Asthma and controlling it

[pretzelfrog]

Okay, so I went to the doctor, I have asthma and i was put on albuteral sulfate, which is the stuff in my inhaler. i tried out for track and my asthma got way worse and i couldn't run and sports and exercising are my favorite things to do. i am a very active in school and sports and band, but my asthma used to only act up during band when i carried a bass drum around, and then i tried exercising to help controll it, but it only got worse. After i got my inhaler, i had some kinda of virus, i believe it was called adenovirus and i was put on a Z-pack because i was weasing when i breathed out. i thought it might have been a reaction to the new medicine(my inhaler) and i had to use my inhaler twice every 4 hours to clear up my lungs and as needed. ANyways everytime i try to exercise it acts up and I looked up ways to controll it and thats what was mostly recomended to do. Soccor tryouts are in february and i wanna tryout, but im not sure if my asthma will act up, In track i had to use my inhaler more and whenever i cry, my asthma acts up really bad, and its gotten worse, my chest hurts and my back and stomach, i have headaches for days. im also worried if this will affect my heart in any way. can anyone help me with my asthma and help me out with the other stuff too, tell me what i can do about these headaches and chest pain. thanks. laura moody

[achilles2]

I sent you a message.

[bsmsl]

I would love to be of more help.

Do you have more specific questions that I can try to answer?

As I said in my first post, it sounds like your issues are mainly out of control asthma.  The head aches can be several things, most likely allergy triggered migraines.  Out of control asthma can also cause head aches.  The head aches would be best evaluated by a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

If you could ask more specofic questions it would help.

[pretzelfrog]

I really need help with this, so i can get my facts straight on what this might be. please help
-Laura

[bsmsl]

Hi Laura,

It sounds like you need a controller medication in addition to the rescue inhaler (albuterol) - something like Advair, Symbicort, or Dulera to start with.  Once you establish good control you can try reducing meds to just an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) like Asmanex, Alvesco, Pulmacort...

Also, are you doing anything to treat allergies?  The first and most important component of asthma control is trigger control.  An oral antihistamine could go a long way in helping you control your asthma.  In addition to the oral antihistamine nasal sprays can be very helpful as well - steroid and/or antihistamine.  Singulair may be quite beneficial for you as well.  You do need to watch for signs of depression with Singulair though.

If you don't know what your triggers are, it might help if you keep a diary for a few months to look for patterns.  If you do this, include all foods and activities, where you go, and what chemicals you know you have been exposed to.  Fragrances can be huge triggers for a lot of asthmatics, so note any of those and if you have any symptoms.  For me, food smells are also triggers.  

There are also many life style changes that can help you control allergies.

The chest and back pain is most likely from the asthma.  Both are asthma symptoms.  Back pain is a rare symptom though.  That should improve with better asthma control.  The stomach pain could go either way.  If you are using your stomach muscles to help breathe, that could be the problem.  

About the headaches, you might want to see your doctor about those.  My guess is allergy induced migraines.  Bottom line, you may really benefit from treatment by an allergist on all counts.

With good control and treatment, your asthma should not keep you from participating in any activity that you enjoy.  An allergist treats for quality of life, not just keeping you out of the hospital as many general practitioners do.

Take care and feel better.