Asthma and Bronchitis

[Bigtchrist]

Hi Dr Steve. I asked you once before about having a chronic stuffy nose and that only Zicam extreme congestion relief can open it up. you said something about being addicted to effrin..

Well i still have a chronic stuffy nose, but a little more into the problem. I also have chronic bronchitic and asthma. I keep having to go in about every 3-4 months to get a shot of cortizone so it dosent feel like im being strangled.

Any ideas kind sir? im about to get a drill bit to open my nose up... but that might be a lil messy... I wait humbly for your reply..

[Dr Steve]

Hi Dr Steve. I asked you once before about having a chronic stuffy nose and that only Zicam extreme congestion relief can open it up. you said something about being addicted to effrin..

Well i still have a chronic stuffy nose, but a little more into the problem. I also have chronic bronchitic and asthma. I keep having to go in about every 3-4 months to get a shot of cortizone so it dosent feel like im being strangled.

Any ideas kind sir? im about to get a drill bit to open my nose up... but that might be a lil messy... I wait humbly for your reply..

I tried to find your original question, can you link it for me?

Chronic Bronchitis and Asthma respond to antiinflammatory medications and medications that open the airways ("bronchodilators"). One antiinflammatory medication that a lot of docs don't use often enough is "Singulair" which I've mentioned here before. Singulair is "Montelukast" (sounds like a game show host) and works on a totally different pathway than other antiinflammatories. Unlike prednisone, it doesn't cause facial swelling, diabetes, and crap like that. A lot of docs will only prescribe it for "mild" asthma, but I add it on for even severe cases with good results. Inhaled steroids and "Atrovent" (or Spiriva) are the lynchpins of modern treatment of asthma.

Talk to your primary care provider. If he/she is not comfortable treating your asthma, ask for a referral to a pulmonologist.

your pal,



steve

PS: the singulair will likely help with the nasal congestion, too.