Update on Mom's Asthma

Two quick things:

• First of all, I doubled my Asmanex dose, so now I'm doing two puffs in the AM and in the PM.Within 48 hours of dose-doubling, my cough pretty much stopped completely - despite the fact that I seem to have a head cold. Pretty impressive. Still need albuterol from time to time (like right now, in fact), but sooooo much better!
• Secondly, I found this article on cough-variant asthma, and it's seems 100% like what I've got. Cold air and strong smells are definitely among my biggest triggers, and I don't think I've ever wheezed.

The timing for the sudden improvement is pretty fortuitous. I have a singing gig every Friday night in March, and I was in no shape to perform. The big concern: My accompanist has about 5,000 cats, and his whole house does kinda reek of cat pee. Should make for a fun rehearsal. I'll definitely bring the MDI!

Doubling the Asmanex

Just a quickie update - Peak flow hasn't exceeded 420, and I've been coughing my HEAD OFF.

The pulmonologist told me to try doubling the Asmanex - 2 puffs in the AM, 2 at night.

Hope it works, because I'm actually *sore* from coughing.

...quick question for you more experienced asthmatics...does the cough ever start with an itch or tickle in your throat? I'm congested today, and the cough seems to start there, but then it's pretty convulsive and nonstop, and I typically end up (embarassignly) gagging. Horrible!!!

That was dumb.

I was doing so well... until Monday night. I thought the kitchen smelled funny, so I lit a scented candle.

And then I wondered why the Asmanex and albuterol weren't working anymore. Oh...because, apparently, vanilla-scented candles are a trigger for me.

I haven't broken 410 on the peak flow meter since Monday, but at least the coughing is starting to let up again....

I'll learn!

Peak Flow Today

About 430. And no coughing. Hmmm.....

Coughing has just about stopped...

...just like the doctor said! He said Saturday, and it's Sunday, and I'm not coughing!!

Peak flow: Just over 400. Still lower than it should be.

Mom's Peak Flow Meter

OK, so I got my peak flow meter today.

Here are my benchmarks:

I should be around 471 if I'm healthy, according the chart that came with the meter. (It's a PDF)

I'm blowing about 400 right now. Would we make that....yellow?

Admittedly, I was still questioning whether this asthma or chronic post nasal drip (I *love* denial! And I never had reason to believe that I was asthmatic) but I guess daily peak flow tests will make me a believer.

If I'm anywhere near 465 two weeks from now, I'll buy into the diagnosis.

Meanwhile, I'll try to remember to post my scores every day.

I have asthma.

I was diagnosed by a pulmonologist yesterday.

I think I caught it from my kids. ;-)