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Asthma not improving: Is it too much to expect to feel normal again?
I'm frustrated. Have a history of asthma--although only dealt with it on and off, not regularly until now. Started with a sinus infection, bad headaches, shortness of breath in January. Never dawned on me that the shortness of breath was from my asthma. Finally, after visiting many specialists I decided to go to Allergist and found it is my asthma. Have been on Symbicort 2 months ago. While my symptoms aren't terrible, they're not going away either. I hate this-walking bothers me, climbing steps, lifting things. Had a full pulmonary function test and was told this is my asthma and nothing more. Supposed to wait to see dr for a month, but I don't get why dr isn't have me try something else. Maybe it's too much to expect to feel "normal" again. I am 69. Can anyone relate?
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From what I have read, theophylline is no longer seen among asthma medications prescribed today. It's only mentioned as a fourth-line/alternative maintenance med, not as effective as the inhaled medications available today.
Oh, baby! I can relate...healthy 75...Retired RN
Walk 2-3miles per day...suddenly began to have difficulty catching my breath..walking, in the middle of a shower, chopping an onion...only last a few minutes but got worse and worse. Ruled out all cardiac, anemia, end up with pulmonary...put on symbicort, from which I notice nothing...do why am I taking it? I do not want a fungal infection. Long story short, a cat scan revealed enlarged lymph nodes pressing on bronchis...biopsy negative but ended up 6 days in hospital with collapse lung and pneumonia from bronc...still doesn't know what underlying issue is...referred me to oncologist.
I believe I will discontinue the symbicort as am NoW on nebulizer treatments for the pneumonia!
Pay attention... Speak up....if you have an issue with some med, speak up...get 2nd opinion even ... And hang in there...one day at a time!
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2 Reactions@normagal - you may find the following Mayo Clinic information useful related to biologics:
- Asthma medications: Know your options https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/asthma-medications/art-20045557
If you scroll down through this article, there is particularly helpful information in the chart and then in the section called "Biologics."
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1 Reaction@lisalucier Thanks for posting that! Great info.
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1 ReactionAsthma is definitely a frustrating diagnosis. I can relate to many of the comments in this thread about struggling to find causes and successful treatment. My journey started 7 years ago at age 63 with a bout of hard constant wet coughing diagnosed as "pollen-induced reactive airway" at an urgent care out of town. Albuterol inhaler fixed that, but from there I entered the on and off lung symptoms described by others here. It can take years of trial and error and new medical events trying different medications to figure it out - if you are lucky enough to figure it out. Time led to the conclusion that my periodic sinus infections were related to setting up the coughing reaction, and today I'm happy I got through this spring with no exacerbations. I started the biologic dupixent for my asthma in December after being diagnosed with Type II inflammation, and it seems to be working. Also on singulair, symbicort, and a daily Allegra (plus daily nasal rinses). My big complaint during all my experiences was the siloed separation of ENT from Pulmonary - I felt there was a connection between my sinus infections and my asthma exacerbations but the doctors in the two groups weren't communicating. An allergist helped bridge the gap.
I wish you the best on your diagnostic journey. Hang in there, you are not alone!
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2 ReactionsOne other thought to add onto all the other good comments. Make sure you’re not reacting to any of the irritant in your environment. These might include scent from candles detergent, perfumes, or formaldehyde from appliances, jigsaw puzzles, etc. my asthma got way better once I realized what was triggering it.
My pulmonary doctor put me on the biological drug TEZSPIRE for asthma. It’s a once a month injectable drug which I do myself. I’ve had 3 injections so far. Starting to do better now.
I had long covid which left scars on my right lung .
I was also on the 3 antibiotics for mycobacterial infection for 13 months.
Also, lost my smell and taste (5 years now) due to COVID.
Just had the Stellate Ganglion Block last week. S and T not back yet. Hope it returns! May have to have the injections again. I see doctor back in mid August.