What are some other asthma meds I can try?

Question

I already take Advair 500/50, Singulair 10mg, albuterol inhaler as needed, and xopenex nebulizer as needed, and I still can't get past the yellow for peak flow! What are some other things that can help control asthma?

I'm affected by the asthma everyday. I can't sleep, and I can't exercise. I use my albuterol inhaler everyday.

I've been on oral steriods for three weeks, and the Advair is an inhaled steriod.

Answer 1

Asthma control is not measured by peak flow. Some people also have underlying lung disease which means their peak flow may never go pass a certain point.

Asthma control is measured by how your life is affected by it. By that I mean how often you need to use your salbutamol inhaler. If you are using it once a day or more then your control is not good enough and will benefit from increasing dose or frequency of your med or even put on long term steriod. But that's something your doctor will have to look into, and pros & cons weighed up.

Adrian (A&E doctor)

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Wow there are a lot of asthma meds that you could try! Flovent, is another inhaled steriod. How about pulmicort or asthmanex, these are also inhaled steriods, but in a powder inhaler. I also know that spiriva was mentioned, that is a good inhaler it is a combination of atrovent and albuterol. Foradil is a rather new inhaler, and works quite well. Have you tried the new Xopenex inhaler, my asthma was out of control until I tried that. I personally take a combination of asthmanex, spiriva, foradil, xopenex inhaler and singulair and my asthma is great!! I don't know a lot about alternative meds as I am a respiratory therapist and we don't give them, but check out some of the alternative meds they might even work better.

Best of Luck to you

Answer 4

You might talk to your doctor about nebulizer bronchodialators rather than just the inhalers. Many people don't correctly use an inhaler so the medication doesn't get to the passageways that need it the most. If you stay with inhalers at least use a spacer, which you can get from your doctor. It's easy to use and allows better inhalation of your meds.

I had Cystic Fibrosis and asthma, both of which were cured in my lungs due to bi-lateral lung transplant two years ago. For me the nebulizers were much more effective because the medication was administered over a longer period of time so it allowed further and further opening of the blocked and restricted passageways.

You should know try to learn more about what triggers your asthma and try to avoid them as much as possible.

Good luck and I hope you breathe freely soon!

Answer 5

Ask your Dr about "Spiriva"
it is a dry powder inhaler that was approved by FDA about two years ago. It works great.
You can take the Advair 500/50 and the Spiriva together. I did.
Take your Xopenex via neb before you go to bed and when you get up. I take Xopenex too and I find that it really helps.

Good Luck!
I have COPD but the asthma component of the disease is what is the worst.

Answer 6

For alternative solutions you may want to read Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (Murray & Pizzorno) and Prescription For Natural Cures (Balch & Stengler). Some allergy and asthma sufferers have gotten significant relief from taking monavie juice.
Let's Get Well by Adelle Davis has a good section on allergie and asthma.
Good luck and God bless!

Answer 7

I can completely sympathize with ya. Maybe a dose of prednisone? try talking to your doc and see what they think.

Answer 8

Here is some info on this website

Answer 9

I know of something to look at. Here are some testimonials.
glycoresource.com