Did a search and found Moja's comments. I am newly diagnosed with asthma and am thinking through what I'd need to know for next trip.

All advice/input appreciated. Apparently it's been more than just colds/allergies since being a kid in Ethiopia. Until recent ER visit I was never clued in to the full-blown scenario.

Marc, I promise not to needle you about you-know-what. (Truly appreciate having your DVD's.)

What I do now (as a doc and a newly diagnosed asthma sufferer) is first off talk to your regular physician. Being at optimal breathing before you start is essential, it can only get worse when you are away.

Bring your rescue inhaler and a spare one (albuterol is the norm)

Bring your preventative inhaler and a spare and use it. (usually a steroid inhaler)

Bring some allergy pills (antihistamines- benadryl, claritin, whatever) and use if needed.

Get a prescription for some prednisone, and get the pills. Get guidance from your doc about when to take them, if needed.

If you are a bad asthmatic, bring your nebulizer and any meds you use in it, and a car battery adapter (12V). Tell your PH about it, have it in the car, and make dang sure he knows how to get you on it if things are getting bad.

Stay the heck away from any tobacco smoke/smoking.

If you can avoid other smoke, do so. Ditto with any known allergies.

Make sure you have medical rescue insurance.

Some of this is overkill, but its best to be prepared.

I appreciate your thoroughness. I'm probably just a borderline asthmatic/allergy sufferer, but the diagnosis makes so much sense of my past. Prednisone is the devil for me (behavior, blood pressure) and with jet lag would mean no sleep at all. I have everything except the albuterol and Monday will see to that -- still bubbling in my chest disturbing sleep despite benzonatate.

Barry

Typically the prednisone is used only if things are bad and getting worse. It has all kinds of side effects, but it can be the only thing you can do at times.

Your doc should talk to you about peak flows and a written asthma action plan. Basically, you monitor your severity and treat at his recommendation based on your numbers.

No more bubbling -- albuterol and pulmonologist' tech trained me to use inhalers right (at Pressure Flow Test). In five months we will Cat-scan again yo check a "node" he didn't like.

I see a revisit to Africa sooner than later. Unfinished business and the wife NEEDS a zebra.

Thanx

I'm 72 and have had asthma all my life. Almost died with it when I was 5.
Thank God for modern drugs. I have not had an attack in 35 years.
My doc has me on Theo-24 and Singulair tab once a day. When I leave town, I carry my pocket Abuterol Inhaler. Have never needed the inhaler on my out of town trips.
Hope this helps.

MauserK98

Cold still sets me back. Have to see how jumping from Houston heat-humidity --> Port Elizabeth cold-and-dry (then back again) affects me. Starting to practice Afrikaans and Xhosa phrases again so it's fun.

Cheers!

I would do what your doctors have told you. A lot of guys ask for help on AR but medical stuff needs to be answered by real doctors.

Whatever asthma does to you, do not let it stop you living your life.