Asthma is so bad - discouraged. What to do next?

Hello there,
I am 71 and got the flu recently. My symptoms were very much like Covid that I had 2 years ago. I did test for Covid and negative X2. I was basically bed ridden for a few weeks using: Albuterol hand held and Advair.
I've gone thru 2 Rx for Prednisone and started using my nebulizer with Albuterol bullets every 6 hours as needed,
Also added an antihistamine Zyrtec twice daily for post nasal drip. My asthma has never been this debilitating.
I see my provider next week to assess need for Pulmonology or ENT referral.
Prayers to all affected 🙂

@klancee47 - I've gone through a lot of the steps you mentioned in recent years, but I never thought about my toothpaste, honestly. Will you share more about changing your toothpaste and what's been more healthy for your asthma?

@dcypherzzz yes bad allergies , hadn’t had a asthma attack I bet 10 years now Dr put me on Breztri and a emergency Albuterol , has me doing nebulizer every 4 hours

I know how bad asthma can be take care of yourself.. For me that was learning how to clean my house so I wasn't part of the problem. I have succeeded in that. Along with all the things that cause you asthma naturally there are so many house hold products are man made that make mine worse. I had to clean out my house. My bathroom, of scented products, shampoos, lotion, body soap, gels, toothpaste, cream rinse, candles all candles perfume colognes. The laundry room all scented dryer sheets and scented laundry detergent, even the stuff they call un-scented, because all that means is that all the stuff is in it and they added one more chemical to take out the scent. Kitchen everything chemically scented dish soap bleach. If it is not just bleach if it has additives. I found out I have MCS on top of everything else I have so Look it and see if this could be some of your troubles. There are products out there that are FREE AND CLEAR that will be on the label. Try to limit it when buying new stuff. God Bless and good luck in helping find a solution.

Hang in there Sharon. I'm just getting over this. Still have occasional phlegm and cough. Not nearly as severe. My Advair 2x's a day is all I'm needing right now. I used sugar free cinnamon gum which really helped, halls menthol cough drops, hot tea, and Heart Safe Mucinex. I do keep my Albuterol inhalers close but haven't needed them for about a week now. I also used Benadryl Clear antihistamines at night. I used Hepa filters and cool mist vaporizers. I believe this is a defined illness or respiratory virus. It's been months but it is finally going away. Did you have asthma before? I only had a mild case. I have allergies as well. Good luck!

@sharrondriver
Hi Sharon,
Breztri is a good steroid inhaler. However, it is used more for COPD patients. Most people on Breztri should be on some prednisone. It will take a few days before the steroid inhaler builds up in your system. Prednisone tablets take 2-6 hours to start to work. Trust your provider to do the right thing for you, but also educate yourself to be your own best advocate. I have had asthma more than 50 years, and have done much reading/research about the different treatment modalities. Being a partner in your asthma management is important. It is difficult to find the right combination of medications/treatments which will help as each patient is different. Please remember to do excellent mouth care so you do not develop a fungal infection from inhaled steroids. As it is winter, consider putting a disposable cup filled with water (and change daily), to help moisten the air from the heat. You can put it on your bedroom radiator or furniture. If you have a humidifier, use this - but you must Daily Clean It, so you do not get bacteria floating in the air. Good luck.

@crn Mucinex has helped my husband. He uses it daily.

@lisalucier no mam but it’s day 1

@sharrondriver

I agree with what everyone else has said about Mucinex. I use it in the morning and take Robitussin in the evening. You need to find what works for you.
The Mucinex really does cut down on the secretions, though.

@sharrondriver - confirming you mean this medication?

- Budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol (inhalation route, Breztri) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/budesonide-glycopyrrolate-and-formoterol-inhalation-route/description/drg-20492051

Have you noted any effects of this medication thus far?