Help me figure out what's wrong with me!

[Hoot]

I have been sick since October with some sort of chest/bronchial junk that just won't go away.

 

I first went to urgent care in October with a sore throat, a persistent and barking cough, fever, chills etc. The fever and chills only lasted 24 hrs but the rest has persisted. On top of that, I've added wheezing to the list of symptoms.

 

I have been to the doctor 5 times, had 2 rounds of blood work done, and 2 chest x-rays (negative for pneumonia). I've been diagnosed with allergies, asthma, bronchitis, Tracheitis, and a sinus infection. The blood work also revealed that I am anemic and have low D3 levels, which made sense since I was incredibly exhausted all the time even before getting sick.

 

I've been on 3 antibiotics, prescription cough meds w/codeine, steroids, and 2 types of inhalers. For the last month or two the inhalers do absolutely nothing for the wheezing. At one point I was taking the rescue inhaler 2 - 3 times a day with zero results.

 

The standard seems to be that I am better for a day or two after starting the antibiotic and then go right back to everything being exactly the same or worse for the duration of the meds and beyond.

 

Anyone else deal with this? Any thoughts on what could be going on here? Anything I should ask my doctor to do? I'm just about at the end of my rope. I've coughed so much that I've broken blood vessels I my eye, broken out in some sort of 12 hr rash/hives that seems to be related to an infection, and I can't even laugh without going into a coughing fit that makes my husband wonder if I'll stop breathing.

 

This is driving me crazy.

 

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[Jen in NY]

Not to go straight to a 'worst case scenario', but have you been tested for TB?

[Hoot]

Not to go straight to a 'worst case scenario', but have you been tested for TB?

Not recently. I didn't even think that was really a concern in the US.

 

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[Reflections]

Oh, boy.  That sounds awful.  And you must feel so discouraged.   :grouphug:   You've been sick for a long time and that can just set you up to just feel "unwell" for a long time.  

 

Off the top of my head, I would encourage you to: buy Floradix (iron supplement) and take it with 1 gram of Vitamin C, get some vitamin D drops and double up on the dosage, and get a multi vitamin that has dha in it.  

 

I would also get thyself somewhere to be tested for asthma, because an inhaler, if you have asthma, is not enough.  Rescue inhalers are just that.  You'll need to be on a daily maintenance drug, like Singulair/Montelukast.  

 

There are studies that suggest that coughs are most often helped by honey over most cough medicines.  Lots of people have had fantastic results with vicks vapor rub applied to their feet, too.  Plus, a humidifier that you run in your room at night.  

 

Other than that, I would make sure to follow up with your doctor right after each course of antibiotics - even if the doctor doesn't explicitly tell you to do that.   And make it a priority to rest. 

 

It's very possible that you have had multiple illnesses invade your body.  That's happened to me a couple of times that left me sick for months.  And once, a whole year.  

 

 

[Reflections]

Not recently. I didn't even think that was really a concern in the US.

 

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For certain professions and in certain communities it is a deep concern even in the US.  However, you've had an xray, it would have shown up there.

[Jean in Newcastle]

I was on antibiotics for 7 months straight last year and 6 months straight the year before.  Are you going to an ENT?  I would get a nasal rinse bottle (I use the Neil Med ones) and I would use it religiously morning and night.  I would take strong probiotics two hours apart from the antibiotics and would continue even after the antibiotics are done.  (I like the Renew Life brand - Ultimate Flora - Critical care ones.)  I would get vitamin D3 (not the prescription d2) and would take 10,000 a day.  (Vitamin D levels do need to be monitored since you can get too high and they are not flushed out of your system). 

[mommymonster]

This may be **way** off base, but my sister had very similar symptoms and was diagnosed with allergies and asthma. Unfortunately, none of her prescriptions resolved her symptoms. After much frustration, she ended up being diagnosed with severe acid reflux. She never had heartburn or other indications that acid reflux could be a problem. 

 

In any case, it might be worthwhile to add reflux as something to chat with a doctor about.

[Hoot]

 

 

Oh, boy. That sounds awful. And you must feel so discouraged. :grouphug: You've been sick for a long time and that can just set you up to just feel "unwell" for a long time.

 

Off the top of my head, I would encourage you to: buy Floradix (iron supplement) and take it with 1 gram of Vitamin C, get some vitamin D drops and double up on the dosage, and get a multi vitamin that has dha in it.

 

I would also get thyself somewhere to be tested for asthma, because an inhaler, if you have asthma, is not enough. Rescue inhalers are just that. You'll need to be on a daily maintenance drug, like Singulair/Montelukast.

 

There are studies that suggest that coughs are most often helped by honey over most cough medicines. Lots of people have had fantastic results with vicks vapor rub applied to their feet, too. Plus, a humidifier that you run in your room at night.

 

Other than that, I would make sure to follow up with your doctor right after each course of antibiotics - even if the doctor doesn't explicitly tell you to do that. And make it a priority to rest.

 

It's very possible that you have had multiple illnesses invade your body. That's happened to me a couple of times that left me sick for months. And once, a whole year.

I'm actually already on a multi-vitamin, 5,000 iu of D3, 800 mcg of folic acid, 1,000 mg fish oil, and Floradix.

 

I've been using medicinal/herbal teas though I haven't done honey. I'll give that a try.

 

I definitely do have asthma; I was diagnosed about 15 yrs ago. It's incredibly mild though. I used an as needed inhaler for about a year and then haven't needed one since. The inhalers they gave me this time around included a twice daily everyday plus a rescue. Neither were working.

 

I've used Vicks on my feet in the past and that does help with nighttime coughing, though I actually don't even have a problem when I'm sleeping now. In the beginning I did though and it was helpful.

 

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[Liz CA]

Not recently. I didn't even think that was really a concern in the US.

 

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It can be. There are still ways to contract it. A sputum sample would confirm it or rule it out.

 

[Hoot]

This may be **way** off base, but my sister had very similar symptoms and was diagnosed with allergies and asthma. Unfortunately, none of her prescriptions resolved her symptoms. After much frustration, she ended up being diagnosed with severe acid reflux. She never had heartburn or other indications that acid reflux could be a problem.

 

In any case, it might be worthwhile to add reflux as something to chat with a doctor about.

Oh it's interesting that you say that. I've had quite a bit of heartburn during all of this, too, which is quite unusual for me.

 

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[Hoot]

A CT scan might be helpful. My issue showed up on CT but not on x-ray.

 

I'd be insisting on further investigation. Course after course of a/bs, and your asthma treatment not working - something's up.

Good idea on the CT Scan. I hadn't thought of that.

 

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[Guest]

Careful with too much vitamin d, it's known to be immunosuppressive and can worsen your chance of fighting infections. 500-1000iu daily is MORE than enough for most people, even up here in the darkness and cold. Mega loading does more harm than good. Even with lower blood levels I'd be cautious of too much synthetic D at once. Slow and steady wins that race if you're already prone to immune weakness, IYKWIM?

 

Zinc, c, chlorophyll, probiotics, TONS of sleep. Those should not worsen your situation. But I do wonder if you actually did some damage to your lungs or, yes, came down with something more serious than bronchitis. It almost sounds like myco/walking pneumonia with that rattling and phlegm. Hugs and I hope you get some answers, I'm sure you're just miserable :(

Edited January 25, 2016 by Arctic Mama

[beaners]

There is also a blood test for TB, Quantiferon Gold. The regular skin test can give a false positive. One of my kids had the vaccine when he was younger so he will react to the skin test but everything else is negative. I don't know if the skin test can have a false negative. If you aren't aware of any risk factors for TB then it is probably unlikely, so I wouldn't outright panic.

[Reflections]

Careful with too much vitamin d, it's known to be immunosuppressive and can worsen your chance of fighting infections. 500-1000iu daily is MORE than enough for most people, even up here in the darkness and cold. Mega loading does more harm than good. Even with lower blood levels I'd be cautious of too much synthetic D at once. Slow and steady wins that race if you're already prone to immune weakness, IYKWIM?

 

Zinc, c, chlorophyll, probiotics, TONS of sleep. Those should not worsen your situation. But I do wonder if you actually did some damage to your lungs or, yes, came down with something more serious than bronchitis. It almost sounds like myco/walking pneumonia with that rattling and phlegm. Hugs and I hope you get some answers, I'm sure you're just miserable :(

 

Thanks for that!  I wasn't aware.  Last time I was checked the ARNP told me to double up.  I'll dial it back.

[Hoot]

 

 

Careful with too much vitamin d, it's known to be immunosuppressive and can worsen your chance of fighting infections. 500-1000iu daily is MORE than enough for most people, even up here in the darkness and cold. Mega loading does more harm than good.

 

Zinc, c, chlorophyll, probiotics, TONS of sleep. Those should not worsen your situation. But I do wonder if you actually did some damage to your lungs or, yes, came down with something more serious than bronchitis. It almost sounds like myco/walking pneumonia with that rattling and phlegm.

The specific amounts came from the doctor and I'm being monitored every 2 - 3 months.

 

Zinc and vitamin C are already in my multi-vitamin, though I hadn't thought about chlorophyll. Probiotics I took while on the antibiotics. I'm religious about sleep and get 8 - 9 hrs a night.

 

How would myco or walking pneumonia be diagnosed? I guess I assumed that walking pneumonia would have been picked up from the x-rays too.

 

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[Jean in Newcastle]

I would take the advice of a NP or doctor over that of someone on the internet.  My doctors (licensed good doctors who know my medical history) want me to take high doses of vitamin D.  I'm monitored.  Getting my levels up from very low has made a huge difference in my health. 

[Guest]

Thanks for that! I wasn't aware. Last time I was checked the ARNP told me to double up. I'll dial it back.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080125223302.htm

 

There are some similar studies linked to that abstract if you do your searching. But anyway, supplementing is a good thing if one doesn't overdo it. Massive doses can be useful if someone isn't otherwise sick and has a severe deficiency but there is question now as to whether the 'ideal' blood levels are even correct. It looks like the biology there is more nuanced than previously thought (shock, right?).

 

The real caution is to be wary every time anything is treated as a panacea :)

[Guest]

I would take the advice of a NP or doctor over that of someone on the internet. My doctors (licensed good doctors who know my medical history) want me to take high doses of vitamin D. I'm monitored. Getting my levels up from very low has made a huge difference in my health.

It certainly does for some people, but not others. It's just one more thing to troubleshoot if you are struggling with infections and persistent viruses. It may also be useful for a season and then need to be tapered back down if the side effects overwhelm the benefits.

[Jean in Newcastle]

It certainly does for some people, but not others. It's just one more thing to troubleshoot if you are struggling with infections and persistent viruses. It may also be useful for a season and then need to be tapered back down if the side effects overwhelm the benefits.

 

The OP and a PP have been diagnosed by actual doctors using actual blood tests with low levels of vitamin D.  Contradicting the medical advice they've been given is dangerous, in my opinion. 

[ktgrok]

Acid reflux can absolutely cause coughing. Nexium every day for a few weeks would be a way to see if that helps. 

 

 

[Guest]

You are welcome to your opinion, Jean, and I have mine. If both are gleaned from experience it doesn't make either of us wrong. Having a low blood level does not mean one isn't experiencing side effects from supplementation. I speak from personal experience on that. I'm persistently low but become too vulnerable to everything form regular colds to staph infections if my supplementation of D goes too high.

 

If they have not adjusted the supplementation volume up and down recently to see if the symptoms are alleviated it is something to look into. A high blood level doesn't indicate someone is experiencing problems and a low blood level doesn't necessarily indicate problems, either. Bodies have different levels at which they optimally function and more research is bearing that out. If all my doctors were as aware of these studies I'd have had many less problems in the course of my treatment. Bringing up a concern and getting an opinion is a good idea.

 

I'm glad you felt better with more. That is NOT universal. My blood level was 17 last time I was checked, and that was with supplementation. Upping my daily intake to raise that didn't raise it, but it did suppress my immune system. With someone experiencing ongoing symptoms and taking high levels of D it is just one avenue of many to consider on the individual plan for wellness they are undertaking.

Edited January 25, 2016 by Arctic Mama

[sbgrace]

Have you seen specialists--pulmonology, ENT?

 

FWIW, in my experience low D lowers immune function. I would supplement heavily (up to 10,000 IU per day) with D3 form. You can't do that with the prescription or any other D2 forms though. I've had more success with iron bis-glycinate to improve iron levels.

 

I think you need experts if you haven't already been that route.

[Jean in Newcastle]

Vitamin D levels don't operate in a vacuum.  You need magnesium and calcium along with it.  A doctor can advise you on that. 

[Tanaqui]

I, too, think you should seek the advice of a specialist. And while a chest x-ray should detect TB, at this point it would hardly do any harm to have that formally tested for as well. (Not that I think it IS, but since it's been brought up I want to put my oar in on that topic too!)

[Jean in Newcastle]

This may be **way** off base, but my sister had very similar symptoms and was diagnosed with allergies and asthma. Unfortunately, none of her prescriptions resolved her symptoms. After much frustration, she ended up being diagnosed with severe acid reflux. She never had heartburn or other indications that acid reflux could be a problem. 

 

In any case, it might be worthwhile to add reflux as something to chat with a doctor about.

 

 

:iagree:

[Liz CA]

There is also a blood test for TB, Quantiferon Gold. The regular skin test can give a false positive. One of my kids had the vaccine when he was younger so he will react to the skin test but everything else is negative. I don't know if the skin test can have a false negative. If you aren't aware of any risk factors for TB then it is probably unlikely, so I wouldn't outright panic.

 

I know of at least one case where the skin test was negative but person had open TB. Doctor explained that the illness had already progressed to a point where the system did not respond to the skin test any longer. X-rays will show something is going on but not necessarily what exactly. Sputum analysis is probably the surest way to rule out TB.

 

Edited January 25, 2016 by Liz CA

[Seasider]

Interesting about the vitamin d. When one of my kids was chronically fighting pneumonia and other respiratory ailments, vit d supplementation was a factor in increasing her immunity.

 

Anyway, OP, a CT scan also revealed compacted sinus cavities. But it took a variety of long term antibiotic treatments to get that to clear up. She was also, as a child, given the adult pneumonia vaccine. Her base diagnosis was allergies with allergy related asthma. Have you had allergy testing?

 

Do you have indoor pets? Older carpeting? Change the air filter regularly in your climate control system? I've heard more than one report of folks who were able to manage allergies by making strategic changes around the house. If your illness does end up being fueled by allergies, you will want to think through your household for possible irritants.

 

I hope you feel better soon! I spent months fighting similar symptoms before my own allergy diagnosis. It was frustrating and miserable.

[Reflections]

Vitamin D levels don't operate in a vacuum.  You need magnesium and calcium along with it.  A doctor can advise you on that. 

 

Hi Jean!  

 

My ARNP advised me to take the Vit D and never, not once mentioned increasing or even supplementing with mag and calc to go with it.    I just started supplementing with magnesium recently but for different reasons than my D levels.  I'll keep what you're saying here in mind, as I was wondering what my calcium levels were as I don't drink but 8oz of milk a week maybe, and while I enjoy green leafy greens, I'm not sure I'm getting enough to meet my needs.  Any recommendations?

 

My experience with doctors has always, always been "less than".  I am always seeking out my own answers and then finding the appropriate care.  It's never worked out for me and my health to do otherwise.  

[Jean in Newcastle]

Usually the calcium magnesium ratio should be 2:1.  I personally like the CalMag powder (you mix it as a drink) from Natural Vitality as it is pretty bioavailable but I'm sure there are other good products out there.

 

 

[Reflections]

I'm actually already on a multi-vitamin, 5,000 iu of D3, 800 mcg of folic acid, 1,000 mg fish oil, and Floradix.

 

I've been using medicinal/herbal teas though I haven't done honey. I'll give that a try.

 

I definitely do have asthma; I was diagnosed about 15 yrs ago. It's incredibly mild though. I used an as needed inhaler for about a year and then haven't needed one since. The inhalers they gave me this time around included a twice daily everyday plus a rescue. Neither were working.

 

I've used Vicks on my feet in the past and that does help with nighttime coughing, though I actually don't even have a problem when I'm sleeping now. In the beginning I did though and it was helpful.

 

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I second the recommendation that you see a pulmonologist. You very well could have asthma that has worsened because of age and illness.  

[trulycrabby]

Have you been tested for whooping cough or mycoplasma pneumoniae? I second the advice that you see an ENT, then a pulmonologist, and get a CT.

 

I had influenza and pneumonia about ten years ago, and the post-viral phase of the illness was worse than the actual illness. My lungs burned to the point that breathing was agony, and I coughed up buckets of clear mucus. No fever. The pulmonologist's nurse explained that my lungs were damaged from the infection, and it could take months to heal. I got steroid inhalers which helped somewhat, but did not feel well for a whole year. So, whatever infection you have or had is might be worsened by the asthma, and an ENT or pulmonologist would have the expertise to help.

 

I hope you feel better very soon!

[Guest]

Have you been tested for whooping cough or mycoplasma pneumoniae? I second the advice that you see an ENT, then a pulmonologist, and get a CT.

 

I had influenza and pneumonia about ten years ago, and the post-viral phase of the illness was worse than the actual illness. My lungs burned to the point that breathing was agony, and I coughed up buckets of clear mucus. No fever. The pulmonologist's nurse explained that my lungs were damaged from the infection, and it could take months to heal. I got steroid inhalers which helped somewhat, but did not feel well for a whole year. So, whatever infection you have or had is might be worsened by the asthma, and an ENT or pulmonologist would have the expertise to help.

 

I hope you feel better very soon!

That was what my dear friend was dealing with from a severe bout of walking pneumonia (myco) - she actually damaged her lungs and had pressure, pain, phlegm, and a horrible cough to pair with it. The bronchitis and wheezing symptoms were residual from the initial infection and she remained susceptible to other bronchial infections for months afterward because of the damage done to the surface of her lungs from the fluid and irritation/inflammation.

 

She is better now but it took a long time!

[Spryte]

I third, fourth, and fifth getting tested for whooping cough, myco and TB.  Also the ENT and pulmonologist, in addition to your regular asthma doc (do you see an allergy and asthma specialist or a pulmonologist?  Either could help here, but I'd lean toward a pulmonologist).

 

On the heartburn/acid reflux - DS's allergist/asthma doc figured out that DS's night-time asthma attacks were being caused by acid reflux.  She explained to us that acid reflux can trigger an asthma attack. So that is certainly worth checking into!

 

You might want to look at the exact antibiotics you've been on, and the doseages, and chart the duration of each.  Sometimes a dose is high enough to be bacteriostatic (to stop it replicating) but not high enough to be bacteriocidal (kill the germ), so you can feel a bit better then significantly worse.  Or it's possible that the antibiotics you were on did not hit the bug you have.

 

Also, DS is on two twice daily asthma meds.  Plus an allergy med.  It sounds like your maintenance meds are not doing the trick for your asthma.  Please, get that checked so you can breathe!

 

A nebulizer might be more effective, for getting the albuterol into your lungs, while you're in this state.

 

A few things my (allopathic but open minded doc) always has me do along with the usual, when sick - Gaia's Quick Defense and Gaia's Respiratory Defense.  Plus Andrographis (has antiviral properties), along with whatever abx or other measures are necessary.  I tend to become very ill, not just minor stuff, so she throws everything at it.  She also puts me on asthma meds immediately (Advair, twice daily) and a few other things.  But none of those will be enough.  They are extras.

[Garga]

Are you in the southwest desert? Is it mold? I forgot the exact name of the disease, but there is a mold in the ground in the desert in places like Arizona that can get in the lungs if you dig it up and breathe it in by accident. If you are there I'll find more info on it. My mom's friend had it and it got terribly serious. The mold gets in the lungs.

 

If you don't live there, did you visit?

 

If you don't live there and didn't visit, then it's probably not that.

[Spryte]

Are you in the southwest desert? Is it mold? I forgot the exact name of the disease, but there is a mold in the ground in the desert in places like Arizona that can get in the lungs if you dig it up and breathe it in by accident. If you are there I'll find more info on it. My mom's friend had it and it got terribly serious. The mold gets in the lungs.

 

If you don't live there, did you visit?

 

If you don't live there and didn't visit, then it's probably not that.

 

That's a really good point.  You might want to look at where you've traveled.

 

I'd forgotten about that.  When I was very ill, my doc in VA would not have known to look for a few infections (that it turns out I did indeed have) if she had not known that I'd lived/worked in the desert prior to moving to VA.

[Garga]

That's a really good point. You might want to look at where you've traveled.

 

I'd forgotten about that. When I was very ill, my doc in VA would not have known to look for a few infections (that it turns out I did indeed have) if she had not known that I'd lived/worked in the desert prior to moving to VA.

After I visited my mom I went to the doctor for a routine checkup. I was chit-chatting with her about the mold disease people can get in Arizona and I think she thought I was making it up. It's completely off the radar for people (even doctors) who live 2000 miles from the desert. :). Edited January 25, 2016 by Garga

[Spryte]

After I visited my mom I went to the doctor for a routine checkup. I was chit-chatting with her about the mold disease people can get in Arizona and I think she thought I was making it up. It's completely off the radar for people who live 2000 miles from the desert. :).

 

Yes, it would be.  My doc had me research places I'd backpacked for outbreaks, and then print out and bring papers in to her.  I was really ill, and finding the source was a nightmare.  I was the first person in VA ever diagnosed with one bizarre disease. Lovely claim to fame.  

 

It was sort of funny, getting tested.  The person at the lab didn't know how to mark that they wanted to test my blood for a few things, and I said it's common in NM - she didn't quite follow me, I think, because she said, "oh, we don't do mexican blood tests!"  

 

OP, I just thought of this, but one thought just occurred to me.  I also had babesiosis, and while it's usual presentation is a bit different, it often causes pulmonary issues (it's the source of my asthma trouble, actually)... I had both microti and duncani strains.  If  you can't find a source,  you might check into that.  It is *not* treated by antibiotics, you'd need anti-parasitics, usually antimalarials, as it's a cousin of malaria.  

Edited January 25, 2016 by Spryte

[Ellie]

Not recently. I didn't even think that was really a concern in the US.

 

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Oh, it definitely is.

 

[bolt.]

I'd be thinking local allergens or irritants... Particularly in your own home, bed, vehicle or general stomping grounds.

[Hoot]

Are you in the southwest desert? Is it mold? I forgot the exact name of the disease, but there is a mold in the ground in the desert in places like Arizona that can get in the lungs if you dig it up and breathe it in by accident. If you are there I'll find more info on it. My mom's friend had it and it got terribly serious. The mold gets in the lungs.

 

If you don't live there, did you visit?

 

If you don't live there and didn't visit, then it's probably not that.

No. I'm in the mid-Atlantic states and haven't traveled anywhere in about 6 yrs.

 

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[Pippen]

I'd suggest looking into GERD, silent reflux, and other issues that can mimic asthma and/or cause chronic sinus issues. The usual meds will be ineffective if there's another root cause.

[Seasider]

You may want to try Zantac, it is both an antacid and an antihistamine.

[fdrinca]

This may be **way** off base, but my sister had very similar symptoms and was diagnosed with allergies and asthma. Unfortunately, none of her prescriptions resolved her symptoms. After much frustration, she ended up being diagnosed with severe acid reflux. She never had heartburn or other indications that acid reflux could be a problem. 

 

In any case, it might be worthwhile to add reflux as something to chat with a doctor about.

 

I wanted to post the same idea. Acid reflux will present as cough, even absent chest pains. I used to think I was allergic to spicy foods because they made me cough. Turns out, they're just giving me indigestion.

 

http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/laryngopharyngeal-reflux-silent-reflux

[nevergiveup]

My father-in-law almost died before they figured out he had a bacterial infection in his throat.

He was checked for innumerable other things first.

[JFSinIL]

After a year of being treated by my family doc for adult onset asthma, I was referred to a pulmonologist since I never seemed to improve my wheezing on  meds.  He did a lung function test that showed exact opposite results from what you'd expect for asthma, so they ordered a bronchoscopy to peek at my airways etc - and found a doohicky lodge in my lower right lobe.  Could not get it out, so gave me steroids and then tried again a few days later - lets just say a thoracic surgeon is going to take a stab (literally!!) in a couple weeks at removing the doohicky...which we all suspect is a bit of crumble glass that I inhaled during the car crash I was in over 18 months ago!!!

 

Just something else to consider.  I would have a pulmonologist check you out.

[*****]

Sorry to hear you are sick. It takes so much out of you when that happens!  Once when I was pregnant, I kept getting colds one after the other. The doctor finally said that as hard as it is, I needed to stay away from people to build up my immunity.  That meant no church, co-ops...for about a month. I didn't like it, but it did help to finally get over being sick.

 

Also, probiotics are strongly recommended. My daughter is in her second year of college. She had 8 colds/sinus problems throughout her first year and 2 already by Thanksgiving of this year. Poor kid, she was miserable.  Someone on this forum recommended the brand: Garden of Life, Herbal Immune Balance Sinus (a probiotic). My daughter  has been cold free ever since. Even with being in St. Louis for a conference at the end of December with 16,000 other students!  I am sold on this product  (and so thrilled with the advice we share with one another to help each other out!)  Take care of your gut and it will take care of you!   (I should be in a commercial, shouldn't I ?!)   :laugh:

[Guest]

After a year of being treated by my family doc for adult onset asthma, I was referred to a pulmonologist since I never seemed to improve my wheezing on meds. He did a lung function test that showed exact opposite results from what you'd expect for asthma, so they ordered a bronchoscopy to peek at my airways etc - and found a doohicky lodge in my lower right lobe. Could not get it out, so gave me steroids and then tried again a few days later - lets just say a thoracic surgeon is going to take a stab (literally!!) in a couple weeks at removing the doohicky...which we all suspect is a bit of crumble glass that I inhaled during the car crash I was in over 18 months ago!!!

 

Just something else to consider. I would have a pulmonologist check you out.

Yikes! I hope the surgery goes well :grouphug: