Asthma triggers; possible treatment

[Guest guest]

I have been diligently tracking my asthma symptoms since I started

taking Xolair almost 6 months ago. I purchased a PIKO flowmeter and

track my PEF and FEV1 at least 3 or 4 days a week. I also keep a

diary of my symptoms so that I can keep up with my condition.

I have recently discovered that certain foods, particularly protein

enriched diet bars (including EAS AdvantEdge and Powerbar Protein

Plus) seem to have an adverse affect on my lung function scores

(insert necessary disclaimers here). I haven't been able to

determine what ingredients are causing this. While I don't mean to

indict the makers of these products, it is helpful to know what

things (besides the obvious) might contribute to asthma symptoms.

I also recently read a blurb in Men's Health magazine about the

potential positive effects of Omega-3 Fish Oil on asthmatics. The

Men's Health article cited a study done by researchers at the

University of Indiana, and suggested that Omega-3 oils could improve

lung function in asthmatics by 80%. This seemed a bit high to me,

so I obtained the orginal article from the source.

Well, Men's Health mis-quoted the study. In fact, the study was

conducted on 10 college athletes who suffered from exercise induced

asthma and 10 who didn't. Of those who did suffer, their EIA was

improved by 80% and use of rescue inhalers decreased by 20%. The

authors of the study indicated that there may be no benefit to

individuals with normal asthma.

However, I have read numerous other articles about the possible

benefits of Omega-3, and am now taking it to see if it provides me

any benefit. There are many resources on the Internet, and I did a

Google search using the keywords 'Indiana University asthma Omega

3'. What I found were many articles suggesting that Omega-3 may, in

fact, be of significant benefit to asthmatics. However, all of the

studies I found were conducted on a limited number of test subjects.

Clear breathing

Greg