New to Asthma

Hi mcdc,
Welcome to the Asthma Club!
Sorry to know that this has occurred for you.
Since I am not in the US, I will not comment on the meds and your costs, but I can give you my life experience.
I understand from my many doctors over my 72 years, that allergies can disappear and re-appear at will !! They also can become much worse. There is no way to know the whys and whens of it all. We just deal with the present.... that keeps us busy enough.
It is very helpful that you can trace your increase in symptoms to getting your new dog. From your history it would seem apparent that your new bundle of joy is the culprit for your declining health. This brings the sobering thought of what actions you may need to take to help your own health.
This gave me tears as I re-called my loss of my beloved dog, after a life-threatening asthma attack. It was a great trauma to my 13 year old self.... but I lived to tell the tale!
But, before you do anything that drastic, I would suggest you visit your doctor again and ask about allergies to animals. Possibly, your asthma is due to something else.
Hopefully and just maybe, you will be able to mitigate the impact of the dander with allergy shots or routines of dog baths, washing his bedding, etc. Although, I would think, your allergist will be very concerned if you choose to keep your dog.
I send you all the best for the discussions that will follow with your doctors.
There is a phrase often repeated about asthma... "When you can't breathe, nothing else matters" How true.

Hi mcdc,
Welcome to the Asthma Club!
Sorry to know that this has occurred for you.
Since I am not in the US, I will not comment on the meds and your costs, but I can give you my life experience.
I understand from my many doctors over my 72 years, that allergies can disappear and re-appear at will !! They also can become much worse. There is no way to know the whys and whens of it all. We just deal with the present.... that keeps us busy enough.
It is very helpful that you can trace your increase in symptoms to getting your new dog. From your history it would seem apparent that your new bundle of joy is the culprit for your declining health. This brings the sobering thought of what actions you may need to take to help your own health.
This gave me tears as I re-called my loss of my beloved dog, after a life-threatening asthma attack. It was a great trauma to my 13 year old self.... but I lived to tell the tale!
But, before you do anything that drastic, I would suggest you visit your doctor again and ask about allergies to animals. Possibly, your asthma is due to something else.
Hopefully and just maybe, you will be able to mitigate the impact of the dander with allergy shots or routines of dog baths, washing his bedding, etc. Although, I would think, your allergist will be very concerned if you choose to keep your dog.
I send you all the best for the discussions that will follow with your doctors.
There is a phrase often repeated about asthma... "When you can't breathe, nothing else matters" How true.

I have allergic asthma and so many things are triggers. Molds are huge triggers and I live next to a river and wetlands, so that isn't the best thing as being outside can bring on breathing issues. I use HEPA filtration in my home. I also have 3 cats and found out I was allergic to them after adopting them from a shelter. I have done allergy shots for all of this and it helps, as well as sleeping with HEPA filtration, and I actually have less allergy/asthma symptoms in the bedroom with the cats than the rest of the house because in a smaller space the filter is more effective, and that's a big block of time to have a break from triggers. The kitties will stay and I can accommodate them and my allergies. I have a Dyson Animal HEPA vaccum which helps. Other non-HEPA vacuums just fill the air with dust that they don't catch.

Jennifer

I have allergic asthma and so many things are triggers. Molds are huge triggers and I live next to a river and wetlands, so that isn't the best thing as being outside can bring on breathing issues. I use HEPA filtration in my home. I also have 3 cats and found out I was allergic to them after adopting them from a shelter. I have done allergy shots for all of this and it helps, as well as sleeping with HEPA filtration, and I actually have less allergy/asthma symptoms in the bedroom with the cats than the rest of the house because in a smaller space the filter is more effective, and that's a big block of time to have a break from triggers. The kitties will stay and I can accommodate them and my allergies. I have a Dyson Animal HEPA vaccum which helps. Other non-HEPA vacuums just fill the air with dust that they don't catch.

Jennifer

Thanks for the info…what kind of HEPA filtration do you have? Allergy shots do you mean the immunotherapy?

So glad you are managing with your sweet bundles of fur!
The HEPA air filter is the only way to go. I purchased an I.Q. Air filter Healthpro series. Works great. Tis one of the more expensive ones, but lasts many years [ 20 for me so far]
Dust and moulds are my main triggers, so the usual list of no rugs, no drapes, [soft folding blinds-easy to vacuum] vacuum with hepa filter [ have a Tri-star], damp dusting, and thorough cleaning/dusting. I also wear a mask when I leave my apartment, so to prevent picking up any bugs. In winter, the mask helps modify the cold air.
When planning an outing, I check the air quality monitoring reports; pollen and the PM2.5. I keep all vaccinations up to date: flu, co-vid, pnuemonia, RSV, etc.
This is a life long battle, and we must find the things which help us stay safe.
All the best in finding your safe environment.

I have allergic asthma and so many things are triggers. Molds are huge triggers and I live next to a river and wetlands, so that isn't the best thing as being outside can bring on breathing issues. I use HEPA filtration in my home. I also have 3 cats and found out I was allergic to them after adopting them from a shelter. I have done allergy shots for all of this and it helps, as well as sleeping with HEPA filtration, and I actually have less allergy/asthma symptoms in the bedroom with the cats than the rest of the house because in a smaller space the filter is more effective, and that's a big block of time to have a break from triggers. The kitties will stay and I can accommodate them and my allergies. I have a Dyson Animal HEPA vaccum which helps. Other non-HEPA vacuums just fill the air with dust that they don't catch.

Jennifer