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Aavailable Medications

02/03/2011

Question:

What other medications could help me with my asthma?

I`ve been taking Albuterol for what seems to be forever. I am to take it only when needed [emergency] but find myself taking it way too much – which means it doesn`t even last one month.

I also take singular on a daily basis.

I use my nebulizer daily and sometimes up to five or six times a day. Also have a breathing device that allows me to monitor my lung capacity – normal day about 350 on a good day about 450 or so. Some days about 250 to 275.

Answer:

You need to be on a controller anti-inflammatory medication such as an inhaled corticosteroid.  I would see your primary care doctor immediately who may also want to refer you to an allergy or pulmonary specialist for further evaluaton and treatment of your asthma which sounds poorly controlled.  Taking only a bronchodilator like albuterol can mask inflammation in the lungs and cause loss of lung function over time. 

For more information:

Go to the Asthma health topic.