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.

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DarknessEmbraced 03/21/2015

I use avamys a corticosteroid nasal spray as well as symbicort which is also a corticosteroid. I read that steroids lower the immune system. I stayed home for a long time after my colon resection surgery so I wasn't around sick people that often. Now that I'm going out more to doctor's appointments, errands, tests at the hospital and to the mall I get sick more often.

DarknessEmbraced 03/22/2015

I've had many sore throat unfortunately. The infection I had in my trachea being the worst. I've had strep throat twice. The second time my tongue swelled. I hope your medications help you! :) My family doctor said to try regular saline in my nebulizer first. That if I feel I need a medication to go see her. The problem is she's out of her office for weeks at a time because she's sometimes in the ER or on call at the hospital. She has no one to replace her while her office is closed. I was on an antibiotic and prednisone when I had the infection in my trachea.

ThePinkLavender 03/22/2015

Nobody like being on prednisone, but it works! Try a different doctor who can see you when You want to be seen. Where do you keep your nebulizer? Mine is on my vanity in my room; and I have one in my car for when I am out.

DarknessEmbraced 03/22/2015

I can't change doctors because there's a doctor shortage here. I'm in Canada. I was on a waiting list for two years to get my family doctor. I'm stuck with her. My nebulizer is full sized. I keep it in a bag in my closet. I only have one. It's not portable. I can only use it at home.

ThePinkLavender 03/22/2015

I see the problem about the doctor. I have never had the problem.

DarknessEmbraced 03/22/2015

I've only had that problem living in Canada.

ThePinkLavender 03/22/2015

Interesting. Where else have you lived?

DarknessEmbraced 03/22/2015

Delaware and Texas. I'm Canadian but was married to an American for a while.

ThePinkLavender 03/22/2015

Oh. My peak flow is lower right now.

Ohana 04/29/2015

My understanding is systemic steroids (IV & pills) do change the body because they go through the digestive system to reach our blood & tissues.

Inhaled steroids go directly to our lungs, into the blood supply & to our cells. I have been on Symbicort inhaler for years. Remember to always rinse & spit after using Symbicort or you will get Thrush.

Hope you have a good day. Take care.

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