part, it is very treatable.

 

[syzygy314]

I have never been "officially" diagnosed with asthma, but about once a month I will wake up wheezing and have difficulty catching my breath. It's really a pain, because it's difficult to get back to sleep. Are there any over the counter products I can use to help? Are they safe? Any recommendations? TIA!

For asthma, you should see your doctor and get tested. I have asthma and went undiagnosed for years, but never had any symptoms, so I didn't worry about it. Over the last 3 years, it would crop up when I tried to rollerblade or do anything else that was relatively high intensity.

I got tested, got the official diagnosis, started in asthma clinic and now am on a maintenance dose of Flovent and Flonase with a rescue inhaler for emergencies. My maintenance dose is really small and only once a day. You can only control asthma with Rx. It is important to do this because if you have an asthma attack, which is what I'm sure you're having at night, it could be serious!

If you haven't already, don't walk, run to your doctor and get tested!

Hope you get this under control soon!