8 replies to this topic

[richardjm]

A good friend who knows of my condition, recently handed me two download printouts from HSI, and I want to know if you know if their recommendations make sense, if you have had any experience with them, or have any comments, positive or negative, with regard to their recommendations.

The first, (dated Jan 2009), talks of broccoli, containing something called sulforaphane, apparently conveniently contained in something called BroccoMax. The article then goes on to educate us with ordering info.

The second, (dated May 2012), concerns something called Resprin, apparently a mixture of herbs, which suggests that we could do away with inhalers by using these capsules. (Ordering info is supplied).

I'm reading claims which appear quite fantastic, but the one thing which caught my attention was the suggestion that our traditional inhalers can cause voice loss, which is something which has (and is) happening to me. I find this loss of voice both embarrassing and worrying. I'm also concerned that I'm finding that mucus seems to be forming in my throat rather than in my lungs. So my tertiary query would be, is this loss of vocal ability, plus the production of mucus (apparently) in the throat, a normal experience with the use of (say) Seretide.

Sometimes my voice is quite normal - other times it comes out as a squeak and requires a lot of throat clearing to get to where I feel able to carry on a conversation. Needless to say, if the ambient noise level is high, then I find myself quite unable to shout.

Comments please?

[Dee]

As far as the broccoli goes, you can read this, Richard.
http://www.breathing...showtopic=11120

Since I have no valid information about Resprin, I am skeptical about it's effectiveness. I do believe that often herbs can be quite helpful for different things.
I know the throat clearing issue can be annoying at times, and maybe someone will have some helpful suggestions for it. I hope I've been of some help.

[LoganLarry]

Hi Richard... I took a look at the site and it looks like it promotes alternatives and the exclusion of conventional medical pharmacology.

I use some complimentary medicine techniques myself (Acupuncture, TCM prescribed herbal solutions) but only as adjuncts to my regular prescriptions and only when herbal preparations are okayed with my Doc for contraindications or conflicts with my meds.

For all of the bad press, FDA approved medications are tested and usually effective and are the cornerstone of disease management.

My experience is that herbal or "underground" compounds are mild in effect at best, and may add a degree of improvement for some patients. Switching away from traditional meds is fraught with peril, as is adding herbal compounds to prescription meds w/o an extensive eval of interactions between all meds. The oft stated line of "If it comes from nature it is safe" is simply not true. There are a multitude of toxic compounds found in nature.

My best advice is to discuss any changes with your doc, be skeptical of any claims not FDA evaluated. That said, there are many organic compounds that have been used effectively for hundreds of years. Many have mild effects similar to prescription meds, and therein lies the problem in mixing or replacing prescription meds in disease management. Strength and purity are often variable in production of herbal meds, and interactions can be a serious problem. In my case I have a practitioner of TCM who works with my MD on any supplements I consider. A internet info / sales site is not a substitute.

Regarding your hoarseness; Using a spacer and proper inhalation techniques (available elsewhere on this site) and a mouthwash after treatment(gargle and spit) will reduce most irritation of the throat and vocal cords, and reduce the incidence of thrush if using a steroid inhaler. Coughing or hacking up sputum is quite irritating to the vocal cords without any medicine interactions. A regular lozenge with a small aneth. is helpful


Good luck. I do not want to "Poo-Poo" herbal medicine, but I urge considerable caution in its use. I am on record as being against replacing prescribed medications with herbal substitutes with out physician supervision. It is tough enough finding an individualized therapeutic dose with a known compound strength...adding a variable to that equation is looking for trouble.

Larry

[Darrell]

I applaud you both for approaching this methodically and with all due caution. There are many effective alternative meds and treatments out there but it's almost impossible for an individual to get reliable and accurate information which would indicate if they are appropriate treatments for the specific case. Let us know if you find info that may be useful to the rest of us.
Darrell

[richardjm]

Thanks, Dee, Logan and Darrell for your input. I've no intention of ordering these alternative herbal meds unless (and that's a big "unless") someone could show that they do do safely what is claimed for them. I don't altogether dismiss alternative treatments - you might remember that I was told by three different doctors that removal of my gall bladder was the one and only option to deal with gallstones and would have submitted to this op had it not been suggested by a friend that a lemon juice and olive oil treatment might offer a cure. I tried it. It worked.

I do agree, though, that alternative medication requires an enquiring mind and considerable research.

I don't know if a spacer exists for my Seretide delivery med. It's basically a circular unit with a lever on the side which opens and primes it. The mouthpiece, as you'd expect, fits nicely between the lips. I can't see a way of improving my inhalation technique, but I'll certainly increase the gargling (perhaps with salt water, d'you think?), and do some research on Thrush, its effects and cure. Once again, you appreciate that I'm out in the boonies with no credible health care facility nearby.

[LoganLarry]

You are right about the spacer being unavailable for your advice, so just plan on brushing teeth/ gargle with mouthwash (if possible) after each med use. Try to stay on top of secretions or nasal drainage, and try to avoid the clearing your throat (ach-tooie) technique which is VERY irritating to your vocal cords.

Hope that helps.
Larry

[peg]

Richard, I often had problems with "froggy" throat and almost no voice. I started eating yogurt for caloric and other reasons and the frogginess diminished severely - to the point where it is no longer an issue unless I am bordering on dehydration. It does need to have "live active cultures", which is no problem here..don't know what is available to you.

I use the same type of inhaler as you (Advair) - a round discus with no way to use a spacer, and rarely need my rescue inhaler (Proventil) for which a spacer is recommended for better delivery to the lungs.

It is an enjoyable and healthy "fix" and for myself a much needed calorie booster - I eat the low fat variety with 220 calories per 8 oz. serving. Most would go for the less caloric type...but I desperately need those calories!

Hope this helps.

Peg

[richardjm]

Hi Peg - just thought I'd check in before my shower and then, beddy-byes. Last night we had another big storm resulting in a power cut and a somewhat sweaty night.

I also do yoghurt - in fact I often make my own and I do find some relief from froggy throat, but the effects don't last long. I toss my yoghurt in the blender with banana, which also helps with maintaining my potassium levels - it's great over my home made oven baked granola, (coconut, raisins, oats, cashews, sesame seeds, a dash of salt, some maple syrup and cinnamon and/or allspice. Full recipe available on application). FOC, of course!

To help with those calories, try Uncle Richard's baked potato with a blue cheese, sour cream, mayo and spring onion sauce seasoned with black pepper and a little sea salt, fried chicken fillets marinated in salt, pepper and any spice of your choice, (curry powder works well), and a nice side salad with a home made mayo. I prick the potato, rub with olive oil and sprinkle with some sea salt and bake for about an hour. Mmm...I - had it last night and now want it again.

A couple of glasses of red or white wine makes it perfect.

[Jane M. Martin]

Interesting discussion! Thank you, Richard, for bringing it up and thanks, Larry, Dee and Darrell for your input.

Definitely, after taking any inhaled medicine containing a corticosteroid - alone or in combination - you should brush your teeth and tongue, then rinse and spit.

Richard, the baked potato sounds yummy! For our readers who can tolerate a bit of extra salt and are looking for added calories......what a great meal!

I'm here today if anybody has questions.

Jane.