Asthma, dry throat or mucus and choking

[Rookwood]

I've had asthma for seven years now.  Right now my doctor has me on an Advair inhaler and Singulair pills.  While my breathing has been fine, lately it feels like my throat is too dry and it sometimes makes me want to gag because of the awful sensation.  I usually feel fine at home, but lately every time I jump into my car or I'm outdoors, the dry throat sensation comes back.  My doctor suggested that "sticky" or thick mucus from the advair may be to blame.  I have a prescription for Astelin nose spray - she suggested experimenting... either continuing with the nose spray to dry things out - or else the medications are already "drying me out" to much.  Any suggestsions??  I also have some some Clarinex tablets - but not sure if they're making matters worse or better when I take them - though I'm leaning towards "better."  Here's where things get worse - I've always been a shy and nervous kind of person - and I think stress or anxiety may be playing a big part in making things worse.  I've noticed a couple of times I felt like I was going to choke or get dizzy because I was freaking out from my throat problem.  Short of pills, are there suggestions for "calming down" or something I can do to alleviate this "psychological" part of the problem?

[National Jewish]

Recognizing that this is not something that is going to make you choke might help in lessening your level of anxiety.  Drinking fluids is a good way to reduce the drying sensation you are experiencing and also be an active way for you to deal with these symptoms.  This, too, may help with the anxiety.