Overusing Albuterol Inhaler

For the most part, my asthma condition becomes a problem overnight.  After I have been laying down for a few hours, I wake up with wheezing and difficulty in breathing just about every night.  I have been using my Albuterol Inhaler with one spray to open up my ability to breathe normally and then go back to sleep.  Now my doctor tells me that using a rescue inhaler more that twice a month is not safe and that I can further damage my lungs; or that daily use, even if only once a day, could cause my lungs to shut down.  She recommends Flovent HFA 110mcg, but I don't like the side effects that comes with this drug and am resistant to start use of it.  I have never smoked and developed asthma to this point over the last 5 years.  At 58/F, I am not on any other drugs at this time.  I get conflicting views from others who use this inhaler as to the frequency and potential harm it can cause me.  I very much appreciate your insight and knowledge on the long term use of this product.  Thank you.

[Tammy2009]

Being 21 and feeling a million times better after using a corticosteroid for the last 6 months I praise them to the nth degree.  

However the side effects defintely suck ... I have a family history of osterporesis and thus just got my calcium and vitamin D levels checked.  I would rather watch my calcium intake and everything that can happen with being on pulmicort (also been on advair) than go back to the chest tightness, fatigue and inability to fully excerise.  

I would try a type of preventative medicine for a year, then look back at the difference you feel and I bet you will want to continue enjoying life and the way it changes.

Ask your doctor about other preventative medications that aren't steroid base, like the new one singulair.