Any ideas? I have recurrent asthma bronchitis.

[Sheree23]

Hello, if anyone has any suggestions for me. About 3 years ago, i suffer from a mild bout of Pnemonia (pneumonia). Since then every 2-3 months i keep getting bronchitis. I am out of action for like 3 weeks and the cycle continues till the next 2 - 3 months. What i used to take was antibiotics called Rulide and that would clear it up. My asthma puffers were 2 puffs of Flixotide morning and night and Oxis 2 in morning and 2 in evening. When i was first on this i was fine for about a year, now the asthma bronchitis keeps coming back. I get a runny nose and i get some weird condition where my windpipe inflames and i get a hoarse voice, i get a tight feeling in my chest. Then i can't breath. I have to go on the nebuliser with ventolin and atravent to loosen up my phlemgm because apparently it gets very very compacted. Along this i have to take a course of prednisone. 2 in the morning for 3 days then reducing the amounts after that. I have visited my chest doctor in June and he changed my medication to Seretide puffer, 2 in morning and 2 in evening. It is now the end of sept and i am sick again. The last time i had this was the end of May. I don't know what to do anymore, my house is free from dustmites, i have a dustmite protector plastic thing on my matress and pillow, i am a clean freak. I did have a test which showed that my immune system was slightly down, does anyone have any suggestions on what i can do or what medication i should enquire about. If you can imagine having this bronchitis nearly 4 - 5 times a year it is very annoying. I am now taking Augmentin forteantibiotic.Pleasehelp

[National Jewish]

Your "bronchitis" could truly be bronchitis or it could be asthma or some other lung problem, such as bronchiectasis.  Since this began after the first bout of pneumonia 3 years ago, it is likely that there remains some ongoing lung problem from that pneumonia.  This is leading to recurrent inflammation and/or infection.  A pulmonologist would be the type of specialist to give you a complete evaluation of your nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs in order to identify what is causing your problem and the best treatment.

You cannot and should not just continue to take antibiotics 4 to 5 times a year, the rest of your life!

[Nikkii]

I have been suffering from asthma for one month (after only getting broncitis every fall) and tests were done.  It is very common for ACID REFLUX to cause asthma and nobody seems to know about this. I am on Protonix and it takes a long time for it to help.  You do NOT have to have any symptoms in the way of heartburn or stomach trouble - -it is a SILENT problem and most often overlooked.  Anyone who suffers from asthma, try an over-the-counter generic brand of acid reducer of Tagamet or Zantac. Also, the prescription meds that I had caused the asthma to be worse - - I was allergic to Advair, Allegra and Singulair.