too much rescue inhaler

I  take inhaled steroids and xolair shots but I still need to use albuerol 4 times the days I swim and about 2 times every  day. I don't swim.  My doc says I'm taking all the advair, Qvar I can take. I am 75. I don't see how the pulmonologist and I can change the meds. Heart is good. Any ideas? thanks  John0705  

[Victoireh]

Unfortunately, I think you are on all that there is available to take, outside of oral steroids. I've been told by my pulmonary specialist that at a certain level of asthma treatment that a certain amount of daily symptoms will have to be tolerated. As long as these symptoms aren't detrimental. If the asthma becomes more out of control with detrimental effects, then more potent therapy (such as oral steroids or even higher doses of inhaled steroids) will have to be added on. At this level, the doctor doesn't want to give you so much steroid  that the side effects start out weighing the benefits of it. Shall we say it needs to be warranted before stepping it up to such levels.  My advice is just to pace yourself, track your asthma carefully and visit your pulmonary specialist on a more regular basis. I was also told that asthma is so variable and that one year can be quite different from another, so let's just hope that next year is better. Then you can step down on your inhalers. :-)

[john0705]

Thanks for the input. I think you were right in saying a certain amount of daily symptoms must be tolerated. Thanks

[choo_choo]

That was very helpful, thank you.  I'm starting Rush IT next month...I hopeing for some relief then :)  Until then, I'll deal with it.  

[allmymarbles]

You can add natural anti-inflammatories which, unlike steroids, have no side effects. I use 1000 mg. of vitamin B5, a dropperful of mullein extract, and one demitasse spoon of MSM powder daily (and am now adding NAC). This is in addition to the usual roster of vitamins and minerals. I kicked the Advair habit because it was killing me (literally). Anyway, I breathe much better with the natural stuff. (The only prescription drug I have not been able to give up is albuterol.) Since we are into ages - I am 80.