Bronchial Thermoplasty Still Looks Good, Five Years On
At the AAAAI annual meeting, researchers presented results showing none of their 5-year study participants required hospitalization while receiving bronchial thermoplasty treatments. Plus, researchers recorded only 5 ER visits during those years.
Bronchial thermoplasty involves using radio waves to burn off smooth muscle fiber in the bronchioles, limiting bronchospasms for asthmatics. Right now, scientists are studying the procedure for patients who can’t get good asthma control any other way.
EPA Cuts Diesel Pollution
This is good news for everyone, especially people with lung disorders, but it still doesn’t make up for that smog decision.
Antibiotics Just Don’t Seem to Help Sinus Infections
So what are you waiting for? Start using the nasal washes instead. Seriously, I swear by them.
Asthma Control with Singulair
While I wrote about asthma control with inhaled steroids in the tab above, one other option for preventative medication is leukotriene modifiers like Singulair. Check out Rick’s explanation this week.
DS was dx’d with a sinus infection on Friday. I told the NP that I had read that antibiotics aren’t needed, and she looked at me like I’d grown another head. Then told me I didn’t HAVE to take the Rx, but his cough would get worse, and he’d feel bad much longer….. grr. How can I not take it when they put it like that?? I totally agree with the saline nose washes, and have been doing a smaller saline squirt with the boy for the last few days, but did start the antibiotics. How can we change the attitude of the medical staff re:antibiotics?
-lpnmon
This is SUCH a good question, especially when we keep hearing about how some drs. don’t like to be told, “Well, you’re wrong. The Internet says so.” (In a polite way, of course.)
On the other hand, there’s not a dr. out there who can keep track of every single bit of research and news in every area of health, you know?
Plus, with everything I’ve read about antibiotic overuse contributing to superbugs and pediatricians feeling powerless in the face of militant parents demanding prescriptions for every little sniffle, I’d think they’d be ECSTATIC to encounter parents who are willing to try forgoing them.
The only answer I’ve come up with so far is to print out Internet information (but only from reputable sites) and bring it along to appointments. That, and I’ve told more than one dr., “No, I’m just not doing that. Sorry.” Which always makes me nervous they’ll think I’m a crackpot or a neglectful parent.
How about it, readers? Anyone else have suggestions?
Hey, just want you to know once more I appreciate the plug as always. One problem I find with Singulair is the cost. Between Singulari and Advair, I pay about $700 a year. I can completely understand why some people might not be able to try it — and that’s with health insurance.
Responding to the above comments. That’s exactly why I think it’s important to stay up on all the recent medical information. To be honest, I have the same problem with my doctor. I recommended Advair and Singulair 10 years ago, and I just started Advair 1 yr ago, and Singulair 3 weeks ago.
These medicines are working so well I almost forget I have asthma now. So, my point is, don’t be afraid to be persistent with your doctor. At the same time, understand where he is coming from.
Sure, my pleasure.
And I like the way you put those last 2 sentences. One thing I hope people do—and I’m guilty of not doing this myself—is tell their doctors why they’re changing to a new practice. If I encounter a physician who just won’t communicate with me then I should say, “I’m going to another practice b/c I don’t feel like I’m being listened to in this one” so the doctor maybe makes an effort to do a better job with the next patient. (Assuming, of course, that I’ve been polite and respectful w/my requests.)