Anyone experience frequent colds?

I was diagnosed with asthma about 6 months ago. I started taking Advair, and then switched to Asmanex - both because my Dr. said Advair wasn't working, and because I'm not comfortable with the warnings. I also started Zyrtec a few weeks ago for allergies, and I'm seeing an allergist for tests in a few weeks.

For about the last 5 - 6 months, I've been getting cold symptoms about once a month (cough, sore throat, aches, vomiting, congestion, stuffy nose). My Dr. says it's because my asthma and allergies are not under control. I've never had an all out asthma attack. I was only having shortness of breath before, and that is controlled.

I take multivitamins every day, in addition to other supplements such as flax oil, grapeseed extract, etc. for my immune system. I've been sick the past week and don't seem to be getting any better.

Does anyone else get frequent colds due to asthma and allergies? I'm wondering if there is something else causing it, or if the asthma meds themselves are making me sick.

yes, when you have allergies that is an indication there is something wrong with your immune system and you are liable to pick up viruses, colds, the flu, etc. It can get a bit better with allergy shots, etc.

Mia84 - it sounds like you might be in the same situation as me.

We were both recently diagnosed with asthma and put on medications, and now getting sick a lot. I wonder if the asthma meds are making us sick or making us more susceptible to viruses.

I was having this problem until I started taking Vitamin D supplements daily. The amount in most multivitamins is not sufficient; I've seen two Endocrinologists who both said we need 2-4000IU/day Vitamin D. That's a lot more than the RDA (400IU). And the best form to use is cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), because it does not have to be converted in the body like ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) does.  So you might want to ask your doctor about Vitamin D.

Good luck,

MegCough- It does sound like we are very much in the same situation. I have not had a full blown asthma attack either. I have come close, but I experience a lot of shortness of breath and chest tightness. Allura is right that steriods do compromise your immune system so thats why we keep getting these colds. Hopefully our bodies get use to the meds and our immune system will strengthen. I can do this every month lol. Anytime I get around anyone that is a lil bit sick I seem to catch it and that not good. Especially since I will be working in a hospital soon.

Well its about the right time its been almost 2 months and yeap I have another cold. I have not been around anyone that has been sick. But it started with nasal congestion now its down in my chest. I need to cough but it hurts to and it even hurts to take a deep breath. My chest is just tight all together espcially along my back and left front chest.

Hiya,
I am a little unwell at the moment. Each time I get a cold, I always seem to get an infection. My head and ears feel blocked, i get asthma as well. I have had asthma for a long time , but have only been recently diagnosed. My cold always seems to go on my chest and it gets to my head. Any one know why a cold always develops into an infection? Does anyone else have their head bunged up when they have a cold. For normal cold symptoms you can buy menthol crystals from the chemist which you dissolve in hot water and smell the vapours but be careful to not use boiling water and also be careful in case you are allergic to this substance. Menthol crystals give you a soothing effect.

Allura said...
If I'm not mistaken, your taking steriods...Advair, Asmanex. The fact that your taking a steriod compromises your immune system and leaves you more suseptible to colds and flu's. You should have a flu shot every year and make sure your doctor knows ALL the medications your taking including flaxseed and grapeseed oils. Steriods effect the adrenal glands and many supplements may interfear with their function.

Right on! Whenever I'm on steroids, I found I came down with everything from Thrush to Bronchitis.

No colds but my allergies to ragweed are diving me nuts,lol.(short trip)