Constant asthma after 20 years of nothing

I was diagnosed with allergy induced asthma when I was a young lad, but it was only brought on by animals or pollens. Once I was about 13 or 14, I only got an attack about once or twice a year (mostly caused by cats) and I would usually suffer through it and be fine in about 3 to 4 hours. For 20 years it never really bothered me, then about 3 months ago I went to my brother's house (who has a dog that I have had attacks from) and had a very, very bad attack. I stuck it out until the morning and then had to go to the market to get some primitine. (That's how offen I get attacks...I buy primitine once a year). Since then, I get asthma every morning and evening, and sometimes around noon. I went to the doctor a month after my brother's house and he prescribed Albuterol, which seems to help tremendously.

My issue is that I've had to take it every morning, noon and night to prevent attacks. To me this is strainge since I haven't had a problem for over 20 years. Just tonight, I had to come home from Christmas shopping to take a couple hits. I then went back to the stores feeling fine.

Any thoughts on if this is a serious problem??? It doesn't make sense that this should just pop up again. I've been a little stressed and haven't got much exercise lately, but that's never been an issue before. It's not related to my house or work because I will get it just about anywhere, but mostly in the morning and later afternoon/evening.

Thanks,
Tom

[National Jewish]

About 1/3 of adult asthma has a similar history: asthma as a child, goes away and comes back after over 20 years!! From your description, it appears it can be controlled fairly easily. Since you are using your albuterol inhlaer so frequently, there are several medications that can totally prevent what you are experiencing. I would speak to your physician about preventative medications so you will not need to use the albuterol so frequently.

[starion]

Dear Tom,
Have you discussed your increasing asthma symptoms with the doctor who prescribed your albuterol?  It's important to talk with him/her about how to maximize your lung function/control and how often you are having asthma symptoms.  Albuterol is a very useful resue medication (much more effective & better for folks than Primatene), but please talk with your doc about options for maintaining your lung function with other medications that are longer-lasting and may be more effective (there quite a few of them out there & help many of us).

I had asthma as a preschooler of toddler, but it got much better as I got older.  I rarely needed any medications for it except when I had colds.  About 18 months ago, I was waking every night unable to breathe.  Long story short, at least part of the problem was my asthma flaring up after 40 years!  My doctors & I have created a great medication plan which allows me to do pretty much everything I want, and I only use albuterol as a rescue medication a few times per month.

Best of luck--please work with your doctor(s).
Aloha,
Starion--thriving in HI