6 years Asthma and getting worse

I was diagnosed with Asthma 3 years ago and was told to take Advair 250/50 but it only helps for an hour or 2.  on other occasions I take xopenex inhaler and sometimes use machine with produces mist to get xopenex into lungs, but most of the time it does not seem to work.  I am constantly out of breath, body alway tight, lightheaded and increasing in depression as time goes by.  I feel like I am losing my life and dont know what to do.

Doctors have taken Cat Scans, X-rays, pfts and all seem for the most part normal- except fthat I'm always breathless and have to work very hard to suck in a breath of air every minute of the day.  This is a major physical job in itself.  

I have been tested for thyroid problems as well with negative results

I do caugh sometimes and have this constant clearing of my throat, weezing and constant spitting of mucous.  I did smoke from 18-33 and have been smoke free for 5 years and 6 months.  

I am now 37.   Please let me know if there are any suggestions or actions I should take to feel better.



  

[Jibs1]

Perhaps ask your Dr to switch the brand names/types of combo meds you are taking. Xopenex is supposed to be longer acting and more pure, but I'd be willing to try another brand.  Are you on an inhaled steroid, too?  Maybe that is the way to go .. if so, my doc suggested moisten the lungs first with the albuterol and then take the inhaled steroid so better absorbed.

Any asthma needing albuterol type product ev. 2hrs is not well controlled in my opinion.

The other question is that my daughter had similar problem and hers turned out to be muscle related in the chest area not allowing her to breath in fully after an asthma attack so Motrin helped alot.  It was scary for her but the muscles are in constant retraction from an "attack" and they sometimes spasm.