I'm 24 years old. I have been athletic all my life, competing in high school and college athletics. I grew up with asthma, but was able to keep it under control.
About 3 years ago, a new wrinkle developed in my asthma, and rescue inhalers no longer gave me relief from symptoms. The symptoms of my asthma, which had always been a wheeze or some tightness, evolved into a constant need to cough and a feeling that I could never fill my lungs sufficiently. I tried everything. However, every time I was given a spirometry test or a peak flow, I was told that my lung functions were fine. I had tests on my vocal chords--they turned out fine. I had an echocardiogram--that turned out fine.
Over the last year, I discovered some relief on my own after doing some research online. I found that antacids gave me some relief from the asthma-like symptoms i experienced (which are always brought on by exercise, but sometimes come out of nowhere also). I went to see a doctor again and gave her this information. I had a Barium Swallow, and reflux was found, but no hiatal hernia was found. She prescribed Prevacid, which I have been taking for several months now, and said I should take a Pepcid AC before exercise.
This method has been working much better than anything tried before. But I feel like I am completely dependent on the Pepcid for relief (as it gives me far more relief than my rescue inhaler). I'm not sure how much is too much of the Pepcid. Also, while it makes the symptoms better, they are not COMPLETELY gone. Are there any ways to get rid of this condition, so I can return to a normal lifestyle without constantly worrying about difficulty breathing?
I am taking 100/50 Advair once daily (believe me, every doc I've seen has told me to take a higher dose, and every time it does nothing), 10mg Singulair once a day, the Prevacid 30mg twice a day, and Pepcid as I need it. The symptoms become worse after meals or exercise. They are worse in the early morning or late night.