allergic to the meds

[nymetsfan]

I have bad allergies, post nasal drip, and mild asthma.
My PFM is always 500-550. I have a cough on and off throughout the day whenever triggers start the drip and tickle. In the early morning hours sometimes I get mild bronchospasm, with cough and clear
small amount of phlem. As soon as I get up and make coffee it stops. I have a hard time with medications. I've had antihistamines, which I had a hives and reaction to. I've had Albuterol which gave me the shakes and hives, and now I have Atrovent which the doctor told me to take if I get a 20% reduction in peak flow. I have never had a 20% drop in peak flow even at night. I take the Atrovent inhaler on occassion because it does stop the coughing, and I get some more sleep. The doctor said it's usually not used for asthma but has low side effects. The atrovent exaserbates the coughing and irritates my lungs when it wears off. I feel like these medications have worse side effects than my actual condition. I would love to figure out how to stop the cough and post nasal drip, but I hate the meds. Can a mild form of asthma which doesn't effect breathing now get worse down the line if not treated everyday with meds? Should I just get a reliever inhaler incase it gets worse some day? Any advice on a maintenance med that might not cause side effects?
Any natural ways to deal with this?
Thanks

[National Jewish]

From what you have described, it is not clear that you have asthma.  This is usually diagnosed with a pulmonary function test with a reversibility challenge.  It is possible that all of the coughing comes from the upper airways.  If you have difficulty with antihistamines, it is possible to try inhaled nasal steroids on a regular basis to control the inflammation or even a trial with a leukotriene antagonist.  You might also consider working with a Board Certified Allergist to identify the causes of the problem.  Then try to eliminate the causes with avoidance and possibly an allergy shot program, also called immunotherapy.

[ccctalks]

This is interesting....why do you think you have mild asthma?

[nymetsfan]

I think I have asthma because I went to see a pulmonary doctor. I described my symptoms of coughing in the mornings, and when things like strong smells,after work out I cough alittle, and air-conditioning in the car make me cough. He didn't do any tests, but said I had a textbook case of asthma, gave me an inhaler, and a peak flow meter, and said if it goes down 20% of your personal best, take the inhaler.
I went to see an allergist several years ago, and had a skin test done. I was allergic to everything they put on my arm except cats. The allergist made me blow into a spirometer, and he said my coughing was probably from postnasal drip. I notice at night sometimes I have bronchospasm, like when you breath out it's choppy not smooth. The allergist said this might also be from sleeping with your mouth open and the airwaves get dried out.
Whatever it is, I just hate medications, and I think I will reserve from taking them unless my peak flow goes down to 20%.

[starion]

Dear Abby,
I agree with the LungLine nurse that it isn't clear that you have asthma at all.  It would be best for you to get a simple breathing test called a pre & post albuterol spirometry to see if you really have asthma.  Even if that test doesn't show you have asthma, there are other tests you can take--methacholine challenge and exercise induced bronchospasm testing.  If you don't have asthma, the inhaler is unlikely to help you much.
With regard to your allergies (which the allergist confirmed you have), what steps have you taken to reduce the allergens in your life and environment?  That can reduce your symptoms WITHOUT needing to take medications.  One of the easiest places to start is the bedroom, since we spend a great deal of time there, sleeping.  If you're allergic to dust mites (as you said everything but cats), you can purchase allergy control barriers for ALL your bedding & wash all bedding in 140 degrees of hotter weekly (or at least 2x/month).  You can read a LOT more about allergies & allergy control measures at www.NationalJewish.org, particularly their MedFacts and Understanding series.
Nasal saline rinse is very helpful to many folks (it's also described in one of the MedFacts pages), and has no medication in it.
I would urge you to promptly take care of your symptoms because they can lead to other problems if ignored.  Best of luck!
Aloha,
Starion--thriving in HI

[nymetsfan]

Thanks for your suggestions.
I am going to buy the mattress and pillow encasings. I keep everything very clean at home but have neglected to encase the bedding. I checked my washing machine and discovered that even though the setting says hot water, the water was not that hot when I checked it. I never thought to check that out. Just assumed the water was hot as indicated. My weekly washing of the bedding may not have killed any dust mites!