Asthma Medication - Asthma Sufferers

[cooked]

Hi,

At present I take Axotide 100 (Corticosteroid) regularly + Ventolin when things get bad. Do these names mean anything to fellow sufferers in Thailand? I ask because I don't fancy taking a year's supply with me, cost a fortune.

What do you guys take on a regular basis? I took a long time to find a medication that suited me and am reluctant to change but of course will do so if necessary.

As a secondary question, do you feel better in Thailand with your asthma? I have been visiting for years but always in the dry season, so am not too aware of how I will feel when it starts to rain.

Thanks for any replies.

[thaimite]

I use Ventolin and Pulmicort Turbo haler. Very easy to get, and not too expensive.

I find I am much better in Thailand thank in my home, but interestingly much worse in the fresh air of the village than when in polluted Bangkok!

I think you will find most medications you will need are available

Edited June 2, 2012 by thaimite

[Jingthing]

I use Ventolin (available everywhere and cheap) and CLENIL (Beclometasone dipropionate) which is a steroid inhaler prevention med, not expensive. I don't recall seeing Axotide or Flixonase (Fluticasone Propionate) in Thailand but that doesn't mean you can't get it here. Brand name of that in Thailand is Flixonase.) I am guessing you don't need to bring anything and can substitute another steroid if needed and be OK assuming you don't have an especially unusual case. If you can't get Flixonase and you're worried, you can see a doc to suggest the best choice for a steroid substitute as some at least ARE available here (usually different BRAND names). Don't stress.

Edited June 2, 2012 by Jingthing

[Sheryl]

As note4d above, ventolin is readily available as are some brands of steroid inhalers.

As to whether you will fare better/worse/the same in Thailand compared to back home it very much depends on where in Thailand you are. Bangkok and Chiang Mai in particular are not recommended due to air pollution. Somewhere upcountry where the air is clean, or perhaps Phuket.

[Jingthing]

In my experience and it is so personal, Bangkok in general and Chiang Mai in the smoky season (obviously) could be a problem for asthma. In Pattaya, no difference (no problems) for me from the USA, pro or con.

Edited June 3, 2012 by Jingthing

[cooked]

yes, I decided to avoid Chiang Mai for this reason, in the 'smoky season'. I read somewhere that the pollution in Bangkok kills off any pollen that might cause an allergy..

anyway, I think I'll just take enough medication for a week or two and trust to Thai pharmacists, I guess I'll be ok. Thanks

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Wouldn't be very costly for you to check in with a Respiratory specialist as a Thai hospital now and then.

I came down with Adult Onset Asthma three years ago, never heard of it. Checked in at Vibavadii General Hospital there on the corner of Ngam Wong Wan and Vibhavadii Road, and have been seeing the same specialist now every three months just for a status check.

She put me on Symbicort which seems to have things 100% under control. Did suggest that I carry a Ventolin along for emergencies, but I've not had one, so usually don't.

Mac