Asthma Support Group
Asthma is a disease of the human respiratory system where the airways narrow, often in response to a "trigger" such as exposure to an allergen, cold air, exercise, or emotional stress. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which respond to bronchodilators.
doctor now says i have allergic asthma. says i need xolair. do you have to take this the rest of your life? is it safe to do so? is it expensive?
I am sorry you have been diagnosed with allergic asthma! :(
Who diagnosed you? Allergist? Pulmonologist? Now, the next step....how to treat? Do ALOT of research. Xolair is not something to be taken lightly. I, too, have allergic asthma (primarily). I live in the Northeast and my worst times are spring and fall; not without a few other episodes mixed in :( I have tried allergy shots, to no avail. They helped my seasonal allergies but made my asthma worse. Not good. Last March 2011, I started researching Xolair after my allergist had mentioned it to me. I decided that would be MY best option and started it May 2011. I just had my 1st asthma flare within the last 2 weeks and fared better than previously. usually, I end up hospitalized x 3-5 days, IV steroids, etc. That was not the case last time. My bigger challenge will be April 2012, when we start a blooming :)
I would love that chat about this treatment more and wish you luck as you investigate.
Warm wishes! :)