How can asthma be managed when uncontrollable cough leads to respiratory failure?
Patient: I am a 60 yr old female diagnoised with asthma as a child. had no asthma problems for 50 yrs. 10 months ago i was in a departmemnt store and something triggered it. Uncontrolled coughing the ability to take air in but not expell it caused my lungs to constrict and close causing complete resp. failure. I had to be intubated, was unable to breathe on my own. was on life support for 2-3 days. couple of weeks after discharge i was suppose to see a lung Dr. but before that could happen my husband was let go at work causing use to loose our ins. he was off work 7 mths. It was a struggle to pay for medications alot of them we couldn t. i quess what i need to know is how to posssibly keep myself safe until i can afford to see a lung doctor Doctor: HiThanks for positng your query on HCM.I have read and undewrstood your concern.Sorry to hear what you have gone through.Asthma is an illness where prevention and long term control are very important to avoid attacks.While waiting to see the Lung specialist, i will advise you try the following:-Get a Long-term asthma control medication like Seretide (fluticasone and salmeterol) for daily use.-Quick-relief (rescue) medication like albuterol for use when attack or when you feel symptoms.-Use your air conditioner-Decontaminate your decor-Maintain optimal humidity-Get regular exercise-Maintain a healthy weight-Monitor your breathing-Identify and treat attacks earlyThese may help till you see your Lung specialist.You may write back if more concerns.Wish you good healthDr Mbuomboh