Increasing Your Lung Capacity...

[desi]

Finding out what's wrong has slide into the realm of allergy tests, so this week, after getting double runs of pin pricks down both arms, seems I'm allergic to most everything. Even chocolate.

Thankfully, the doctor was a bastion of common sense and waved away the food allergies with, 'If the foods on the allergy list bother you, then don't eat them. If they don't, then ignore the list'.

So chocolate, at least, is safe.

Allergies (apparently) can cause acid reflex (the tag they've chosen to give my symptoms until they run even more tests). So yes, I am paying attention to the still swollen and itching markings on my left arm - cats, dust mites, grasses, etc.

The second checkup for allergies has not happened yet. But, after taking the breath test (I flunked breathing), the automated form says there's a possibility of asthma (which I already knew) and the early stages of emphysema (which my grandmother died from).

I haven't smoked for almost 20 years, so that's not a bad habit I need to tackle.

And even though they have medications to increase the air passages (I dislike pills, nose sprays and atomisers), I'm leaning towards a proactive (hate the buzz word but it fits) treatment. Like playing the flute.

After googling, I read that almost any musical instrument such as the trumpet (not a good idea in a condo) or bagpipes (again, not a good idea) would help to increase lung capacity.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? And no, I'm not the type to play a didgeridoo... at least I don't think I am...

[yeti]

I'm not a specialist, but wouldn't most sport (endurance) do just that?

[desi]

That's a good point and one I'll have to think about - tennis is doable...

So far I haven't been into super active sports in BK. The combo of car fumes and a lack of breath hasn't felt very good on the lungs so I've limited myself to walking in parks or distances equalling 20min.

And even when I played tennis and ran every morning, my face would go bright red from a lack of oxygen.

It never seemed to get better, it always just was. Even at my fittest in college and after, when I opted for long distance running as a main avenue of exercise.

[Sheryl]

Sports yes. But also -- I hate to say this but there is no getting around it -- do not live and work in a place with high air pollution. e.g Bangkok

Many people find that simply moving from Bangkok to a place with good air quality makes a world of difference.

Lacking that you can do what you can with air cleaners, masks and the like but.....

[desi]

I had horrible allergies and I found that it was from my mattress, from mites and dust and mildew and other nasties that grow in them. I have since got a natural latex mattress and wake up every morning with clear sinuses. I was so impressed that I helped to start a company here in Thailand that sells high quality natural latex mattresses. Do some research on the subject and you will find that these mattresses are ideal for asthma sufferers. Contact [email protected] if you have some questions.

I have a brand new fat mattress so that's out. I was more looking to purchase a mattress cover to fight mites so if you sell those, I'd be interested (I was thinking I'd have to ship on in actually...)

[cathyy]

And do take the medication for the asthma! It will make the act of breathing easier, which as you well know by now, makes anything else easier. It's difficult to do much of anything when your breathing is restricted.

Welcome to my world, Desi. I too have asthma and multiple allergies. I live about 15 kilometers out of Korat where the air is clean. I always feel sick when I visit Bangkok, and I have to use my albuterol inhaler several times a day, which I almost never need otherwise. Bangkok is plain bad news for me, and most likely for you, too.

[desi]

Many people find that simply moving from Bangkok to a place with good air quality makes a world of difference.

I'm sure, but unless it gets back to the air quality of the haze days, I'm dug into BK. Changmai is the only other option in Thailand and the air is horrible there.

But I'm more looking for suggestions on what type of instrument I could learn.

[desi]

And do take the medication for the asthma! It will make the act of breathing easier, which as you well know by now, makes anything else easier. It's difficult to do much of anything when your breathing is restricted.

Welcome to my world, Desi. I too have asthma and multiple allergies. I live about 15 kilometers out of Korat where the air is clean. I always feel sick when I visit Bangkok, and I have to use my albuterol inhaler several times a day, which I almost never need otherwise. Bangkok is plain bad news for me, and most likely for you, too.

I was fine until a couple of months ago, then it all started going pear-shaped. My stomach packed it in and I started having problems breathing. Not huge problems with breathing, but noticeable enough. I didn't realise it was this bad until they had me blow into the tube at the hospital. I could get the first seconds of air out, then it was a struggle to keep any air coming out.

It might just be that having two cats inside has caught up with me. I was highly allergic to cats and rabbits during the haze, then it lessoned over the years. Enough to be able to be around cats (or so I thought). But going by the welts on my arms, I'm not as allergic to cats as I am to dust mites.

So this weekend will include a search for air filters. I'll also be looking to source some sort of lotion so I don't have to shampoo my two cats once a week (groan).

Which reminds me... have you seen anything like this around BK? Or anywhere in Thailand?

[Wrong Turn]

Sports yes. But also -- I hate to say this but there is no getting around it -- do not live and work in a place with high air pollution. e.g Bangkok

Many people find that simply moving from Bangkok to a place with good air quality makes a world of difference.

Lacking that you can do what you can with air cleaners, masks and the like but.....

And this, is me.

I have a very sensitive throat and also sensitive lungs, IMO.

I wear a Neomask when I drive my bike, but when I walk down the streets I feel the pollution. Also, sitting outside in a sidewalk cafe or open area near traffic aggravates my lungs and throat also.

When I go back to the Pacific Northwest (USA) to visit, my lungs clear right up. I can breathe better, and I think deeper. My lungs feel clearer.

My question:

Will long-term living in the city catch up with me? Kill me? Reduce my life expectancy, as I'm in my late 30s and have breating breathing steady pollution for 6+ years.

[chiang mai]

I smoked 40 cigarettes a day for just over forty years and in the course of my life ended up living and working in some pretty polluted places. Living in Chiang Mai I would get chest/respiratory infections on a regular basis and even a minor infection became a serious event requiring antibiotics. Sixteen months ago I moved to Phuket, gave up smoking and began to exercise - today I am as fit as a fiddle, my lungs are free and clear and I don't run out of breath even during strenuous aerobic exercise. The biggest win for me personally is that I have only had one minor throat infection in the past sixteen months and this was two weeks ago following a visit to Chiang Mai (hmm he says to himself) and whereas before this would have certainly gone to my chest and become serious, on this occasion it stayed away from my chest and eventually went away - for the fist time in a long long time I had a normal cold like anyone else and it ended without becoming a medical event.

So, to answer the questions raised thus far:

Can I improve my lung capacity? - yes, with regular exercise and by living in a clean environment you will be amazed at the difference.

Will long term living in the city catch up with me? - almost certainly, eventually.

As Sheryl said, some of these changes can make a world of difference.

[mommysboy]

Yes you can restore your lung capacity and maybe also gain extra too.

I think you really need to do aerobic exercise, eg, jogging, swimming, cycling. fast march/walking on a treadmill is also excellent, and you'd feel so much better in a very short period of time.

In a city like Bangkok I never run outside the gym and it sounds like you woud be well advised not to either, so find a cheap gym if poss and get a taste for the treadmill or cycling machine. If you suffer asthma I really think you need to live away from a big city.

You can also control acid reflux with safe medications.

[desi]

Thanks mommysboy. I was worried about going for outside extensive exercise so your ideas are good... Gyms are just not my thing. But as I have an inside exercise machine - an airwalker - I'll concentrate on that for now.

Other items I've thought of...

Get the soft furniture steam cleaned (before I spray with the special mite and kitty nap killer - if I ever do find it).

Dragging the ac guys out to do a super check of the units is also a good idea as dirty ac's could be a problem for asthmatics, correct?

For the drugs, I've used the atomizer twice today and it's needed again. This after not needing one for years. The thought crossed my mind that something local / seasonal going on could be the reason for out of the blue health problems (I moved to this area a year ago).

[bina]

often when moving to a new place u are not allergic as u havent developed allergens to whatever there is in the area. it takes time, like a year...

if u do sport, make sure they check if your lung function is not aggravated by excercise including an hour after excercise (lung function after running on a machine, etc)...

foods might not make u have an allergic reaction but they can have a synergetic affect when u are having an attack although i also dont pay much attention, i notice that there some affect

[mommysboy]

Could be something seasonal going on!!!!!

Quite possible this. When the wet season arrives I sneeze and wheeze a bit, and you certainly notice other people doing the same.

From what you say the problem appears to be driven by air pollution, possibly no more than sheer irritation causing excess phlegm. It doesn't sound as if you are especially disposed to chest problems. YOU CAN'T TRUST ME THOUGH I AM NOT A DOCTOR . But it's good to knock the ball around a bit.

I guess one danger is that you may be more prone to bacterial infections, so you really need to work your lungs, so don't delay on the exercise. Personally, I really enjoy inside workouts. I don't push myself too hard and it feels a bit like meditation I guess.

The problem is controllable for sure and I wouldn't avoid medications, they are very useful, and the modern drugs seem to have few side effects- just speaking from personal experience. I'm sure the doctor is on to this.

As a first step I would get a mask, you can get an ok one from Tesco Lotus DIY section. This one costs about 70bt and is impregnated with carbon. Or go to one of the many motor cycle accessory shops on main roads. You should be able to pick one up for 100bt. Probably best is the Neomask mentioned by another poster but I don't know where you can buy one.

It may sound a bit odd, but I'd also recommend nasal rinsing. A lot of people suffer the effects of post nasal drip without realising and it becomes just like a leaky tap in it's effects. Nasal rinsing doesn't need to be elaborate and is actually not unpleasant when done gently.

Yes the best cure is avoidance. The problem is Bangkok, not only is the atmosphere polluted, but it's clay oven hot, so that you are often under air conditioning when inside, this doesn't help matters either.

So long term, consider a move. Is this possible?

[desi]

Hi Bina, I didn't realise it might take a year for things to start happening. I do have the windows open more here, but that's because there seems to be less pollution than where I lived before (I'm further away from the main highway).

[desi]

Could be something seasonal going on!!!!!

Quite possible this. When the wet season arrives I sneeze and wheeze a bit, and you certainly notice other people doing the same.

From what you say the problem appears to be driven by air pollution, possibly no more than sheer irritation causing excess phlegm. It doesn't sound as if you are especially disposed to chest problems.

I'm not sneezing. It's acid reflux and chest tightness (no sneezing, coughing, runny nose).

YOU CAN'T TRUST ME THOUGH I AM NOT A DOCTOR . But it's good to knock the ball around a bit.

Agreed. I'm all for knocking the ball around. Doctors are good for 15 min. But it's taking a long time to figure this out.

I guess one danger is that you may be more prone to bacterial infections, so you really need to work your lungs, so don't delay on the exercise. Personally, I really enjoy inside workouts. I don't push myself too hard and it feels a bit like meditation I guess.

I'm going to go for the inside workout also. I've had time to think everything over, and I have been going out a lot more in BK this month. Even when I was sick. It could be that I'm putting myself out there too much with the fumes and all.

The problem is controllable for sure and I wouldn't avoid medications, they are very useful, and the modern drugs seem to have few side effects- just speaking from personal experience. I'm sure the doctor is on to this.

When I took the breath test, first they tested me straight off. Then they had me suck on an atomiser and wait for about 15 min. There was no change. When I looked at the auto print out, it said that since the medication didn't make any difference, to pass on giving it to the patient. But I was given it anyway.

As a first step I would get a mask, you can get an ok one from Tesco Lotus DIY section. This one costs about 70bt and is impregnated with carbon. Or go to one of the many motor cycle accessory shops on main roads. You should be able to pick one up for 100bt. Probably best is the Neomask mentioned by another poster but I don't know where you can buy one.

It may sound a bit odd, but I'd also recommend nasal rinsing. A lot of people suffer the effects of post nasal drip without realising and it becomes just like a leaky tap in it's effects. Nasal rinsing doesn't need to be elaborate and is actually not unpleasant when done gently.

I've heard of nasal rinsing, just never tried it. They did give me something to stick up my nose two times a day, so I'll use that until it's out.

Yes the best cure is avoidance. The problem is Bangkok, not only is the atmosphere polluted, but it's clay oven hot, so that you are often under air conditioning when inside, this doesn't help matters either.

So long term, consider a move. Is this possible?

A move? Not really possible. Sounds crazy, but I love living in BK. Living in the countryside does not appeal, Changmai is totally out (the air is worse there than here) and I strongly dislike living in the west.

So I'll trudge through until I can find my way clear. This weekend will be tracking down various mite and dander killers, air filters, mattress covers, and (hopefully) a flute.

[fullwhenempty]

So I'll trudge through until I can find my way clear. This weekend will be tracking down various mite and dander killers, air filters, mattress covers, and (hopefully) a flute.

http://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Your-Lung-Capacity

I would be wary of doing any breathing exercises in BKK after, say, 7 am, since IMO rising levels of pollutants will be driven deeper into your lungs.

Edited August 23, 2008 by fullwhenempty

[desi]

http://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Your-Lung-Capacity

I would be wary of doing any breathing exercises in BKK after, say, 7 am, since IMO rising levels of pollutants will be driven deeper into your lungs.

That's an excellent article (especially the breathing exercises) and solidifies my resolve to buy a flute and (except for my morning walks) exercise inside.

Gotta love these bits of advice though...

• Don't exercise in water unless you know how to swim.

• Don't exercise, run, swim, etc. with a PVC tube in your mouth.

[bina]

stupid question, did u go to a lung doctor or just a regular family doctor?

lung function usually goes like this: breathing thru the tube for a base line., running on a machine , and lung function again, then given ventolin or other similar, then function again... or given certain other drugs in atomizer to instigate or check out reactions to certain meds....

there are other checks, but from personal experience, with two kids with two kinds of asthma, this is what goes on at the respiroatory clinic we go to...

avoidance of polluted areas and no exertion when in polluted areas; use the meds, they work wonders and few side affects, and prevent permanant damage to respiroatory tract...

allegies dont always take a year, but i am quoting the allergy doctor when i questioned him when i first came to live here. also, my kids go to both a allergy doctor and a respiroatory doctor ...

bina

israel

[mommysboy]

Wrong Turn asks whether living in polluted Bangkok will cause health problems, even kill him. it's a very important question.

Pollution figures are available from govt. bodies easily found by Googling, and are also included in Bangkok Post weather section. Alledgedly, the only particles likely to be carcinogenic are less than 10 microns (or something crons) in size, and according to the figures Bangkok poses zero to moderate risk. Hmmm!!!!

But it is known, as if we need reminding, that smog causes a number of respiratory problems that can in turn lead to serious illness if someone is predisposed. There is a definite chemical irritation posed by traffic fumes, and on top of this city smog seems to change the nature of other wise harmless particles tricking the human immune system in to start an immune reaction, so rather like hay fever.

Anecdotally, let's get real this atmos. is dangerous in my opinion. I buy from the roadsides and have known 2 healthy relatively young men succumb to life threatening illness. I doubt whether we're all subject to the same extent, but there must be some risk, particularly if you knock around heavily congested areas.

The first doctor I visited said she grew up in Bangkok and had learnt not to walk outside for more than a few minutes, and even then only with a mask.

[mommysboy]

Funnily enough, if that's the right phrase, my brother in law had a severe attack of something last night that left him unable to breathe, and it looks like he has bad acid reflux. I suppose the acid coming back up severely irritates the windpipe. Could be a big part of OP's condition.

[cloudhopper]

Those who find they need to use a bronchodilator like a Ventolin inhaler rather often may want to discuss with their doctor using a corticosteroid like a Pulmocort inhaler instead.

[desi]

stupid question, did u go to a lung doctor or just a regular family doctor?

I went to a real hospital, Samitivej, and saw some sort of respiratory specialist. I have confidence in the hospital. I just know from past illnesses that it takes time to sort through everything.

lung function usually goes like this: breathing thru the tube for a base line., running on a machine , and lung function again, then given ventolin or other similar, then function again... or given certain other drugs in atomizer to instigate or check out reactions to certain meds...

Yes, I tried to push air through a tube for the base line. Then they gave me ventolin. I waited awhile. Then they had me try again. I flunked out on both. No difference between the two at all. I'm guessing there was need to put me on a running machine after scoring so badly...

there are other checks, but from personal experience, with two kids with two kinds of asthma, this is what goes on at the respiroatory clinic we go to...

My brother was very ill growing up. My son not so bad, so I didn't have to go through this with him.

avoidance of polluted areas and no exertion when in polluted areas; use the meds, they work wonders and few side affects, and prevent permanant damage to respiroatory tract...

As in the tests, I'm not seeing a great deal of difference. It just makes my stomach feel uncomfortable.

allegies dont always take a year, but i am quoting the allergy doctor when i questioned him when i first came to live here. also, my kids go to both a allergy doctor and a respiroatory doctor ...

bina

israel

Thanks for passing this information over. I'll ask him more questions when I go back for the two week check up. Then I'll see about staying with this hospital, or trying out a different one.

[desi]

Those who find they need to use a bronchodilator like a Ventolin inhaler rather often may want to discuss with their doctor using a corticosteroid like a Pulmocort inhaler instead.

Thanks for the mention. I'll ask the doctor.

Until lately, I haven't used a Ventolin on a regular basis for years. So all I really know about them is that I can't use the blue one - it makes my heart beat rapidly, then my arms go weak.

[cathyy]

Actually, Pulmicort isn't a substitute for Ventolin or albuterol. Pulmicort is a routine steroid med taken to prevent breathing problems and further damage to the airways. Ventolin and albuterol are emergency meds, to be taken when an asthma attack occurs. If you have more than very mild asthma, you should have prescriptions for both.

[simon43]

Lots of useful advice for you - but I really think you need to consider the 'baseline'. Is your health more important than where you want to live??

I had asthma when I lived in the UK and this continued when I lived in BKK. Apart from the asthma, I was happy in BKK with a good business.

But I valued my health more than the job/location. So I moved to the clean air of Phuket and my asthma completely disappeared!! I had to engineer a new job and sometimes (often!), I don't have a lot of money.....

But I do have my health!

It's your choice

Simon

[mommysboy]

Lots of useful advice for you - but I really think you need to consider the 'baseline'. Is your health more important than where you want to live??

I had asthma when I lived in the UK and this continued when I lived in BKK. Apart from the asthma, I was happy in BKK with a good business.

But I valued my health more than the job/location. So I moved to the clean air of Phuket and my asthma completely disappeared!! I had to engineer a new job and sometimes (often!), I don't have a lot of money.....

But I do have my health!

It's your choice

Simon

Thinking about the OPs situation, this really is the only real cure. OP, what is it you feel you would be missing? are you a teacher?

[desi]

Simon,

Bottom line? I don't believe International oil companies have offices in Phuket

I agree, there has been a lot of great advice given here and I'm very grateful.

Today I picked up a HEPA air filter for a 50sq metre room (didn't see a larger one on offer). Within hours I could tell the difference in my breathing. I was even energetic for a change.

On another note... last night I walked to the local (fabulous) Thai restaurant (ten minutes a way). In the restaurant my chest was as tight as at home. By the time I got back, it'd cleared up. So I'm wondering if my problem exists in my home. That wasn't enough to tell, but I'll keep an eye on it.

I'll know more tomorrow after sleeping with the air cleaner on all night. I also plan on heading out for a early morning walk to see what happens.

I couldn't find the cat and furniture products today. I'll continue to look around BK, but I've gone ahead and ordered them from the US.

Also, this morning before heading out to source a filter, I googled in ThaiVisa to see which brands were advised and came up with this post...

Horrible Allergies...

"Like you I suddenly started to develop allergies, I'm of course assuming that it allergies, but I'll come to that.

I went from being a pro-am cyclist regularly racing in Europe to being unable to climb a flight of stairs due to difficulty breathing.

Almost as bad, I suffered years of misdiagnosis.

Last year I had a full allergy check, which in itself took four visits to the Allergy Consultant, blood tests etc.

Having correctly identified my allergy I was then started on 'Allergy Immunisation', a regular course of injections under my skin (Not into blood!) of the allergens that where effecting me.

These started off with a minute dose of a very weak solution, which was increased in quantity and concentration over several months of weekly treatments.

Six months after starting this treatment I'm really feeling a huge improvement in what have been debilitating symptoms."

If I can get a hospital to do it, it's on my list to do...

1) Buy HEPA air filter (check)

2) Source cat allergy products (check)

3) Source dust mite products for furniture and carpets (check)

4) Throw out feather pillows and replace with anti-allergy pillows (check)

5) Throw out the cat's feather pillows, clean their bedding (check)

6) Buy anti-allergy / dust mite mattress cover, throw out previous (check)

7) Buy flute (to do this week)

9) Set up Allergy Immunisation program (start calling tomorrow)

10) Get aircon super cleaned (waiting for a return email)

11) Clean air in the middle bedroom so I can use my airwalker (tomorrow)

12) Actually use the darn thing... (Tuesday)

13) Spray cats, soft furniture and carpets (when the products arrive)

14) Steam clean soft furniture and curtians regularly (need to bring the steamer from the UK) ...

It's all good... and if I feel any better than I do today, it'll be total gravy...

[mommysboy]

You don't think air pollution is a major factor here then?

[desi]

You don't think air pollution is a major factor here then?

At this moment I'm not sure what it is. But I do know this - I'm not going to turn tail and run at the first sign of difficulties.