A few questions about sudden FEV1 drop

[Nightwriter]

Hi Alexander,

It's funny that doctors say that CF patients don't have asthma when they give them asthma medicine like bronchidilators and prednisone. Both are for ASTHMA. Prednisone specifically reduces the inflammation, opening up airways which is due to an asthma component. I was also told I did not have asthma. And when my new doctor not only proved it to me, but treated it, my lung function went from a low of 32% with a baseline of 37% back up to 54% where it is now. Like I said I have extensive damage so there is a limit to high it can go.

Taking asthma medicine for 3 weeks will do nothing. There is no medicine that can block the over 300 hormones that contribute to inflammation and asthma. For instance Benadril only blocks three hormones. And medicine alone is currently very limited when you keep exposing yourself to the things that are causing the asthma.

In someone like me, I test pretty much negative to everything. But then again there aren't tests for everything. It's just that if you are allergic and the tests show this, you are lucky, because you can avoid certain triggers.

I am chemically sensitive. There are no tests for this, but the doctor, after certain blood tests like an IGE test plus others, allergy skin testing, plus my own observations once I knew what to look for --once dealt with -- stopped constant infections, annoying SOB symptoms and improved my FEV1.

The clue for you is it bouncing all around UP and down. You may have the bacterial or fungal infections other people are mentioning. But all these things are also correlated with inflammation which can be reduced. The fact that your FEV1 goes UP wildly then down is typical of asthma.

You are new here, and I have talked about different things that I have done in regards to improving lung function and reducing infection by reducing the allergy triggers, reducing post nasal drips, initiating lifestyle changes, the list goes on but it includes anything that will reduce inflammation. My doctor does this with her all respiratory patients with great success. You'd be surprised at how much IS in your control.

 

[Nightwriter]

Hi Alexander,

It's funny that doctors say that CF patients don't have asthma when they give them asthma medicine like bronchidilators and prednisone. Both are for ASTHMA. Prednisone specifically reduces the inflammation, opening up airways which is due to an asthma component. I was also told I did not have asthma. And when my new doctor not only proved it to me, but treated it, my lung function went from a low of 32% with a baseline of 37% back up to 54% where it is now. Like I said I have extensive damage so there is a limit to high it can go.

Taking asthma medicine for 3 weeks will do nothing. There is no medicine that can block the over 300 hormones that contribute to inflammation and asthma. For instance Benadril only blocks three hormones. And medicine alone is currently very limited when you keep exposing yourself to the things that are causing the asthma.

In someone like me, I test pretty much negative to everything. But then again there aren't tests for everything. It's just that if you are allergic and the tests show this, you are lucky, because you can avoid certain triggers.

I am chemically sensitive. There are no tests for this, but the doctor, after certain blood tests like an IGE test plus others, allergy skin testing, plus my own observations once I knew what to look for --once dealt with -- stopped constant infections, annoying SOB symptoms and improved my FEV1.

The clue for you is it bouncing all around UP and down. You may have the bacterial or fungal infections other people are mentioning. But all these things are also correlated with inflammation which can be reduced. The fact that your FEV1 goes UP wildly then down is typical of asthma.

You are new here, and I have talked about different things that I have done in regards to improving lung function and reducing infection by reducing the allergy triggers, reducing post nasal drips, initiating lifestyle changes, the list goes on but it includes anything that will reduce inflammation. My doctor does this with her all respiratory patients with great success. You'd be surprised at how much IS in your control.

 

[Nightwriter]

Hi Alexander,

It's funny that doctors say that CF patients don't have asthma when they give them asthma medicine like bronchidilators and prednisone. Both are for ASTHMA. Prednisone specifically reduces the inflammation, opening up airways which is due to an asthma component. I was also told I did not have asthma. And when my new doctor not only proved it to me, but treated it, my lung function went from a low of 32% with a baseline of 37% back up to 54% where it is now. Like I said I have extensive damage so there is a limit to high it can go.

Taking asthma medicine for 3 weeks will do nothing. There is no medicine that can block the over 300 hormones that contribute to inflammation and asthma. For instance Benadril only blocks three hormones. And medicine alone is currently very limited when you keep exposing yourself to the things that are causing the asthma.

In someone like me, I test pretty much negative to everything. But then again there aren't tests for everything. It's just that if you are allergic and the tests show this, you are lucky, because you can avoid certain triggers.

I am chemically sensitive. There are no tests for this, but the doctor, after certain blood tests like an IGE test plus others, allergy skin testing, plus my own observations once I knew what to look for --once dealt with -- stopped constant infections, annoying SOB symptoms and improved my FEV1.

The clue for you is it bouncing all around UP and down. You may have the bacterial or fungal infections other people are mentioning. But all these things are also correlated with inflammation which can be reduced. The fact that your FEV1 goes UP wildly then down is typical of asthma.

You are new here, and I have talked about different things that I have done in regards to improving lung function and reducing infection by reducing the allergy triggers, reducing post nasal drips, initiating lifestyle changes, the list goes on but it includes anything that will reduce inflammation. My doctor does this with her all respiratory patients with great success. You'd be surprised at how much IS in your control.

 

[Nightwriter]

Hi Alexander,

It's funny that doctors say that CF patients don't have asthma when they give them asthma medicine like bronchidilators and prednisone. Both are for ASTHMA. Prednisone specifically reduces the inflammation, opening up airways which is due to an asthma component. I was also told I did not have asthma. And when my new doctor not only proved it to me, but treated it, my lung function went from a low of 32% with a baseline of 37% back up to 54% where it is now. Like I said I have extensive damage so there is a limit to high it can go.

Taking asthma medicine for 3 weeks will do nothing. There is no medicine that can block the over 300 hormones that contribute to inflammation and asthma. For instance Benadril only blocks three hormones. And medicine alone is currently very limited when you keep exposing yourself to the things that are causing the asthma.

In someone like me, I test pretty much negative to everything. But then again there aren't tests for everything. It's just that if you are allergic and the tests show this, you are lucky, because you can avoid certain triggers.

I am chemically sensitive. There are no tests for this, but the doctor, after certain blood tests like an IGE test plus others, allergy skin testing, plus my own observations once I knew what to look for --once dealt with -- stopped constant infections, annoying SOB symptoms and improved my FEV1.

The clue for you is it bouncing all around UP and down. You may have the bacterial or fungal infections other people are mentioning. But all these things are also correlated with inflammation which can be reduced. The fact that your FEV1 goes UP wildly then down is typical of asthma.

You are new here, and I have talked about different things that I have done in regards to improving lung function and reducing infection by reducing the allergy triggers, reducing post nasal drips, initiating lifestyle changes, the list goes on but it includes anything that will reduce inflammation. My doctor does this with her all respiratory patients with great success. You'd be surprised at how much IS in your control.

 

[Nightwriter]

Hi Alexander,
<br />
<br />It's funny that doctors say that CF patients don't have asthma when they give them asthma medicine like bronchidilators and prednisone. Both are for ASTHMA. Prednisone specifically reduces the inflammation, opening up airways which is due to an asthma component. I was also told I did not have asthma. And when my new doctor not only proved it to me, but treated it, my lung function went from a low of 32% with a baseline of 37% back up to 54% where it is now. Like I said I have extensive damage so there is a limit to high it can go.
<br />
<br />Taking asthma medicine for 3 weeks will do nothing. There is no medicine that can block the over 300 hormones that contribute to inflammation and asthma. For instance Benadril only blocks three hormones. And medicine alone is currently very limited when you keep exposing yourself to the things that are causing the asthma.
<br />
<br />In someone like me, I test pretty much negative to everything. But then again there aren't tests for everything. It's just that if you are allergic and the tests show this, you are lucky, because you can avoid certain triggers.
<br />
<br />I am chemically sensitive. There are no tests for this, but the doctor, after certain blood tests like an IGE test plus others, allergy skin testing, plus my own observations once I knew what to look for --once dealt with -- stopped constant infections, annoying SOB symptoms and improved my FEV1.
<br />
<br />The clue for you is it bouncing all around UP and down. You may have the bacterial or fungal infections other people are mentioning. But all these things are also correlated with inflammation which can be reduced. The fact that your FEV1 goes UP wildly then down is typical of asthma.
<br />
<br />You are new here, and I have talked about different things that I have done in regards to improving lung function and reducing infection by reducing the allergy triggers, reducing post nasal drips, initiating lifestyle changes, the list goes on but it includes anything that will reduce inflammation. My doctor does this with her all respiratory patients with great success. You'd be surprised at how much IS in your control.

 

[AnD]

(I thought I posted this hours ago, so most if not all of this may be covered)

Are you on any asthma medications? I take Advair 250 and Singulair, and it really helps with my inflamation issues. Also, have you been tested for allergies? I found out that I was allergic to feathers, and I had been sleeping with a down comforter (no wonder I woke up feeling so bad!). Lastly, how are your sinuses? Your sinuses can have a big impact on your lung health, including inflamation.
Also, Alexander, you won't know what you are allergic to unless you have been tested (and a skin test is preferable to a blood test). And I had to try several different kinds of antihistamines before I found one that would work. Others I tried might as well have been sugar pills- they work great for other people, but were worthless for me.

Oh, and one last thing- GSH and NAC have helped alot with my inflamation too- if you do a search here, you will find a good bit of information on them.

I hope you find an answer soon.

 

[AnD]

(I thought I posted this hours ago, so most if not all of this may be covered)

Are you on any asthma medications? I take Advair 250 and Singulair, and it really helps with my inflamation issues. Also, have you been tested for allergies? I found out that I was allergic to feathers, and I had been sleeping with a down comforter (no wonder I woke up feeling so bad!). Lastly, how are your sinuses? Your sinuses can have a big impact on your lung health, including inflamation.
Also, Alexander, you won't know what you are allergic to unless you have been tested (and a skin test is preferable to a blood test). And I had to try several different kinds of antihistamines before I found one that would work. Others I tried might as well have been sugar pills- they work great for other people, but were worthless for me.

Oh, and one last thing- GSH and NAC have helped alot with my inflamation too- if you do a search here, you will find a good bit of information on them.

I hope you find an answer soon.

 

[AnD]

(I thought I posted this hours ago, so most if not all of this may be covered)

Are you on any asthma medications? I take Advair 250 and Singulair, and it really helps with my inflamation issues. Also, have you been tested for allergies? I found out that I was allergic to feathers, and I had been sleeping with a down comforter (no wonder I woke up feeling so bad!). Lastly, how are your sinuses? Your sinuses can have a big impact on your lung health, including inflamation.
Also, Alexander, you won't know what you are allergic to unless you have been tested (and a skin test is preferable to a blood test). And I had to try several different kinds of antihistamines before I found one that would work. Others I tried might as well have been sugar pills- they work great for other people, but were worthless for me.

Oh, and one last thing- GSH and NAC have helped alot with my inflamation too- if you do a search here, you will find a good bit of information on them.

I hope you find an answer soon.

 

[AnD]

(I thought I posted this hours ago, so most if not all of this may be covered)

Are you on any asthma medications? I take Advair 250 and Singulair, and it really helps with my inflamation issues. Also, have you been tested for allergies? I found out that I was allergic to feathers, and I had been sleeping with a down comforter (no wonder I woke up feeling so bad!). Lastly, how are your sinuses? Your sinuses can have a big impact on your lung health, including inflamation.
Also, Alexander, you won't know what you are allergic to unless you have been tested (and a skin test is preferable to a blood test). And I had to try several different kinds of antihistamines before I found one that would work. Others I tried might as well have been sugar pills- they work great for other people, but were worthless for me.

Oh, and one last thing- GSH and NAC have helped alot with my inflamation too- if you do a search here, you will find a good bit of information on them.

I hope you find an answer soon.

 

[AnD]

(I thought I posted this hours ago, so most if not all of this may be covered)
<br />
<br />Are you on any asthma medications? I take Advair 250 and Singulair, and it really helps with my inflamation issues. Also, have you been tested for allergies? I found out that I was allergic to feathers, and I had been sleeping with a down comforter (no wonder I woke up feeling so bad!). Lastly, how are your sinuses? Your sinuses can have a big impact on your lung health, including inflamation.
<br />Also, Alexander, you won't know what you are allergic to unless you have been tested (and a skin test is preferable to a blood test). And I had to try several different kinds of antihistamines before I found one that would work. Others I tried might as well have been sugar pills- they work great for other people, but were worthless for me.
<br />
<br />Oh, and one last thing- GSH and NAC have helped alot with my inflamation too- if you do a search here, you will find a good bit of information on them.
<br />
<br />I hope you find an answer soon.
<br />

 

[Alexander]

To Nightwriter:
Very interesting information. I will ask my doctor as soon as possible to do some allergy and asthma testing to make sure that these are not factors related to my abnormal low FEV1 levels.
Thank you very much!

To AnD:
I used Singulair tablets for about 3 weeks, but they havent changed anything. Advair 250 is unfamiliar to me, another thing to ask my doctor about.
About my sinuses: I did have polyps 3 times. But ever since my last polyp operation, which was about 8 years ago, i did not have any problems with my sinuses. In fact my ear, nose and throat doctor said that even in comparison with non-CF people I have really good sinuses.

Thanks for the info!
I really appreciate any given experience or/and recommondation on this topic!

 

[Alexander]

To Nightwriter:
Very interesting information. I will ask my doctor as soon as possible to do some allergy and asthma testing to make sure that these are not factors related to my abnormal low FEV1 levels.
Thank you very much!

To AnD:
I used Singulair tablets for about 3 weeks, but they havent changed anything. Advair 250 is unfamiliar to me, another thing to ask my doctor about.
About my sinuses: I did have polyps 3 times. But ever since my last polyp operation, which was about 8 years ago, i did not have any problems with my sinuses. In fact my ear, nose and throat doctor said that even in comparison with non-CF people I have really good sinuses.

Thanks for the info!
I really appreciate any given experience or/and recommondation on this topic!

 

[Alexander]

To Nightwriter:
Very interesting information. I will ask my doctor as soon as possible to do some allergy and asthma testing to make sure that these are not factors related to my abnormal low FEV1 levels.
Thank you very much!

To AnD:
I used Singulair tablets for about 3 weeks, but they havent changed anything. Advair 250 is unfamiliar to me, another thing to ask my doctor about.
About my sinuses: I did have polyps 3 times. But ever since my last polyp operation, which was about 8 years ago, i did not have any problems with my sinuses. In fact my ear, nose and throat doctor said that even in comparison with non-CF people I have really good sinuses.

Thanks for the info!
I really appreciate any given experience or/and recommondation on this topic!

 

[Alexander]

To Nightwriter:
Very interesting information. I will ask my doctor as soon as possible to do some allergy and asthma testing to make sure that these are not factors related to my abnormal low FEV1 levels.
Thank you very much!

To AnD:
I used Singulair tablets for about 3 weeks, but they havent changed anything. Advair 250 is unfamiliar to me, another thing to ask my doctor about.
About my sinuses: I did have polyps 3 times. But ever since my last polyp operation, which was about 8 years ago, i did not have any problems with my sinuses. In fact my ear, nose and throat doctor said that even in comparison with non-CF people I have really good sinuses.

Thanks for the info!
I really appreciate any given experience or/and recommondation on this topic!

 

[Alexander]

To Nightwriter:
<br />Very interesting information. I will ask my doctor as soon as possible to do some allergy and asthma testing to make sure that these are not factors related to my abnormal low FEV1 levels.
<br />Thank you very much!
<br />
<br />To AnD:
<br />I used Singulair tablets for about 3 weeks, but they havent changed anything. Advair 250 is unfamiliar to me, another thing to ask my doctor about.
<br />About my sinuses: I did have polyps 3 times. But ever since my last polyp operation, which was about 8 years ago, i did not have any problems with my sinuses. In fact my ear, nose and throat doctor said that even in comparison with non-CF people I have really good sinuses.
<br />
<br />Thanks for the info!
<br />I really appreciate any given experience or/and recommondation on this topic!

 

[Nightwriter]

Alexander,

I agree with Andee (whom I know I've agreed with before.) I take Singulair and have taken Adair (I take something that is the equivalent) which is part of the treatment to shrink the tissues. In fact I have used Singulair as an off-use treatment for shrinking nasal tissue, even avoiding extensive sinus suregery that I had scheduled. This was also my doctor's idea.

Just because you don't get instant relief from meds --although I have read on this site about people who have fast results -- doesn't mean they are not working. Of course it would depend upon the source of the inflammation. For some people, it can be even one thing that is the culprit. Like I told you, you can't take something for a short time and expect instant results and then decide it isn't for you. So if your doctor thought those medicines were right for you, you should stay on them. Not drop it after a few weeks. Some meds also build up in your system and work with lifestyle changes you make -- which I haven't even mentioned to you about yet.

Even though you have normal sinuses, asthma is irritated if you have nasal swelling and a post nasal drip. My doctor always says if you want to know how the lungs look, look at the nose and ears. For instance if I have bleeding in my lungs, sometimes the capilaries in the back of my throat are also bright red.

Are you aware of anything dripping down into your chest? And next time you go to your doctor ask if your nasal passages are red and/or swollen and the same goes for your eardrums. This is a typical sign of allergy. And doctors ignore this also.

The other thing that I left out is: even if for example you test negative for let's say pollen, it doesn't mean that that it doesn't bother you. It is a substance that irritates the lungs. Also, there are things that cause reactions up to 48 hours later. so sometimes people think they are getting sick out of nowhere, but if they look back for a day or two they can figure it out. I now can predict with dead-on accuracy when I am going to get sick a day or two later.

If you get skin testing, re-check the results 5 and a half hours later to see if you have a delayed reaction. Make sure they do the test with a histimine control. I once had someone do testing without, so the results were meaningless.

AnD, my doctor uses the blood test results in addition to skin testing. It's far too complicated for ME to explain. But it helps her determine if people are allergic or chemically sensitive and what kind of investigating it takes to get to the root of the exacerbations. Also I know that some people take Xolair on the basis of an IGE test (which I don't know that much about). But I agree with you on everything else. Lol.

 

[Nightwriter]

Alexander,

I agree with Andee (whom I know I've agreed with before.) I take Singulair and have taken Adair (I take something that is the equivalent) which is part of the treatment to shrink the tissues. In fact I have used Singulair as an off-use treatment for shrinking nasal tissue, even avoiding extensive sinus suregery that I had scheduled. This was also my doctor's idea.

Just because you don't get instant relief from meds --although I have read on this site about people who have fast results -- doesn't mean they are not working. Of course it would depend upon the source of the inflammation. For some people, it can be even one thing that is the culprit. Like I told you, you can't take something for a short time and expect instant results and then decide it isn't for you. So if your doctor thought those medicines were right for you, you should stay on them. Not drop it after a few weeks. Some meds also build up in your system and work with lifestyle changes you make -- which I haven't even mentioned to you about yet.

Even though you have normal sinuses, asthma is irritated if you have nasal swelling and a post nasal drip. My doctor always says if you want to know how the lungs look, look at the nose and ears. For instance if I have bleeding in my lungs, sometimes the capilaries in the back of my throat are also bright red.

Are you aware of anything dripping down into your chest? And next time you go to your doctor ask if your nasal passages are red and/or swollen and the same goes for your eardrums. This is a typical sign of allergy. And doctors ignore this also.

The other thing that I left out is: even if for example you test negative for let's say pollen, it doesn't mean that that it doesn't bother you. It is a substance that irritates the lungs. Also, there are things that cause reactions up to 48 hours later. so sometimes people think they are getting sick out of nowhere, but if they look back for a day or two they can figure it out. I now can predict with dead-on accuracy when I am going to get sick a day or two later.

If you get skin testing, re-check the results 5 and a half hours later to see if you have a delayed reaction. Make sure they do the test with a histimine control. I once had someone do testing without, so the results were meaningless.

AnD, my doctor uses the blood test results in addition to skin testing. It's far too complicated for ME to explain. But it helps her determine if people are allergic or chemically sensitive and what kind of investigating it takes to get to the root of the exacerbations. Also I know that some people take Xolair on the basis of an IGE test (which I don't know that much about). But I agree with you on everything else. Lol.

 

[Nightwriter]

Alexander,

I agree with Andee (whom I know I've agreed with before.) I take Singulair and have taken Adair (I take something that is the equivalent) which is part of the treatment to shrink the tissues. In fact I have used Singulair as an off-use treatment for shrinking nasal tissue, even avoiding extensive sinus suregery that I had scheduled. This was also my doctor's idea.

Just because you don't get instant relief from meds --although I have read on this site about people who have fast results -- doesn't mean they are not working. Of course it would depend upon the source of the inflammation. For some people, it can be even one thing that is the culprit. Like I told you, you can't take something for a short time and expect instant results and then decide it isn't for you. So if your doctor thought those medicines were right for you, you should stay on them. Not drop it after a few weeks. Some meds also build up in your system and work with lifestyle changes you make -- which I haven't even mentioned to you about yet.

Even though you have normal sinuses, asthma is irritated if you have nasal swelling and a post nasal drip. My doctor always says if you want to know how the lungs look, look at the nose and ears. For instance if I have bleeding in my lungs, sometimes the capilaries in the back of my throat are also bright red.

Are you aware of anything dripping down into your chest? And next time you go to your doctor ask if your nasal passages are red and/or swollen and the same goes for your eardrums. This is a typical sign of allergy. And doctors ignore this also.

The other thing that I left out is: even if for example you test negative for let's say pollen, it doesn't mean that that it doesn't bother you. It is a substance that irritates the lungs. Also, there are things that cause reactions up to 48 hours later. so sometimes people think they are getting sick out of nowhere, but if they look back for a day or two they can figure it out. I now can predict with dead-on accuracy when I am going to get sick a day or two later.

If you get skin testing, re-check the results 5 and a half hours later to see if you have a delayed reaction. Make sure they do the test with a histimine control. I once had someone do testing without, so the results were meaningless.

AnD, my doctor uses the blood test results in addition to skin testing. It's far too complicated for ME to explain. But it helps her determine if people are allergic or chemically sensitive and what kind of investigating it takes to get to the root of the exacerbations. Also I know that some people take Xolair on the basis of an IGE test (which I don't know that much about). But I agree with you on everything else. Lol.

 

[Nightwriter]

Alexander,

I agree with Andee (whom I know I've agreed with before.) I take Singulair and have taken Adair (I take something that is the equivalent) which is part of the treatment to shrink the tissues. In fact I have used Singulair as an off-use treatment for shrinking nasal tissue, even avoiding extensive sinus suregery that I had scheduled. This was also my doctor's idea.

Just because you don't get instant relief from meds --although I have read on this site about people who have fast results -- doesn't mean they are not working. Of course it would depend upon the source of the inflammation. For some people, it can be even one thing that is the culprit. Like I told you, you can't take something for a short time and expect instant results and then decide it isn't for you. So if your doctor thought those medicines were right for you, you should stay on them. Not drop it after a few weeks. Some meds also build up in your system and work with lifestyle changes you make -- which I haven't even mentioned to you about yet.

Even though you have normal sinuses, asthma is irritated if you have nasal swelling and a post nasal drip. My doctor always says if you want to know how the lungs look, look at the nose and ears. For instance if I have bleeding in my lungs, sometimes the capilaries in the back of my throat are also bright red.

Are you aware of anything dripping down into your chest? And next time you go to your doctor ask if your nasal passages are red and/or swollen and the same goes for your eardrums. This is a typical sign of allergy. And doctors ignore this also.

The other thing that I left out is: even if for example you test negative for let's say pollen, it doesn't mean that that it doesn't bother you. It is a substance that irritates the lungs. Also, there are things that cause reactions up to 48 hours later. so sometimes people think they are getting sick out of nowhere, but if they look back for a day or two they can figure it out. I now can predict with dead-on accuracy when I am going to get sick a day or two later.

If you get skin testing, re-check the results 5 and a half hours later to see if you have a delayed reaction. Make sure they do the test with a histimine control. I once had someone do testing without, so the results were meaningless.

AnD, my doctor uses the blood test results in addition to skin testing. It's far too complicated for ME to explain. But it helps her determine if people are allergic or chemically sensitive and what kind of investigating it takes to get to the root of the exacerbations. Also I know that some people take Xolair on the basis of an IGE test (which I don't know that much about). But I agree with you on everything else. Lol.

 

[Nightwriter]

Alexander,
<br />
<br />I agree with Andee (whom I know I've agreed with before.) I take Singulair and have taken Adair (I take something that is the equivalent) which is part of the treatment to shrink the tissues. In fact I have used Singulair as an off-use treatment for shrinking nasal tissue, even avoiding extensive sinus suregery that I had scheduled. This was also my doctor's idea.
<br />
<br />Just because you don't get instant relief from meds --although I have read on this site about people who have fast results -- doesn't mean they are not working. Of course it would depend upon the source of the inflammation. For some people, it can be even one thing that is the culprit. Like I told you, you can't take something for a short time and expect instant results and then decide it isn't for you. So if your doctor thought those medicines were right for you, you should stay on them. Not drop it after a few weeks. Some meds also build up in your system and work with lifestyle changes you make -- which I haven't even mentioned to you about yet.
<br />
<br />Even though you have normal sinuses, asthma is irritated if you have nasal swelling and a post nasal drip. My doctor always says if you want to know how the lungs look, look at the nose and ears. For instance if I have bleeding in my lungs, sometimes the capilaries in the back of my throat are also bright red.
<br />
<br />Are you aware of anything dripping down into your chest? And next time you go to your doctor ask if your nasal passages are red and/or swollen and the same goes for your eardrums. This is a typical sign of allergy. And doctors ignore this also.
<br />
<br />The other thing that I left out is: even if for example you test negative for let's say pollen, it doesn't mean that that it doesn't bother you. It is a substance that irritates the lungs. Also, there are things that cause reactions up to 48 hours later. so sometimes people think they are getting sick out of nowhere, but if they look back for a day or two they can figure it out. I now can predict with dead-on accuracy when I am going to get sick a day or two later.
<br />
<br />If you get skin testing, re-check the results 5 and a half hours later to see if you have a delayed reaction. Make sure they do the test with a histimine control. I once had someone do testing without, so the results were meaningless.
<br />
<br />AnD, my doctor uses the blood test results in addition to skin testing. It's far too complicated for ME to explain. But it helps her determine if people are allergic or chemically sensitive and what kind of investigating it takes to get to the root of the exacerbations. Also I know that some people take Xolair on the basis of an IGE test (which I don't know that much about). But I agree with you on everything else. Lol.