Question:

I’m new to asthma (mostly coughing–have never felt at risk nor had an emergency).  My first visit to an allergist resulted in confirmation of an allergy to dust mites.  Could only get one take on the spirometer test because of the cough.  His response to the graph: "well, this is pathetic".   He asked what my script coverage was before writing a pile of scripts and when I said $5.00 per he said, "oh good."   I’m totally confused what each is for. All inhalers make me cough.  He said they shouldn’t.  Well, they do! He replaced my Azmacort (2p/2) with Aerobid (2p/2) (menthol, yucko! Can;t keep it down, even with a spacer) Replaced Albuterol with Volmax pill Replaced UniDur (significant tummy pains) with Singulair (haven’t filled this one yet) Said to keep using the Claritin if I want Said to keep using Vancenase if I want Threw in a sample Proventil inhaler, just for the heck of it. Have since read some on the Singulair, which seems to be a replacement for Accolate, which I thought was like Claritin.  Does taking Sing and Clar both make sense? How about Volmax (1pill/2x) AND Proventil (I’m assuming on an ‘as needed’ basis)? This med thing has really escalated over the last year, from taking no meds of any kind to a whole counter full.  Will things settle down to the point where I won’t need all this stuff?  I’m hoping. M.

Response:

I’m new to asthma (mostly coughing–have never felt at risk nor had an emergency).  My first visit to an allergist resulted in confirmation of an allergy to dust mites.  Could only get one take on the spirometer test because of the cough.  His response to the graph: "well, this is pathetic".   He asked what my script coverage was before writing a pile of scripts and when I said $5.00 per he said, "oh good."   I’m totally confused what each is for. All inhalers make me cough.  He said they shouldn’t.  Well, they do! He replaced my Azmacort (2p/2) with Aerobid (2p/2) (menthol, yucko! Can;t keep it down, even with a spacer)

There was a discussion on the bad taste of one of these inhaled steriods. There are brands with almost no taste to them like Flovent, Pulmicort and Vanceril. The Flovent and Pulmicort are relatively new and are long lasting and potent. Dosing is normally twice a day with these. Be sure to use spacer and rinse and garlge with mouthwash after using if you can. Replaced Albuterol with Volmax pill

I beleive Volmax is albuterol pill. Albuterol relaxes broncial passage airways. Taking albuterol by pill can produce more side effects like the jitters, high blood pressure and stomach upset. Your doctor may be trying to minimize the irritation to your throat and lungs by giving you a pill. After things improve you may want to talk to him about using MDI inhaler of albuterol only. Replaced UniDur (significant tummy pains) with Singulair (haven’t filled this one yet) Said to keep using the Claritin if I want Said to keep using Vancenase if I want Threw in a sample Proventil inhaler, just for the heck of it.

Proventil is albuterol. Have since read some on the Singulair, which seems to be a replacement for Accolate, which I thought was like Claritin.  Does taking Sing and Clar both make sense?

Claritin as an anti-histimine, it blocks the H1 (histimine receptor).   Accolate and Singulair are anti-leukotrines, a substance which is generated in one chemical path of inflamation in asthma. Data has been showing about 50% of asthmatics are helped by anti-leukotrines, some immensely. These drugs are new and one should be on the lookout for side effects. There was a Swedish study that concluded that anti-histimines and anti-leukotrines compliment each other in preventing allergic response, but was done at high doses of both. More study is needed. How about Volmax (1pill/2x) AND Proventil (I’m assuming on an ‘as needed’ basis)? This med thing has really escalated over the last year, from taking no meds of any kind to a whole counter full.  Will things settle down to the point where I won’t need all this stuff?  I’m hoping.

It can take a year to get things under control. Other causes of chronic cough are sinusitis and GERD (stomach reflux). You should be evaluated for these problems as causing your cough. Allergy avoidance is best. There are some very knowledgeable folks on this group with lots of links to information. Steve – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – M.

Response:

I’m not an expert or anything but a close friend of mine found these natural anti-oxidant pills that she takes.  So doesn’t even need her inhaler anymore, and the pills are really gentle on the stomach, I take ‘em just because they help me with arthritus pain in my knees.  If your interested at all just respond. Thanks, Max p.s. Hope ya feel better

Response:

Have since read some on the Singulair, which seems to be a replacement for Accolate, which I thought was like Claritin.  Does taking Sing and Clar both make sense? This med thing has really escalated over the last year, from taking no meds of any kind to a whole counter full.  Will things settle down to the point where I won’t need all this stuff?  I’m hoping.

I take Singulair also.  It is for your asthma, not for your allergies like Claritin.  I take Allegra for my allergies and Singulair for my asthma.  I don’t have any side effects from it, though I think some people do.  I also worry about having so many medications.  My doctor is still trying to get a combination that keeps my asthma under control.  I found a web site for Singular:  www.singulair.com – there are probably others for your other meds.  And above all else, ask your doctor too!  Make him/her explain what they are for!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m new to asthma (mostly coughing–have never felt at risk nor had an emergency).  My first visit to an allergist resulted in confirmation of an allergy to dust mites.  Could only get one take on the spirometer test because of the cough.  His response to the graph: "well, this is pathetic".   He asked what my script coverage was before writing a pile of scripts and when I said $5.00 per he said, "oh good."   I’m totally confused what each is for. All inhalers make me cough.  He said they shouldn’t.  Well, they do! He replaced my Azmacort (2p/2) with Aerobid (2p/2) (menthol, yucko! Can;t keep it down, even with a spacer) Replaced Albuterol with Volmax pill Replaced UniDur (significant tummy pains) with Singulair (haven’t filled this one yet) Said to keep using the Claritin if I want Said to keep using Vancenase if I want Threw in a sample Proventil inhaler, just for the heck of it. Have since read some on the Singulair, which seems to be a replacement for Accolate, which I thought was like Claritin.  Does taking Sing and Clar both make sense? How about Volmax (1pill/2x) AND Proventil (I’m assuming on an ‘as needed’ basis)? This med thing has really escalated over the last year, from taking no meds of any kind to a whole counter full.  Will things settle down to the point where I won’t need all this stuff?  I’m hoping. M.

The pill pushers strike again! Please deep-six the Volmax — if you need time release albuterol, you are better off with a slow acting broncho- dilator. My guess is, you probably don’t need either. Keep your Proventil sample for a reliever medication, for when the coughing makes you feel like you can’t catch your breath. Claritin is an anti-histamine, and Singulair is an anti-leukotrine. They intervene in the allergic response in different ways. If you have cough variant asthma, Sing may help you. From what I have read/heard, people either experience a great deal of relief or none at all. Since you are new to asthma, get started right away making lifestyle changes before you are hopelessly entrenched in a med regime. Start paying attention to your body — keep a diary to help uncover your triggers so that you can avoid or premedicate yourself for them. Look into diet recommendations, and methods of stress reduction and breath control, such as yoga or Buteyko. Start a gentle exercise program if you are not currently active. All these little things add up to greater than the sum of their parts where asthma is concerned! And most importantly, please get yourself to an allergist who will do some real testing, not just scribble on a scrip pad and send you on your way! Good luck! Patti  

Response:

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