Asthma Management

jadebadger54 said:Hi there!
I deal with allergic bronchial Asthma—it was a struggle during my younger years, and now it flares up occasionally, mostly during ragweed season and when that autumn fog rolls in. My nose runs, and my chest feels tight, making breathing feel heavy (not quite full-blown choking, just labored breathing).

In the past, using two doses of a Ventolin inhaler helped quite a bit, but lately, it feels like it’s barely doing anything. The folks at the pharmacy suggested I talk to a doctor about getting a prescription for corticosteroids, but I don't feel like I really need them since my symptoms aren't life-threatening—I'm not sure why they're being so insistent.

Does anyone know of an over-the-counter alternative similar to Ventolin that I could try? I recall hearing that clenbuterol was used before albuterol became the standard ingredient in things like Ventolin.
I would truly appreciate any advice or shared experiences. Thanks so much.

If you're looking for quick, on-the-spot relief for asthma, there isn't really anything on the market here that can compete with Ventolin.

Inhaled corticosteroids are pretty much the gold standard; they work great, and because the systemic absorption is so minimal, the side effects are basically negligible—provided you're using them the right way.
Based on what you described, it sounds like you're dealing with "stable" asthma (seasonal triggers, known allergens), so it actually makes total sense to use an inhaled corticosteroid for a couple of months each year.👍

Thanks, Halleck—I'll see what my pulmonologist has to say.

For now, I'm heading to the ENT first because my throat stays constantly red—and I suspect it’s linked to that persistent morning sneezing that hits me out of nowhere. I've already gone through some antibiotics, but they didn't do much. To be honest, my throat has looked this way most of my life; I've just grown used to it. It doesn't actually hurt, so it's probably not an infection, just irritation. I have a feeling that allergy is messing with my vocal cords too—I find myself getting hoarse quite easily.

You could give Singulair a shot...

I have been diagnosed with non-allergic Asthma. I tossed my Seretide aside ages ago—nearly two years now—because I was absolutely convinced that this whole condition was purely psychosomatic, just a figment of my imagination... But now? Now I am dealing with this relentless, dry, hacking cough and what feels like a full-blown orchestra playing inside my lungs... all because I’ve spent the last year without any actual therapy. And let me be clear, this isn't some passing flu or a virus; it is a bone-dry cough with no fever at all, the kind that keeps me wide awake and pacing the floor all night. I find myself sitting there at 3:00 AM, turning on the TV just to have some noise, staring blankly at old reruns while I cough my life away... On average, I've been lucky enough to get maybe four hours of sleep a night for the last six months. Honestly, I keep ignoring it, making the exact same mistake I made before, just desperately hoping that those terrifying nightly choking fits won't return—those moments when I was utterly certain I was actually dying. I am avoiding any sort of medication because I am trying to conceive another child, and my gynecologist practically gave me a pep talk, assuring me that people with Asthma deliver perfectly healthy babies! :-)

quietscout85 said:I have been diagnosed with non-allergic Asthma. I tossed my Seretide aside ages ago—nearly two years now—because I was absolutely convinced that this whole condition was purely psychosomatic, just a figment of my imagination... But now? Now I am dealing with this relentless, dry, hacking cough and what feels like a full-blown orchestra playing inside my lungs... all because I’ve spent the last year without any actual therapy. And let me be clear, this isn't some passing flu or a virus; it is a bone-dry cough with no fever at all, the kind that keeps me wide awake and pacing the floor all night. I find myself sitting there at 3:00 AM, turning on the TV just to have some noise, staring blankly at old reruns while I cough my life away... On average, I've been lucky enough to get maybe four hours of sleep a night for the last six months. Honestly, I keep ignoring it, making the exact same mistake I made before, just desperately hoping that those terrifying nightly choking fits won't return—those moments when I was utterly certain I was actually dying. I am avoiding any sort of medication because I am trying to conceive another child, and my gynecologist practically gave me a pep talk, assuring me that people with Asthma deliver perfectly healthy babies! :-)

😕 I don't follow—why aren't you using your medication?

Jeremy Bishop35 said:😕 I don't follow—why aren't you using your medication?

It is precisely because of what was mentioned above! Honestly, I am dreaming of having another child, and I want to do that without being tethered to all these medications and whatnot... During my first pregnancy, I didn't have asthma at all, but there has been a massive fourteen-year gap between pregnancies now. My asthma is just so incredibly unpredictable; one minute I feel perfectly fine for six months straight, and the next, I feel like I am literally dying. I’ve completely moved away from those steroid depots—the last time things got bad, I was dealing exclusively with Solu-Medrol injections from my primary care physician—but I have to say, Ventolin is my absolute best friend when things go south...

I am personally unaware of any evidence suggesting those medications actually impact pregnancy or fetal development—I've certainly never come across anything to that effect in my research. I used Seretide for about a decade before switching over to Qvar myself. Besides, whether your child develops asthma isn't determined by the medications you took while pregnant; it’s a matter of genetics. It's not even about inheriting the disease itself, but rather a predisposition toward it. Do a little digging on your own—there's really no need to stress yourself out over this.

quietscout85, I went through the exact same thing before my pulmonologist finally diagnosed me with bronchial asthma and prescribed the meds that actually saved my life. I spent years barely sleeping, just binge-watching TV and reading book after book. Don't suffer through it; I'm pretty sure today's medications aren't an issue for fertility. Maybe grab a chat with your pulmonologist?

Hey 🙂
I’ve been reading through this thread and it’s clear we’re all in the same boat with similar struggles, but I haven't found an answer to my specific situation yet..
So, I’ve been living with Asthma and allergic rhinitis for six years now... and honestly, even high doses of inhaled corticosteroids aren't cutting it anymore.
My doctor basically told me I’ve hit a ceiling with medication options. Now, my pulmonologist is referring me to the Mayo Clinic (which I assume means getting a more specialized opinion), so what should I actually expect from that? I’d really love some insight. If anyone has been through something similar or if there's a pro out there who can weigh in, let me know. I work, I move around, I stay active—maybe too much. Maybe part of my issue is just not knowing when to slow down. One thing I definitely need to mention is that my condition, which is totally out of control now, took a massive dive after I tried some "alternative" treatment approach..

Here’s a bit of my test results and the letter I’m taking to the specialist.

Greetings, everyone.

I’ve been struggling with breathing issues for two months now.
It started with a cold, followed immediately by a nasty bout of swine flu. 😵>
While I managed to shake the flu, my breathing hasn't improved one bit.
I’m waking up in the middle of the night with my throat tightening; I feel like I'm turning blue, coughing uncontrollably, and eventually hacking up mucus. :/
I’ve seen a Pulmonologist four times already. Each visit results in nothing but more cough suppressants and antibiotics, neither of which have done a damn thing.
My sinus X-ray came back normal. The doctor claims I also have prolonged expiration and labored breathing.
I’m at a loss. Antibiotics and cough meds aren't cutting it anymore.

northernbison4 said:Greetings, everyone.

I’ve been struggling with breathing issues for two months now.
It started with a cold, followed immediately by a nasty bout of swine flu. 😵>
While I managed to shake the flu, my breathing hasn't improved one bit.
I’m waking up in the middle of the night with my throat tightening; I feel like I'm turning blue, coughing uncontrollably, and eventually hacking up mucus. :/
I’ve seen a Pulmonologist four times already. Each visit results in nothing but more cough suppressants and antibiotics, neither of which have done a damn thing.
My sinus X-ray came back normal. The doctor claims I also have prolonged expiration and labored breathing.
I’m at a loss. Antibiotics and cough meds aren't cutting it anymore.

It's weird that they haven't run any tests on you (spirometry, methacholine challenge, or a Ventolin test).
Wait, you said you've seen a Pulmonologist four times?!
Given your symptoms—and I'm quoting here: "I wake up in the middle of the night, my throat tightens up, I feel like I'm turning blue, I cough, and eventually, I have an attack where I cough up mucus." 🙂/"
That sounds exactly like an asthma attack. You really need to get those tests done.
Hang in there.🙂

I have lived through 🙂
We did a spirometry test, and the doctor said he’s never seen such a terrible result in his entire career.
Right now, I'm juggling three different inhalers and vitamins just to stay afloat.
Thanks 🙂

northernbison4 said:I have lived through 🙂
We did a spirometry test, and the doctor said he’s never seen such a terrible result in his entire career.
Right now, I'm juggling three different inhalers and vitamins just to stay afloat.
Thanks 🙂

So, have you been officially diagnosed with Asthma? Because if so, just surviving what you went through isn't enough—you actually have to learn how to live with it.
You can, and honestly, you have to keep Asthma under control.

Patrick Thomas29 said:So, have you been officially diagnosed with Asthma? Because if so, just surviving what you went through isn't enough—you actually have to learn how to live with it.
You can, and honestly, you have to keep Asthma under control.

True, I went in for a few different tests.
The specialist told me it’s Stage 3, handed me some inhalers, and sent me on my way. 😵
Now I'm just out there navigating the air and trying to manage these allergies that decided to show up too.

Giving away:
2 boxes of Singulair 10 mg (28 pills per box)
Qvar autohaler

Both are brand new, never even touched

If anyone actually needs this stuff, please take it! I’d love to pass it on so it doesn't just sit here gathering dust. Honestly, I looked up the price at the pharmacy and it was like $20, so it feels like such a waste to let it go to waste when someone could use it!

Hello. Writing this on behalf of my child, haha. 🙂 She’s 3 years old and has allergic asthma.

Things are rough right now. Her spirometry results were catastrophic. We’ve started her on Seretide, hoping for some actual improvement...

My question is for those of you who have dealt with this your whole lives: how much does it actually impact your quality of life? My daughter is incredibly coordinated for her age—she can grab onto anything and move with such ease. It makes me wonder... will she ever be able to play sports?

When she gets congested at the park and starts coughing heavily, I give her water if she needs it, then administer Ventolin so she can keep going. Am I doing the right thing? She handles everything quite well, even when things get terrible—the coughing, the overall state...

silentbison17 said:Hello. Writing this on behalf of my child, haha. 🙂 She’s 3 years old and has allergic asthma.

Things are rough right now. Her spirometry results were catastrophic. We’ve started her on Seretide, hoping for some actual improvement...

My question is for those of you who have dealt with this your whole lives: how much does it actually impact your quality of life? My daughter is incredibly coordinated for her age—she can grab onto anything and move with such ease. It makes me wonder... will she ever be able to play sports?

When she gets congested at the park and starts coughing heavily, I give her water if she needs it, then administer Ventolin so she can keep going. Am I doing the right thing? She handles everything quite well, even when things get terrible—the coughing, the overall state...

I truly believe that Seretide will make a difference, but if it doesn't? Well, there's always the option of adding other medications to the regimen. Currently, I'm managing with a combination of Seretide and Monkast—those tablets that help prevent the airways from tightening up due to allergic reactions. Wouldn't it be better to have those extra layers of protection ready just in case?
I was diagnosed with asthma relatively late in life, around age 25, yet today it hardly impacts my quality of life at all. For me, symptoms only seem to flare up during the winter months. This week, however, I came down with bronchitis, which naturally triggered an asthma flare-up as well. After struggling with a terrible cough, I had to visit the local community health center's urgent care yesterday. They administered a Medrol injection, and after taking another dose of Medrol today, I am already feeling almost completely back to normal. Isn't it remarkable how quickly things can turn around?
Your child will learn how to live with asthma, and I truly believe it won't significantly impact their quality of life. As for me, my pulmonologist advised me to avoid sudden temperature shifts, humidity, and steam. Since I work as a chef, I'm constantly exposed to all of that—but why on earth would I even consider changing careers?

silentbison17 said:Hello. Writing this on behalf of my child, haha. 🙂 She’s 3 years old and has allergic asthma.

Things are rough right now. Her spirometry results were catastrophic. We’ve started her on Seretide, hoping for some actual improvement...

My question is for those of you who have dealt with this your whole lives: how much does it actually impact your quality of life? My daughter is incredibly coordinated for her age—she can grab onto anything and move with such ease. It makes me wonder... will she ever be able to play sports?

When she gets congested at the park and starts coughing heavily, I give her water if she needs it, then administer Ventolin so she can keep going. Am I doing the right thing? She handles everything quite well, even when things get terrible—the coughing, the overall state...

Don't worry too much—with the right therapy, she won't face quality-of-life issues as she grows up.

I was hospitalized several times as a kid due to bronchial asthma—I even went through climate treatments (like those specialized children's retreats in Maui, or thalassotherapy)—but ever since I started using Seretide, I haven't had any issues. They can't prescribe me Seretide anymore, so they gave me a Qvar inhaler which I've been using for the last year, and my condition remains steady—essentially, I've forgotten what an asthma attack even feels like.

For some people, these don't work, but for me, they did. Ventolin only provides acute relief during an actual attack, but if there's an attack, she'll just be suffocating again every few hours if she keeps playing and such. Seretide is supposed to act preventatively to head off the asthma, so I really hope it helps her.

Also, make sure to test her for specific allergens. When I was a kid, I spent a few years undergoing desensitization therapy at Srebrnjak in New York City; I think I was allergic to dust mites, and that helped somewhat... I'm not entirely sure what the standard practice is for that nowadays.

Jeremy Bishop35 said:Don't worry too much—with the right therapy, she won't face quality-of-life issues as she grows up.

I was hospitalized several times as a kid due to bronchial asthma—I even went through climate treatments (like those specialized children's retreats in Maui, or thalassotherapy)—but ever since I started using Seretide, I haven't had any issues. They can't prescribe me Seretide anymore, so they gave me a Qvar inhaler which I've been using for the last year, and my condition remains steady—essentially, I've forgotten what an asthma attack even feels like.

For some people, these don't work, but for me, they did. Ventolin only provides acute relief during an actual attack, but if there's an attack, she'll just be suffocating again every few hours if she keeps playing and such. Seretide is supposed to act preventatively to head off the asthma, so I really hope it helps her.

Also, make sure to test her for specific allergens. When I was a kid, I spent a few years undergoing desensitization therapy at Srebrnjak in New York City; I think I was allergic to dust mites, and that helped somewhat... I'm not entirely sure what the standard practice is for that nowadays.

It’s like some kind of damn karma—the allergy tests are awful. She reacts to almost everything. Not everything, maybe, but she reacted to about 70% of the panel, just at lower levels... eggs, milk, flour, peanuts, whitefish, trout, ragweed, pine, pollen... There's no way I can isolate her from the world based on that...

Thank you all so much, you've really comforted me. 😉

I know there's just the possibility that she might struggle with a natural birth later on due to years of Ventolin potentially affecting heart rhythm, but hey, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it...🙂

silentbison17 said:It’s like some kind of damn karma—the allergy tests are awful. She reacts to almost everything. Not everything, maybe, but she reacted to about 70% of the panel, just at lower levels... eggs, milk, flour, peanuts, whitefish, trout, ragweed, pine, pollen... There's no way I can isolate her from the world based on that...

Thank you all so much, you've really comforted me. 😉

I know there's just the possibility that she might struggle with a natural birth later on due to years of Ventolin potentially affecting heart rhythm, but hey, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it...🙂

?

That’s the first I’ve heard of it. Honestly, Asthma will mostly just impact her quality of life by preventing her from being one of the first ones up a hiking trail or running marathons and things like that. Beyond that, nothing much else.