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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Allergies and hormonal imbalance/Hormonal allergies
Answered by
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Allergies and hormonal imbalance/Hormonal allergies
by INEEDHELPPLEASE, Mar 31, 2004 12:00AM
I have posted before and would like to give an update. My respiratory problems have been diagnosed as extrinsic asthma. my triggers seem to be hormones whether they be my own, or any sort of pill. Every time I ovulated or reached mensus I seem to have collapsed with seizure like activity or developed severe dyspnea (with silent chest). I am on all sorts of asthma meds as well as inhalers also I use epi when I am completely 'blocked'. To date, since June '03 I have been in the ER or admitted 20+ times (once intubated, once 'bagged') To help prevent hormonal fluctuations I was put on continuous Birth Control(bc). I was diagnosed with PCOS and hyperinsulinemia and put on Avandia and Glucophage XR. I feel tired and not myself. My chest feels tight and I have a deep, dry, non-productive cough. I did not pass a PFT. My Drs. are advising me to "live with the cough" as at the moment I am not in 'life-threatening' danger. The bc pills are causing this allergic response yet without them I am in greater danger. I am being followed by a PCP, an allergist and endocrinologist. I am in the process of finding a new pulmonologist.Has anyone had anything similar? What can I do to ease the asthma symptoms since I cannot really elliminate the 'allergen'?(I have air purifies/dehumidifiers and my apt. after being checked for mold came back as NORMAL so this isn't the issue.) Who does testing for hormonal allergies or how does this get sorted out? My Drs are afraid to make any medicine changes not wanting me to collapse again. I am frightened and hate feeling unwell. I do 'plod on' and go to work
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Apr 08, 2004 12:00AM
, Apr 08, 2004 12:00AM
There are two types of asthma, intrinsic and extrinsic. Things outside of you, such as mold or humidity, trigger extrinsic asthma. Internal things like hormones, infections or exercise trigger intrinsic asthma. It is possible to have both types of asthma.
If your asthma is triggered by allergies this would be considered extrinsic asthma. The way to know if allergies are a problem for you is to have testing done by a board certified allergist. From the information you provided it is not clear what “allergen” you are trying to eliminate. If I understand correctly, you suspect the cough is an allergic response to the birth control pills. Cough can be a symptom of asthma. For some, a cough is their only symptom. It may be that your asthma needs to be treated more aggressively. I am glad you are searching for a new pulmonologist. This lung specialist should be able to help you get your asthma under better control so the cough goes away.
Since you know your asthma is triggered by hormones, you have intrinsic asthma. You are not allergic to your hormones. They are simply one of your triggers. The way this is sorted out is with the history you have given. Your asthma is worse every time you are ovulating or during menses.
If your asthma is triggered by allergies this would be considered extrinsic asthma. The way to know if allergies are a problem for you is to have testing done by a board certified allergist. From the information you provided it is not clear what “allergen” you are trying to eliminate. If I understand correctly, you suspect the cough is an allergic response to the birth control pills. Cough can be a symptom of asthma. For some, a cough is their only symptom. It may be that your asthma needs to be treated more aggressively. I am glad you are searching for a new pulmonologist. This lung specialist should be able to help you get your asthma under better control so the cough goes away.
Since you know your asthma is triggered by hormones, you have intrinsic asthma. You are not allergic to your hormones. They are simply one of your triggers. The way this is sorted out is with the history you have given. Your asthma is worse every time you are ovulating or during menses.
http://www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_doc_format/2001-No4-Growth_Hormone.cfm
I hope this can come to use for many others. I know that it gave me a stronger grasp on the topic, and now I feel like I can better help.
Take Care- S