Asthma

[theguyfromanotherforum]

From what you say, you may have been misdiagnosed. You need to see a better doctor. Where do you live? (4-5 hours from Bangkok could be many places).

And if the wheezing is only between 7 to 3 pm, could be allergy. Where are you during those hours and what in your environment or intake or activity changes after 3 pm? If nothing changes and it is just that you wake up with this and it gradually subsides as the day passes, another possibility would be that the problem is actually cardiac in origin. Either way, would benefit from seeing a good specialist.

Stopping steroids cold can cause serious problems regardless of whether you have asthma or needed to be on them in the first place. They suppress normal adrenal function and that takes some time to come back. A lot depends on the dose and how long you were on it.

Thank you for all replies. I don't think it's 'Silent Reflux' as I don't have most of those symptoms.

Neither do I. That's why it is called silent reflux.

[sinbin]

Thank you for all replies. I don't think it's 'Silent Reflux' as I don't have most of those symptoms.

Neither do I. That's why it is called silent reflux.

After looking more in to 'Silent Reflux' (LPR) I've decided I will try and get the tests done just to rule it out. Thanks for your help TGFAF.

[sinbin]

On 29/06/2016 at 6:04 PM, theguyfromanotherforum said:

I got the exact same thing after getting sick. Doctors were insisting it was asthma, but meds were not helping at all.

You may be taking the meds for nothing and you could have reflux like I do.

Only through doing the research myself did I eventually figure out silent reflux, so I went to a GI.

I think this is where you should go next.

If you do have reflux, asthma meds may make it worse.

TGFAF, I'm told a ENT doctor tells you if you have Silent Reflux. Not a GI. Anyways I've been and saw a ENT doctor who just looked up my nose and throat and told me I didn't have it. I was given a Spirometer test and my results were faultless. Doctor was baffled as he could still hear my wheezing. He's now put me back on Seretide 50/250 for 2 weeks even though I told him it was what I was on before and it didn't work. He said I must have used it wrong. Back on it 3-4 days now and no improvement. 

Edited August 2, 2016 by sinbin

[tifino]

it is so easy to bring a bout of the Silent Reflux, and it's all about what level of acidity is in the stomach.

 

the biggest mistake is to pile on the Sodium Bicarb (Eno) etc This treatment lowers the acidity count yes, but that in itself exasperates the situation, by the relaxing of the upper tract seal even more, in a never ending cycle...

For mine, I was advised to increase my intake of Lemons (mixed in water as a drink), and I obtained relief. It is very strange how the body reacts in opposite to that as expected of an acidic lemon

 

Anyhow the jest of my relief was that sufficient level of acidity in the stomach must be maintained, for the stomach's seal to operate correctly

 

Oh yeah! - about the successful usage of Seretide - in my case I have always been advised and trained to maintain correct usage of i.e. Salbutamol, at least 5 mins before taking the Seretide.

...and that has worked well (for me) for years

 

 

 

[theguyfromanotherforum]

2 hours ago, sinbin said:

TGFAF, I'm told a ENT doctor tells you if you have Silent Reflux. Not a GI. Anyways I've been and saw a ENT doctor who just looked up my nose and throat and told me I didn't have it. I was given a Spirometer test and my results were faultless. Doctor was baffled as he could still hear my wheezing. He's now put me back on Seretide 50/250 for 2 weeks even though I told him it was what I was on before and it didn't work. He said I must have used it wrong. Back on it 3-4 days now and no improvement. 

 

Silent Reflux is very difficult to diagnose. It certainly can't be diagnosed by looking at your nose and throat. That's just ridiculous including putting you on meds that don't work.

 

What a "doctor".

[sinbin]

13 hours ago, theguyfromanotherforum said:

 

Silent Reflux is very difficult to diagnose. It certainly can't be diagnosed by looking at your nose and throat. That's just ridiculous including putting you on meds that don't work.

 

What a "doctor".

TGFAF , you've now confused me somewhat.   http://www.voiceinstituteofnewyork.com/silent-reflux-laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lpr-is-ubiquitous/

Quote

 

The specialists who most often treat people with LPR are Laryngologists (throat/voice doctor) or Otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat physicians). If your doctor thinks that you could have LPR, he/she will probably perform a throat examination and look at the voice box and the lower throat. If this area is swollen and/or red, you may have LPR. At that point, your doctor may order some tests or recommend specific treatment.

 

Quote

 

 

 

 

Edited August 3, 2016 by sinbin

[Sheryl]

Yes, exam would show irritation in the larynx and lower pharynx if LPR was present.

[sinbin]

I had a CT scan done of my chest area today at St Mary's  Hospital Korat. Price was 7,000 Baht. Nothing found as to why I have wheezing and a cough.  No signs of cancer, TB, Asthma etc etc. The doctor said nothing else he could check and if I can live with it then all well and good. I can so .........................

[MrMuddle]

I have had wheezing in my chest for a couple of years. Various Doctors have told me it was Pneumonia,  Bronchitis or a throat infection. I've had several lots of antibiotics and it did not improve. I also cough up a lot of phlegm (green never any blood in it ), particularly on a morning. I am quite fit, I exercise for 2 hours every morning, and am aged 62. Any ideas ?

[chas39]

Some years ago, when I lived in Pattaya, I had wheezing - but also found walking difficult because of it. The first Doctor at a clinic said lung infection. Take antibiotics.

No improvement. So I went to the German/Austrian Doctor on Soi Day/Night. Lung infection. Antibiotics of a strength sufficient to immobilize a horse.

No improvement.

I dragged myself to the Bangkok/Pattaya Hospital. Saw the Lung Doc. X-ray showed liquid on the lungs, but told it was the heart not working efficiently and this was the cause of the lung problem. The Lung Doc shoved needles through from my back to my lungs to get rid of the liquid. Oo-er, I know , I know.

But what a relief.

Straight up to see the Cardiac Doc. ECG. Doc said I needed a test (tube up through the arteries/dye - to establish if I needed stents or bypass operation.

I couldn't afford all that and my BUPA wouldn't cover the cost. I got pills that considerably eased the problem until I got back to the UK. 

Lungs cleared, triple bypass op. Fit as a Butcher's dog.

After a year or so more wheezing/chest infection. Discovered I had COPD. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Damaged lung cells - caused years ago by long abandoned smoking. So I have inhalers for that which keep it under control - until I get the very occasional exacerbation (as they call it). My Doc gives me antibiotics and \prednisone to control that when it happens.

I have two inhalers - Spiriva/Tiotropium and Relvar (this latter not yet available in Thailand. 

So I'm clinging on to the branch ok!

Two points - it's now legal in the UK to get a copy of your medical records; I found out that many years before this happened a note had been made "-possible COPD and possible Cardiac problem. If I'd been told that earlier it would have help with a self diagnosis earlier.

Also the point is well made about coming off Prednisone gradually if that is prescribed as sudden withdrawal can cause real joint pain and other symptoms - including chipmunk face!

Sorry I've gone on a bit, but some of it could be relevant to other's problems also.

PS. Thanks to the UK NHS.... 

[manfredtillmann]

i invite all of you 'sufferers' to look at this:http://www.alpha1.org/

and get tested after. it might change the way you deal with your retirement funds...

[MrMuddle]

I suppose it could be COPD with me too. I smoked from aged 11 to my mid 50s. Stopped when I got kidney cancer ! Have had regular X-rays over last 5 years as part of kidney / health checks and nothing untoward has been reported, apart from what I wrote above.

[sinbin]

1 hour ago, manfredtillmann said:

i invite all of you 'sufferers' to look at this:http://www.alpha1.org/

and get tested after. it might change the way you deal with your retirement funds...

 

 

So where can one get a blood test done in Thailand?

 

 

Quote

A low level of AAT in blood indicates that the person tested may have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The lower the level of AAT, the greater the risk of developing emphysema. In people with an abnormal form of AAT, the risk of developing disease depends on how much is produced and which variant is present.

 

[Sheryl]

8 hours ago, MrMuddle said:

I have had wheezing in my chest for a couple of years. Various Doctors have told me it was Pneumonia,  Bronchitis or a throat infection. I've had several lots of antibiotics and it did not improve. I also cough up a lot of phlegm (green never any blood in it ), particularly on a morning. I am quite fit, I exercise for 2 hours every morning, and am aged 62. Any ideas ?

 

The only thing I can advise is to consult a better doctor. Where in Thailand do you live? Also - do you smoke?

[Bill Miller]

I had been diagnosed with asthma and COPD in the states. Symbicort and a "rescue" inhaler, and was also prescribed a med used with a nebulizer (don't recall the name) and a Cpap for sleep apnea, diagnosed via two sleep studies. Oxygen 24/7.
All post triple bypass procedure.
I came to Thailand, and my oxy concentrator started to poop out. Well, living near sea level instead of 6.200 feet altitude made it unnecessary for a time. Also did away with the nebulizer Symbicort, etc. Like a honeymoon!
Lately problems have resumed. I DID bring my inhalers with me, and have just started the Symbicort again as I was using the Proair rescue inhaler often.
Also need to get my Inogen concentrator refurbed, or at least new cartridges for it, which I can replace myself. My pulse oximeter was showing me readings as low as 85 before I dropped it and it stopped working. ????
Anybody familiar with oxygen rental here? If I could get something for night time at least I could get some decent sleep, which improves the rest of the "stuff". I found sleeping with oxy minimizes the apnea, and a nasal canula is much better than a Cpap mask!
BTW, a hot caffeine drink will ease the symptoms a bit, and soothing music, and if you are a meditation practitioner.... all help to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack if it is not too severe. Got me by when I had an attack away from home, and had not started carrying my inhalers again, yet.

 

Edited October 24, 2018 by Bill Miller

[Sheryl]

Medical supply stores and some larger pharmacies (especially those located near government hospitals) rent out oxygen cylinders. They are not cheap.

 

I don't know if you can get an Inogen concentrator repaired here. No dealer that I know of, the ones sold here are usually Chinese or Korean made. If you are living in Thailand permanently might be worth buying a new oxygen concentrator. can get online

 

https://www.lazada.co.th/catalog/?q=oxygen+concentrator&_keyori=ss&from=input&spm=a2o4m.searchlist.search.go.25dd68a029fhx2

 

I trust you are aware of the precautions/risks entailed in O2 therapy in COPD and also that you are under the care of a good doctor.

You can also get a new pulse oximeter from Lazada

https://www.lazada.co.th/catalog/?spm=a2o4m.home.search.1.1125719cE87S23&q=pulse oximeter&_keyori=ss&from=suggest_normal&sugg=pulse oximeter_0_1