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asthma worsening/changing

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Posted 7/28/2015 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
I've had asthma all my life and have considered myself to be moderateley effected until the last 3 months or so, when it worsened to severe.
Near the beginning of May, symptoms hit hard and a bit differently. Tightness of chest, dry cough, shortness of breath, but with NO wheezing. Since then, it has gradually worsened. I've been to a pulmonologist, who suggested that it isn't asthma but rather vocal cord dysfunction and wanted me to go for testing. After researching it, I've come to the conclusion that he didn't listen to a thing I told him, because my problem isn't inhaling, it's exhaling, typical of an asthmatic. Also, steroids and my nebulizer do help alleviate symptoms, which would not be the case if it were VCD. I've decided to put off testing for VCD until I see a new pulmonologist.
Since then, I've seen an Allergist, that after testing, said I have an allergy to mold, only. My spirometery test showed a severe obstruction two weeks in a row. She won't consider an allergy injection until I've seen my new pulmonologist at the end of August.
My question is this, has anyone ever had a significant change in their asthma that could not be controlled for such a long length of time? I should add that I also have multiple lung nodules, and I take oral steroids, Dulera, Qvar as well as albuterol via nebulizer every 4 hours. 6 months ago, i didn't need any of those. I'm confused at the level of sick that I am. I've missed a month or more of work since May. I'm just baffled.
Posted 7/31/2015 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I have had a horrible time this summer with my asthma. I've been on prednisone off and on since the beginning of June. I've also tried switching up my meds (from Flovent to Asmanex) and adding new ones (Atrovent and Singulair) in addition to several antihistamines, Flonase, and ProAir. I'm still having difficulty controlling it. I, too, have never had wheezing, just shortness of breath, chest tightness, and lots and lots of coughing. I'm doing much worse than I was 6 months ago, too. But, I have had asthma for many years, and I have been through episodes similar to this. They have always calmed down after a bit. This time, it is dragging on longer than usual for me too, though.

I do have lots of allergies, but am particularly susceptible to mold. One of the allergists in the practice I see told me that this summer was the worst for mold that he can remember.

Have you tried using antihistamines like Allegra or Zyrtec? If your allergy to mold is the problem, an antihistamine might be helpful.
Posted 8/1/2015 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
wow lisa -you really do have it bad right now. i had a very bad episode sim to yours and advair 500 brought me out of it eventually. you are allready on the best meds it seems. its seems like you would be a canidate for xolair shots.
Posted 8/2/2015 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your replies. I saw my new Pulminologist earlier this week and he's checking for histoplasmosis. I'm just happy he's looking. The first dr. did nothing. I have a glimmer of hope. :) And yes, AustenFan...I take Zyrtec daily as well as Singulair. I shudder to think what it would be like without them!

Post Edited (lisat8744) : 8/1/2015 8:12:14 PM (GMT-6)

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