Archive for July, 2009

Joyce: Have there been any studies or does anyone know whether there is any additive effect or even synergistic effect if you are on both oral and nasal steroid inhalants? Like how great would the risk of glaucoma become, for example? Dr. Stempel: First off, I think you're talking about an article that appeared ... Full story

Relationship between asthma and reflux Paul: Is there a cause-and-effect relationship between asthma and reflux? Dr. Shapiro: Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, means acid coming up from the stomach, and in some people it causes constriction in the bronchial tubes. For some people that is a very important component of asthma, and for many people it's not. So it's an ... Full story

Andrew: Dr. Lieberman, especially when it comes to asthma, what is the price, particularly in children, of not seeking treatment early enough? Are there long-term effects that could be prevented? Dr. Lieberman: You've just hit upon my very favorite topic. ... Full story

Dick: As you have pointed out, we now have years of data to look at and rely upon. What do these medications do? What's the mechanism for some of these medications that have demonstrated effectiveness with MS? Dr. Galetta: We have many thoughts about how ... Full story

Rick: How do you know which inhalers are right for you? Previously, he had a doctor prescribe Ventolin, but his understanding is that Ventolin is not used to prevent attacks but is an emergency, quick-fix sort of drug. Dr. Stempel: There are two classes of medications. One are those emergency, quick fix or what's ... Full story

Andrew: There's a similar question that we got from Patty in Idaho, who simply e-mailed us. She also wanted to know about permanent damage. So that remains a concern for people, but it's not one that you in the profession are worried about, really. I mean, you said the oral ones are short-term, as far as steroids, but the inhaled corticosteroids or even these nasal ... Full story

Andrew: It's important to look at the whole picture. And I know I've heard this term that you specialists use, "airway remodeling," and let's see if I get this right for our audience. That's what you're talking about, the damage, really permanent damage, to the lungs if the asthma is not controlled, permanent changes are ... Full story

Dr. Galetta: Before we start, there are two important points I'd like to make regarding treatment. First, patients who are doing well on treatment should continue their treatment. That is, if you're doing well on Avonex, stay on Avonex. If you're doing well on Betaseron, stay on Betaseron. If you're doing well on Copaxone, stay ... Full story

Andrew: Let's bring on a parent. Bev is joining us from Fort Worth, Texas. Bev, thank you for being on our program. Bev: Well, thank you. Andrew: And I understand your 18-year-old son has been dealing with asthma for many years. Is that right? Bev: Yes, ... Full story

Siobhan: My 6-year-old son and I both use Rhinocort, and I'm concerned about the side-effects. I've read conflicting reports about it affecting the growth of children. I'm also wondering about weight gain for adults and children. Andrew: We've had so many questions about sort of an alphabet soup of drugs. Is Rhinocort one of these inhaled? Dr. Shapiro: It is a ... Full story