I have asthma and been hospitalized after infections. I remembered one thing

[Maraya1969]

that helps me greatly. First I have been having some symptoms for a few months - could be allergies, I don't know. But the doctor prescribed some prednisone and I've had my nebulizer out, taking it as needed.

Yesterday I remembered my good old vaporizer and set it up next to me. Today I feel great!!!!!

I can't believe I forget these things after having this issue all my life but I do. It completely loosens mucus and lets you cough up easily

I've also never been hospitalized where they have a vaporizer set up in my room.

I'm sharing in case anyone else with lung problems wants to stay ahead of the game. (I have a cool vaporizer and I clean it with very hot water and soap and sometimes I spray alcohol in areas that I can get to)

[Leghorn21]

1. So glad you not only *remembered* to plug in your good ole vaporizer, but that it actually

WORKED and made you feel better, Maraya!!

Sure hope this post reminds other DUers how great a little “vaping” can be!!

[uppityperson]

2. If you think you may have covid-19 and use a nebulizer

Use it in a room by yourself because it aersolozes your breathing out and can widely spread the virus. As a nurse in a facility, we now wear gown, mask, goggles to protect ourselves.

If your child uses one, please contact your local or state Dept of Health to ask their advice.

[evilhime]

3. It's true

From everything i have read dry indoor air is the friend of these bugs, not just COVID-19 ... I keep a humidifier by my bed. Even bowls with water around the house are good since as they evaporate it puts more moisture into the air.

[IronLionZion]

4. Good reminder. Glad it worked for you

I have a vaporizer I haven't used in years since DC is so humid. But if I am to spend a lot of time indoors, it may help.

So far my hyperactive airway disease has been under control. I know that if it flares up now, people will think I have COVID from the nasty coughing. I have some generic singulair for when that happens but it takes several days to show results. And my albuterol inhaler in the mean time.

[TryLogic]

5. I'm not a doctor, but I strongly recommend avoiding prednisone to the maximum extent possible.

For asthma try drinking lots of purified water - water with no chlorine, etc. Stay well hydrated with clean water.

[Duppers]

8. Exactly!

Prednisone is an immune suppressor. Good for allergies but definitely not for infections if your body's fighting one.

[Maraya1969]

9. I do agree with you. It is just that it was getting bad and the inhalers and nebulizers

were not helping too much. I actually take less than the doctor prescribes; a lot less and for a shorter period of time. I only took it for about 4 days and I think I'm done today. If I don't need it I won't take it.

Prednisone is a wonder drug and a horrible drug all in one little package.

[GitRDun]

6. I'm a life long asthmatic as well

I have found a food "remedy" that has been invaluable to me.

I use a Ninja bullet and blend 1 tomato, 1 clove garlic, and some celery.

I do at least 1, sometimes 2 a day. Tastes like tomato juice.

If I do this daily, asthma is almost non-existent.

If you look up health benefits of these foods, they all have anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Just wanted to pass along.

Good health to you.

[Maraya1969]

10. Thank you! I used to eat garlic oil pills all the time and they help.

I also have V8 which I put cayenne and black pepper and that helps too. Spicy things seem to have a mucus dissolving effect.

[fierywoman]

7. If we don't have a vaporizer at home, we can use a pot of boiling water, sit over it with

a towel over your head and breathe in for 5-10 minutes?

[Maraya1969]

11. I think that is the original vaporizer! Go for it!

[Amaryllis]

16. YEs. You can also put essential oils in it if you have them.

[fierywoman]

19. Also Himalayan pink salt, I heard.

[wnylib]

12. PREDNISONE CAUTION RE: INFECTIONS

Prednisone weakens the immune system.

I also have asthma and multiple allergies. Took Prednisone for a different reason for 2 years. Side effect was I never felt better on the asthma and allergies. Still have some left so I checked reliable med sources online to see if it would help protect against coronavirus. ALL the sources said that Prednisone weakens the immune system, making people more vulnerable to infections.

Weakened immune system is a red flag caution/warning for getting the most serious cases of coronavirus if infected.

My PA advised me to take a 24 hour antihistamine like Claritin (or cheaper generic) every day to reduce allergic chest congestion. Antihistamines do not weaken the immune system.

I am not a medical professional so check with your doctor on whether Prednisone is advisable now during the coronavirus crisis.

[Maraya1969]

13. Thank you for this. I really appreciate your concern. Having asthma like I have for

my entire life it is often a weighing of the good verses the bad. Occasionally you need prednisone because it can literally save your life if your lungs are closing up. And I know that the way it works is to shut down your immune system response, (inflammation etc.)

I have been given antibiotics and prednisone at times. It seems like a crazy combination but sometimes that is just how it has to be.

I do understand about prednisones effect on the immune system. That is why I am isolating and if I have to go out I wear a mask and stay away from people.

Plus I only took it for 4 days and I'm off today.

But I really appreciate that you care.

[wnylib]

14. You're a step ahead of me

in understanding the risk of infection from taking Prednisone. I only learned about it very recently when I wondered if it would be a useful anti-inflammatory if I got coronavirus. Or to clear up lung inflammation ahead of time to prevent it.

Lifelong allergies and chest congestion here. Absurdly numerous, including foods, meds, skin contact, and pollens. Developed asthma in early teens but it has always bern allergen specific, e.g. fungi, rabbit fur, certain pollens, and viruses. Yes, there is such a syndrome. Viral bronchitis produces some serious attacks for me.

Know what you mean about balancing meds and treatments. I'm off Prednisone now, but while I was on it, it affected another med which had to be adjusted.

So, like you, I am being very cautious, and a bit nervous now that covid is confirmed not far from me.

Take care and good luck.

[Amaryllis]

15. You can also boil a pan of water and lean over it and put a towel over your head. Put it on a table

with a hot pad under it once it boils and sti down and lean over it.

[Maraya1969]

17. Yes that works too. One thing about the vaporizer though is I have been sitting next

to it for over a day now, even sleeping on the couch some and I've gone through 2 fillups. That's a lot of humidity in the air right now and it is constant.

But I have a condition that calls for it.

[Amaryllis]

18. Vaporizer is best but if you dont have one the pan of water trick can really help.