Managing eosinophilic asthma for best quality of life

Posted by marciaalongworth @marciaalongworth, 2 days ago

I had allergic asthma starting at age. As an adult it infection induced. At age 68 I developed allergic eosinophilic asthma. 3 years in, with Fasenra and other standard daily meds including Advair, Montelukast, Claritin, and nasal rinse with budesonide, it is now non allergic eosinophilic asthma. Flare ups last about 12 weeks. My main trigger appears to be exposure to a virus or bacterial infection when we are in a group setting outside our normal set of friends, or a GI reflux flare. I have terrible sinus infections with each flare. During my last flare up I lost my hearing in the left ear. While some of it returned, I have loud tinnitus in it much of the time. There is some part of every day that I just don’t feel good - light headed, or a cough, or tightness in my chest, short of breath, or cold, or no voice, or whatever. Have any of you who have this illness found ways to manage for improved quality of life ? My pulmonologist has assured me that I am doing all that I can. Looking for a needle in a haystack! Thanks

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kathyjjb | @kathyjjb | 1 day ago

Have you had a CT recently? I think a lot of us longterm asthmatics also get Bronchiectasis. I take Montelukast and Brinsupri which the combination has eliminated my need for the steroid inhalants.

marciaalongworth | @marciaalongworth | 1 day ago

They do CT scan routinely whenever I have a flare - and if no flare, at my routine visits - but I have been wondering about Bronchiectasis. I take Montelukast. I will look into what Brinsupri is. I appreciate your response. I am so frustrated. And they are messing with my GI meds now, and that is making it worse. I am going to ask them to please leave that alone - I understand I have been on them a long time, and I understand the side effects, but I have enough problems without upsetting that apple cart. thanks again

mth13 | @mth13 | 7 hours ago

I was prescribed Montelukast Sodium (Singulair) for my sinus and asthma issues and my condition rapidly advanced to Churgg Strauss disease (EGPA). I read that Montelukast can Raise eosinophils in some people so that is a drug I will never take. I am now on Nucala, a biologic which manages my disease very well by lowering my eosinophils. I am very fortunate. Maybe you should consider removing Montelukast from your treatment regimen? Do some research on this drug and eosinophils?
I remember and relate to your frustration as it took me about 13 years to get my condition into balance and feel well again.
Wishing you better soon.
MTH13

marciaalongworth | @marciaalongworth | 6 hours ago

Thank you so much. Any trails of research that I can follow are much appreciated. ML

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