"Perfect Storm" of breathing issues

[truesun]

I have a 'perfect storm' of breathing issues and could use some advice.  Panic, asthma (sort of), allergies, GERD, polyps.

Follwoing my first panic attack (couple months ago) my GP, just to be on the safe side, put me through a series of tests to rule out anything catastrophic.  A pulmonary functions test showed some slight asthma perhaps during a broncho challenge.  My GP put me on Singulair.  I take it as directed, but I think it's giving me muscle and joint pain in my arms and legs; something I never had before.  

I took the results to my allergist who said it wasn't clinical asthma.  The test suggested more a air way sensitivity as opposed to full blown asthma.  Said staying on Singulair is good though because it will help my sinuses through allergy time (9 months a year where I live) He also chastised me for going off my Nasonex (I'm back on now).


To be frank, I can't afford the medications to treat ALL this stuff.  I'm thinking of taking out the Singulair (still staying on Prilosec, Nasonex, bi weekly therapy and OTC anti-histamines).  My theory is, if I don't have asthma (my baseline lung capacity is good, and even at Level 5 broncho challenge, I didn't feel nearly the level of breathlessness I did while panicking or after a heavy mesl) why should I take the Singulair?  It's expensive and causes me muscle ache apparently.  I can still address allery based symptoms with the Nasonex and the anti histamine.  Does anyone else think this is out of line?

[National Jewish]

Singulair® (montelukast sodium) has been associated with a condition called Churg-Strauss Syndrome (CSS).  There is uncertainty about whether this is or is not a cause and effect relationship.  The condition is characterized by inflammation of blood vessels and peripheral nerves.  Muscle and joint pain is not characteristic but could be suspected if the symptoms subside with discontinuation of the Singulair® (montelukast sodium).  A type of white blood cell, called eosinophils, is elevated with this condition.

If your allergist truly believes that you do not have 'clinical asthma', the continued use of Singulair® (montelukast sodium) is not warranted although the statement that it could help with nasal allergies is valid.

If you have not discussed the muscle and joint aches with your allergist, you should.  Also discuss the question of CSS that is described above.  While the muscle and joint aches may or may not be associated with Singulair® (montelukast sodium), the cause of these aches should be determined and your allergist may be able to help you with that.