A trip to the hospital...maybe not

Note: this is a public service announcement and should not be construed as personal medical advice. Please see your favorite primary care provider or specialist if you need further information on this topic.

As a nurse, I get to go to the hospital everyday, but lately, with my sister's recent trip and a few friends also making impromptu hospital visits, it seems I'm appearing there more than I'd like on my days off.

Today, I found this article noted below which may keep some asthma sufferers (including me) out of the hospital, if you use one of those CFC-free inhalers. I've been using one for a while, but this article points out a few of the key differences between the new ones (CFC free) and the old ones (with CFCs).

Rough Transition to a New Inhaler (from http://www.nytimes.com/)

If you want to learn more about asthma and common medications, check out the following links:

Asthma medication information from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/asthmaallergymedications.stm

Asthma information from the American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22582

WebMD inhaler information
http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-inhalers

Mayo Clinic information on asthma inhalers
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma-inhalers/HQ01081