Asthma Has A Mind Of Its Own

By betty70boops

1 min read

I am now 72 and was diagnosed with adult-onset asthma about 20 years ago. I also have reflux (apparently it is controlled) and sinus drainage (I take Zyrtec for a common mold allergy) so I have a cough all the time. At one point I used my inhaler so much that I developed a fungus on my vocal cords!

I had a sinus infection last April, but an antibiotic and Prednisone got rid of it. I continued to cough so bad, thus the fungus infection. I took a different antibiotic for that and it went away and the cough got better, but it came back. My ENT changed my reflux med and maintenance inhaler, which didn't work either. So my PCP just put me on a round of Prednisone and when I'm finished with that I am to see an otolaryngologist.

For me, asthma is getting harder to control. It seems everything sets it off...even a cup of yogurt. It is embarrassing and frustrating to start coughing in a restaurant, church, gym, etc. I keep my inhaler with me, cough drops, and a bottle of room temperature water.

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betty70boops Member
DebbieAnn...Right now I have 1 Prednisone pill left to take and then we wait to see if the cough comes back. If it does my PCP is sending me to an otolaryngologist to find out why I have a tickle in my throat. We have changed my reflux medication as well as my asthma maintenance inhaler...neither made a difference. Sinuses are healthy and I take Zyrtec for a common mold allergy which is working. Thank you so much for reaching out. It helps for someone to care enough to respond to my situation. Sometimes I feel like I am in this all alone.
Ashlen Wilder Moderator
<inline-mention username="betty70boops" user-id="3003449"/> It is so unfortunate to hear about what you are going through right now - I cannot imagine your level of frustration and stress over this. How has your week been? Know that you are not alone, and we are so glad that you are in our community. Please continue to share updates with us. -Ashlen, <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>Asthma.net</a> community moderator 
1. betty70boops Member
 <inline-mention username="Ashlen Wilder" user-id="3003057"/> Thank you for reaching out to me. I finished the Prednisone yesterday and I am waiting to see if the cough comes back. Today I didn't have much of a problem with it and never had to use my inhaler. If the cough comes back my PCP is sending me to an otolaryngologist to find out why I have a tickle in my throat all the time. So I am waiting to see what happens, but I think the cough will come back...it always does. 🙁
Ashlen Wilder Moderator
Hi <inline-mention username="betty70boops" user-id="3003449"/> of course. Got it! Hoping for the best for you...and if you do end up going to the otolaryngologist, we hope you get the answer you are looking for that bring you clarity! Sending positive thoughts your way. -Ashlen, <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>Asthma.net</a> community moderator 
1. betty70boops Member
 @DebbyAnn I have never heard of an adult taking pediatric dosages, but glad to know it is possible for those who are sensitive to meds. The cough still has not come back, but it is sort of like waiting for the other shoe to drop 😀
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="betty70boops" user-id="3003449"/> Hi betty - it's my pleasure! Please know you are always welcome here in our online community. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)