asthma?

[LGD]

I've written in before for some questions, but this is the latest. I was diagnosed with asthma in May after a methacholine challange "scored" a 48% decrease in lung function after just one dose of methacholine. I've been having some coughing, slight wheezeing, and mild shortness of breath since January. I don't have asthmatic episodes, rather it's a constant bother, not made any worse by exercise, or any better with rest. If anything, It gets better after I exercise. More coughing in the morning, then kind of a "hawking" all day. Anyway, I was put on Pulmicort- 2 puffs daily, and I've been on it for 5 weeks with no change. Perhaps my morning cough has eased some, but that's about it. I also have dull aching in my back and upper abdomen that comes and goes.  My question is shouldn't pulmicort be helping by now? I've been worried that this isn't asthma, but rather could be related to some exposure I've had over recent years to crystalline silica. If it is asthma, any thoughts on why pulmicort wouldn't be working, and if there's a better option? Perhaps I'm not taking a high enough dose for my size? (28 y/o male 6'2 255lbs). I have another visit with my pulmo next week, but he seems quick to dismiss anything serious. Thanks for your thoughts

[LGD]

When you say that it could sound like other things, and not asthma, any thoughts on that? I've done whatever research I can, and I can't come up with much else that it could be in regards to the methacholine challenge. Let me know what you think. Thanks

[National Jewish]

Having the next visit with the pulmonologist is a good idea.  Although you responded to the methacholine challenge, the types of responses you are describing do not fit with asthma.  Getting better with exercise and not responding to Pulmicort makes you think something else might be going on.  Your doctor may do other tests.

[myproblem]

Have you noticed any improvement at all from the pulmicort? even slight? If yes, keep it up for another few weeks, but if none at all, then you should be able to try another medication. There are a lot of different steroid inhalers, as well as different doses. Look up "asthma maintainance inhaler", and "steroid inhaler". This should show you your options to discuss with your pulmo. The Methacholine Challenge is a pretty good indicator of asthma. Did they also do the nebulizer treatment with albuterol, and then repeat a few of the tests? This would confirm asthma as well if the treatment improved your numbers. You may try asking your Dr. If there is anything else a positive methacholine challenge can indicate besides asthma. This would give you your answer. Good luck.