Asthma Support Group

Ask about a higher dose of Symbicort or Advair 500. Go to a pulmonologist and get re-evaluated.

Isn't Symbicort 160 the strongest symbicort? I am with JurseyGirl if your not already seeing a pulmonologist go to one. I've been having trouble finding something that controls my asthma and doesn't have adverse side effects. I was told by my doctor that there are 3 other types of inhalers I can try if the Advair I am on doesn't work. (I've tried symbocort and 2 different strengths of advair).

as i understand it 160 is the strongest of the symbicort. i tried advair before the symbicort buti kept respiratory infections and after about 2 months my doc( who is also a pulmo) took me off it. i'm thinking maybe one of the chromolyn inhalers as an alternative to prednisone( since my doc refuses to even try low dose pred) i don't really if i have much else in the way of alternatives.

Do you also do daily nebulizer treatments?

I'm in a similar situation that you are. While I'm on the prednisone I feel great, but 2 days after I'm off, all the symptoms are right back there again. My pulmo told me that the next step is daily prednisone treatment. They are very hesitant to place me on that because of all the extra problems that prednisone causes. I think doctors try to hold off on that treatment as long as possible. All the while we asthma patients would just like to breath and be somewhat "normal".

Stay away from prednisone, unless you are actually dying. It does relieve the inflammation temporarily, it has horrific side effects.

I think you need to get much more creative. Temporarily, theophyline, an oral pill is a great bronchodialator. It keeps you very awake, but it helps alot. As a long term solution, allergy shots were great for me. However, this is some evidence it might have triggered Rheumatoid Arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. However, in comparison to not being able to breathe, I guess it was a good trade off.

Another more radical solution is move to a new area with different vegetation. I resisted this, but when my husband was transferred to the prairies away from the rainy west coast and mold, I was off all inhalers for 3 years. Unfortunately, as my allergist told me - in 5 to 7 years you develop new allergies to the new place. I am now allergic to snow mold - which is bad in a place with 6 months of winter. I went to Texas this winter, and it was the best time I have been able to breathe since I was a child.

Another theory which I have put into practise is to blow a musical instrument. I play flute, and it has really helped me get back lung function. Further, do you have a peak flow meter? It is very important to keep track of what your lung function actually is, and what is triggering it. I am vacationing in an area with huge forest fires, and I have lost about 5% function. I have a Respro cycling mask I wear outdoors, and actually cycle with it on, outside, although it does get hot and sweaty.

I understand what you are saying. Asthma is a horrific disease, and I hope you can get some kind of relief soon.

Could also ask about Spiriva though it is meant strictly for COPD.