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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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1 Reaction@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."