Is there anything I can do? - Asthma Message Board

tigger67 · 08-01-2008, 06:10 PM

I've had "asthma" for the last 20 years. I put it in quotes because my doctor says it's not your typical asthma. My large airways are always at 100%, but my small airways are always between 60-70%. My peakflow meter is always in the green zone since they seem to only read the large airway, and I read my Advair mostly helps the large airways. So is there anything that can be done for the small airways? Right now I use Advair once a day (100/50 is the highest I can tolerate without getting sick), and Singulair once a day. They help, but I always have that heavy chest feeling and breathe pretty shallow.

Do I need to see another type of doctor other than an asthma specialist? I don't have allergies, I've been tested. I think this is more genetic.

MountainReader · 08-01-2008, 06:19 PM

Do you use a rescue inhaler like Albuterol? Does it help?

What type of asthma doctor have you been seeing?

I used to go to an asthma/ allergy doc. I have since switched to a Pulmonologist. He did some testing that the other doctor didn't. Also, although I have allergies, my asthma is non-allergic. My allergy/ asthma doc kept treating my asthma as if it was allergy related. Sometimes a doctor with a different approach helps. I would ask around to try to get names of good docs in your area if you look for another opinion. It seems like you may need someone with good experience in treating your particular condition.

Good luck.

tigger67 · 08-01-2008, 06:40 PM

I have a rescue inhaler, but I hate using it. I'm very sensitive to steroids, and sometimes even one puff will make me shakey or nauseous.

My doctor is an allergy/asthma doctor. She's run out of suggestions for me and I guess has done all she is trained to do, so going to a Pulmonologist might be what I need to do. I may call her office and get recommendations.

tigger67 · 08-01-2008, 07:01 PM

One question though. If I'm already taking the most Advair I can take, as well as Singulair, is there something else a Pulmonologist can do? I guess if they take an x-ray they can see if there's something else causing my small airways to always be partially closed up.

Oh, and I've been tested for acid reflux and it was negative. I've tried OTC meds and they don't really make a difference.

Titchou · 08-01-2008, 07:26 PM

The albuterol has no steroids in it. It will make you shakey but as time goes by, those symptoms should go away. And the new HFA ones are even better at that.

You should be seeing a pulmonologist. It may be that you need something other than Advair - like maybe Flovent. I'm on it and it does a great job for me.