Questions about "Non-allergic" asthma - Asthma Message Board

Dark Stranger · 07-31-2008, 08:19 PM

I know I've been here tons of times before asking about my breathing issues, but I would like to ask the input of anyone who knows anything about non-allergic asthma.

It's been a year and I am still huffing and puffing, for reasons unknown. My doctor has suggested asthma, ordered me a methacholine test and tried numerous times to put me on albuterol. I passed the asthma test and albuterol never does anything for me.

Someone on this board mentioned ot me once the possibility of something called non-allergic asthma, which I have gathered is asthma or something very much like it that is not triggered by allergens, and is triggered, instead, by things like cold/dry air, smoke, stress, obesity and a few other things.

I am really leaning toward the possibility of having this. My symptoms are very much like those of someone with allergic asthma, but I am not allergic to anything. I have found that some physical exertion (like walking up 2+ flights of stairs) and winter air do make me feel worse, but sometimes I get short of breath for no reason. I might be eating dinner and -boom- I can't catch my breath.

I am also wondering if an asthma medication could help me. My ENT suggested the possibility of allergies and put me on Allegra-D. I only took it once because it gave me a headache, but I am wondering if this could help me with my breathing issues. I figure being on it for a day and feeling no difference is not indicative of whether or not it would be effective.

Does anyone here have this non-allergic asthma? What, if anything, do you utilize in terms of treatment? Is this something that could possibly go away on its own?

Part of me is wondering if my weight has anything to do with it. I am not enormous, but I am still definitely overweight - last I checked, I was 190. And I am 5' 6".

gcsjr · 08-01-2008, 03:09 AM

Non-allergic asthma is a form of asthma that is triggered by something other than allergies. It is treated exactly like allergic asthma but, antihistamines like Allegra-D probably won't be much help because they primarily help minimize the effects of allergies.

If albuterol doesn't seem to help you should consider the possibility that what you're experiencing is acid-reflux related. Acid reflux can cause asthma-like symptoms and can cause asthma flare ups in people with asthma by irritating the sensitive tissues that line the respiratory tract. If acid reflux is contributing to the problem, getting the reflux under control should help you manage symptoms you're experiencing. Your weight and your description of shortness of breath while eating may indicate that acid reflux is playing a role in your symptoms.

Beyond that, you need to work with a doctor to get the asthma under control - albuterol is typically used as a rescue inhaler after you start having an asthma attack, other inhaled medications like Flovent or Advair are better at controlling the symptoms and keeping the attack from ever starting. Singulair is another oral medication that helps keep the attacks from ever happening.

If you have asthma - non-allergic or allergic - it will not go away, but if you work with a pulmonologist to get on an asthma treatment plan you'll be able to manage the symptoms much more effectively.

Titchou · 08-01-2008, 05:56 AM

I tend to agree that it isn't asthma. My asthma is not triggered by allergens....but albuterol will stop an attack. Generally speaking, an asthma attack of any kind can be eased or stopped by albuterol. Since it does not help you at all, I lean towards acid reflux as well - contributed to by your weight. The comment that it happens while you are eating also would indicate that.

Dark Stranger · 08-01-2008, 12:32 PM

Thanks for all the input.

I am looking at the symptoms of acid reflux...and it really doesn't sound like anything I have. I have none of the symptoms...I have no heartburn, I don't 'throw up a little in my mouth', I don't feel nauseous, and I don't cough or choke. I'm not trying to be a pain and argue what I have been told, but it seems unlikely that I have GERD.

Titchou · 08-01-2008, 01:18 PM

Well, why not try an OTC acid reflux med for a few days and see if it helps? The asthma med is not so that's sort of out. It couldn't hurt and it might help.