WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?

I have shortness of breath quite often, along with weakness, grouchy moods, inability to concentrate, trouble remembering things, depression, headaches. I also suffer from real bad allergies. I take meds for depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol & Diabetes type 2. I also take sleeping pills. I had a persistent cough that would not go away so my regular doctor prescribed Symbicort & Advair Inhalers. Ever since I am inhaling the sprays my cough has stopped. I went to the emergency room two days ago with shortness of breath and weakness and they discovered my Potassium level was too low.
I know I have a lot of health issues but is this really all about asthma & allergies? or is there something else wrong with me? How do I get better?

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, it typically suggests allergic rhinitis with bronchial asthma which is exaggerated or precipitated during cold season or timing. The triggering factors like dust, fog, pollens etc. can cause the precipitation of these symptoms. You need to identify these precipitating factors.

A careful nasal examination, Allergen-specific testing includes Skin testing, Serum tests for allergy, Allergen challenge and as well as Evaluation for concurrent conditions like Sinusitis and Asthma is necessary and it directs further steps for management.

Also you are on various medications, some of these are known to reduce the blood potassium levels (like thiazides) and can cause weakness known as hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Hence, you need to go for monthly estimation of electrolytes levels and if needed should be corrected. Potassium supplements are available against prescription. Take care and regards.

[bsmsl]

Hi and welcome to the community.

All the symptoms you mention can be symptoms of asthma (except the high blood presure and high cholesterol).  Many people don't know that.

I suggest you see an allergist.  They would be better able to treat the allergy trigger of you asthma.  They are also well trained to treat asthma since an asthmatic usually has allergies.

Are you taking Symbicort and Advair?  Those are the same types of medications.  Both are combination medications with an inhaled steroid  (ICS) and a long acting beta2 agonist (LABA - broncho dilaters).  It is not good to take these two medication together as you are double dosing them.  

Do you also have a rescue medication?  Some for of albuterol - ProAir, Proventil, Maxair, Ventolin, Xopenex and a few others.  This is a necessity for when you have the shortness of breath (sob) feeling.  

Did the hospital tell you what to do about your potassium level?  If you do not get that up, you could start having leg cramps.  Advair and Symbicort can cause potassium and calcium levels to drop causing cramps.

Take care and feel better.
God bless