Archive for August, 2009

Jeff: Dr. Kraemer, what is your opinion on the routine use of full pulmonary function testing for all asthma patients regardless of disease severity, versus simple reliance upon peak flow meter readings. And, what potential impact do you think the introduction of an inhaled corticosteroid might have on a patient with less than optimal lung function? ... Full story

Dick: Starting an ABC medication, I would have to imagine is also for a patient a difficult step. What advice do you give patients when they are just diagnosed with MS? And then, how do you help them choose which medication may be right for them? Dr. Stefoski: ... Full story

Shelly: My question is, how likely is my child to outgrow his asthma? Rick: Tell us about your child. How old is he? Shelly: Right now he's 9. Rick:... Full story

Nancy: My 4-year-old daughter has asthma. When she has a virus for 3 to 4 days she gets a cough that sounds like croup, only while she's awake. It's constant; 10-15 coughs a minute, and a nebulizer doesn't seem to give much relief. No retractions. Only Prelone for 2-3 days seems to help. Suggest anything? ... Full story

Dick: People with MS may experience relapses or have these exacerbations that we've been talking about. How are they treated, and do you agree that that may not be the primary consideration? Dr. Stefoski: Relapses, exacerbations, or "attacks" of MS, if you will, are important. ... Full story

Alois:When my 8-year-old is in her allergy season or winter season when I know she's going to have a hard time, we'll have her use her nebulizer sometimes three to four times a day, with something like Cromolyn, and Rescue medicine also. And when she's having this coughing, how can I tell that the nebulizer ... Full story

Jody: I was diagnosed with asthma a year-and-a-half ago by a pulmonologist and notice that when my asthma symptoms appear - difficult breathing and a tight chest - I am prone to getting tachycardia fairly easily. Is this common with asthma? I told my pulmonologist at my initial visit and he sent me home with a ... Full story

Dick: And then progressive disabilities, which of course 48% of patients said was the most important to them? Dr. Skeen: Absolutely. In my opinion, there's a little differentiation between the medications, at least in terms of the data that we have available to us. In ... Full story

Cheryl: First let me just say I do have a five-year-old son who within the past year has been recently diagnosed as having asthma. My question is actually two-part. First, how effective is overall allergy testing, and second, would it be recommended for a young child like that? Dr. Stempel:... Full story

Nick: I was diagnosed with environmental asthma. The treatment has been going on for two years now with Flonase, Serevent, Flovent, theopylline and Singulair. The problem still persists and goes on for days with peak flow down to 190 and wheezing. Is there another approach or medication that is available for severe asthma attacks? I have ... Full story