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crohn's and asthma- anyone?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 3/21/2011 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
Just have a question about the steroid inhaler they want me to start using....I'm concerned about the risk of more steroids, since I have to take them from time to time for the crohn's. Does anyone know if inhaled steroids have the same risks and side effects?

Thanks!
Posted 3/21/2011 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
I do not know if they do. I was Dx with asthma 3 years before CD and I have been on and off steroid inhalers thru the years. One thing to be careful of though is some inhalers use lactose for some reason (might be accelerant or so the mix doesnt cake not sure) so if lactose intolerant let your doctors know your pharmacy too
Posted 3/21/2011 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hello.  I'm brand-spankin' new here but wanted to chime in.  I am an asthmatic and take Pulmicort 90mcg twice daily for maintenance (have taken this for the past 3.5 years).  I am also on 9mg of Entecort for the Crohn's.  My Dr's (GI and GP) have assured me it's fine.  It's a leap of faith, really.  wink

 

Posted 3/21/2011 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I used an inhaler when I was young and was never told of it having the same side effects that prednisone has, but a friend of mine was just told that he is having some medical/mental problems as a side effect of taking inhaled steriods for many years for asthma.  So, maybe it depends on how much, what kind you are taking and for how long. 

Posted 3/21/2011 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have asthma, I was on Advair for 6 years. Was told it was fine that the dosage is not enough to cause any major problems. I haven't had any problems because of it that I know of. I have been off of it now for maybe a year.
Posted 3/21/2011 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Asthma inhalers act locally, with very very small systemic absorption. You should absolutely use your inhaler to control your asthma.
Posted 3/21/2011 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with kazbern, the steroid in the asthma inhalers is in much smaller doses and a different steroid to the one prescribed for CD so you can take it as directed by your doctor. Incidentally, I have to take a totally different steroid for low blood pressure, fludrocortisone, and this doesn't interfere with CD meds or have same effect as it is in much lower dose and is there to just keep by blood pressure up or it drops to unregisterable limits.
Posted 3/21/2011 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I'm having this debate in my head about whether I really need it. I definitely have problems when I do dusty cleaning. There are quite a few nights where I notice a little wheezing sound when I lie down in bed, but it's minor. Not sure it's enough to need a maintenance med. Think I will contact my regular doc today, as I did this through a phone appointment with a doc on call over the weekend.
Posted 3/21/2011 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
Heatmiser, you should see your DR to discuss asthma. I don't think it's something that you can diagnose over the phone. It took a couple of years of spring time coughing for me to get diagnosed finally, and that came about when I woke up at 2 am feeling like my husband was sitting on my chest (he wasn't, LOL!). Asthma is an inflammatory response, and like your Crohn's, can get totally out of control if it is not treated.

Maintenance meds are necessary because most people become tolerant of the rescue inhalers pretty fast. You cannot use albuterol every 4 hours and expect to be able to breath well after the first day or so of that. A steroid inhaler reduces the histamine response to whatever is triggering your asthma and reduces or eliminates your need for albuterol.
Posted 3/22/2011 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
I've been meaning to go in and see my doc but the asthma has been mild compared to all my other issues. I think I've been in a little denial that I really have it because I just don't want to have any more chronic stuff and more prescriptions. You guys get that, I know.
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