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My asthma has not been controlled for several weeks. How do people deal with these types of situations?


Rarely is my asthma out of control. It has been for several weeks during the past month. Yesterday, I went to the ER (per my Dr.'s office). I had a full work-up which included EKG, breathing treatment, CT scan etc. All of the test came back normal (yay!), however, that does not mean than my symptoms and difficulty breathing are not real. How do people deal with these types of situations?

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  1. Hi wenweb and thanks for your post. It's understandable to be frustrated when told all one's diagnostic test results are 'normal', but the discomfort and symptoms persist.
    While you may hear back from other community members with similar experiences, I would suggest you follow up with the doctor who advised you to go to the ER for evaluation. This doctor should now be able to make adjustments to your medication regimen to bring this condition back under more control, which seems to be the norm for you.
    Please do check back and let us know how you're doing.
    All the best,
    Leon (site moderator)

    1. Wendy,

      I noticed you are with Kaiser. The Riverside, california works great with pulmonary issues. Main thing, do not give up. Pester your dr. Make appointment after appointment.

      Make a daily log, dates, times, possible triggers, altitude where you live, smog conditions. Attach a letter to each type of trigger, makes for easier reading. Insist on being treated.
      Been there and still doing that. Success is attainable.

    2. It's my pleasure, wenweb. Sorry, I just saw your response tonight.
      How are you feeling ?
      Leon (site moderator asthma.net)

  2. You're very welcome, wenweb. I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this now for a considerable period of time. If you don't mind, please do keep us apprised of how you're doing managing this condition now. Warmly, Leon (site moderator)

    1. Here I am 3 weeks later and my asthma is still not controlled. I just posted a new question not realiziing I could post here as well. I am looking for help on a prednisone taper plan with a starting dose of 80mg/day. My Dr. is prescribing the prednisone, but is of little help when it comes to how long I should stay on it or whether or not to taper. From past experience, I think I should taper. My asthma is resistant to prednisone unless it's a high dose, so I don't think I should do a short course. Thanks!

      1. Hi again wenweb - it's our pleasure. Thanks for your most recent post / response / explanation (below). It sounds like you're doing what you need to in order to have this 'taper' medically regulated. Keep up the good work -sometimes we have to be our own best advocate!!
        Also, if you don't mind, please keep us posted as to your progress. Good luck!
        Leon (site moderator)

      2. Now a days I have a refillable prednisone and anti-biotic scripts. Pneumonia is a too common friend. My doc knows I dislike medications, and my COPD Asthma & COPD Emphysema can drag me down.
        I use the 6/day for 6 days. 5/day for 6 days and on down to zero with the anti-biotic. This is helping me remain out of the ED, (there are some really sick people there).
        When the weather is fine I go to the Arizona desert out by Yuma Testing grounds, a few hundred miles away. I bring what I need and camp out. Wow, a few days without a breathing problem and my RA is gone. I will also take long walks in the High Desert for exercise.
        If you have the capability you might try a trip to the desert in a camper or motorhome.
        At home I have a smart HEPA filter behind where I sit. When the air is dirty it increases speed until the quality is correct.
        These are little things I do which help me continue moving and out of my chair.

    2. Hi tonytoshiba, and thanks for lending your support and encouragement here. We appreciate your sharing your experiences too.
      Wishing you well,
      Leon (site moderator asthma.net)

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