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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - Does this sound right??
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<blockquote data-quote="susiestar" data-source="post: 442267" data-attributes="member: 1233"><p>Sounds very reasonable and it is highly probably that the decongestant and antihistamine are doing their job. I would add mucinex to the list as ti works differently. Antihistamines dry up the amt of mucus. with-o a decongestant they can cause real sinus problems because things can get too dry. Decongestants thin out the mucus, making it easier to get it out via coughing, sneezing, runny nose, etc.... Mucinex is an expectorant and makes the mucus less sticky. This means it is easier to get out because it isn't clinging to the body as much. This is why I would add it in times where allergies are bad or you have any slight cough/cold symptoms. The generic versions are fine but be aware that they are not extended release the way mucinex is. So you may need to take it a few times a day when things are bad. Or it might be enough to take it 1-2 times a day in spite of the 4-6 hr repeat dose schedule, it depends on your body.</p><p></p><p>Given that, I would still see if during a cold or bronchitis you can get the VA to give you a nebulizer. It will help when you have bronchitis and can put off more constant problems. The nebulizer machine should last for many years as infrequently as you would need it. At least get an inhaler of albuterol to use when you get a cold or bronchitis. YOu will be astounded at the difference it will make. There is a newer medication called xopenex that works like albuterol but it is a lot more expensive. An albuterol inhaler has about 200 puffs, each dose is 2 puffs, so when used for colds it could last a year or more. Our pharmacy charges $15 for an inhaler if you don't have insurance, so it is quite reasonable priced even if the VA won't pay. It is also esp handy to have on hand for sudden allergy attacks, like the one I had when I walked past some smokers (as described in my earlier reply).</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="susiestar, post: 442267, member: 1233"] Sounds very reasonable and it is highly probably that the decongestant and antihistamine are doing their job. I would add mucinex to the list as ti works differently. Antihistamines dry up the amt of mucus. with-o a decongestant they can cause real sinus problems because things can get too dry. Decongestants thin out the mucus, making it easier to get it out via coughing, sneezing, runny nose, etc.... Mucinex is an expectorant and makes the mucus less sticky. This means it is easier to get out because it isn't clinging to the body as much. This is why I would add it in times where allergies are bad or you have any slight cough/cold symptoms. The generic versions are fine but be aware that they are not extended release the way mucinex is. So you may need to take it a few times a day when things are bad. Or it might be enough to take it 1-2 times a day in spite of the 4-6 hr repeat dose schedule, it depends on your body. Given that, I would still see if during a cold or bronchitis you can get the VA to give you a nebulizer. It will help when you have bronchitis and can put off more constant problems. The nebulizer machine should last for many years as infrequently as you would need it. At least get an inhaler of albuterol to use when you get a cold or bronchitis. YOu will be astounded at the difference it will make. There is a newer medication called xopenex that works like albuterol but it is a lot more expensive. An albuterol inhaler has about 200 puffs, each dose is 2 puffs, so when used for colds it could last a year or more. Our pharmacy charges $15 for an inhaler if you don't have insurance, so it is quite reasonable priced even if the VA won't pay. It is also esp handy to have on hand for sudden allergy attacks, like the one I had when I walked past some smokers (as described in my earlier reply). [/QUOTE]
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