Newly diagnosed with asthma

[Purplecrow]

in April, this year, I became ill with flu...it promptly morphed into asthma. I have no prior diagnosis of asthma, but have had occasional upper respiratory illness and several bouts of pneumonia. The airborne pollen was extreme this year, and I have previously dealt with seasonal allergies.

This time, it was clear that I have developed asthma. I saw an asthma/allergist, who prescribed steroid based inhaler, antibiotics, and daily sinus rinse. She conducted allergy tests, and found no allergic reactions.

I had previously seen a pulmonologist, for second bout of pneumonia in 2018. It was time to have annual followup with that pulmonologist, so will see him next week.

I am dismayed that I may need to use steroid and rescue inhalers daily, as I also use Prednisone for PMR.

I was diagnosed with PMR in 2013, and daily pred dose is currently 7 mg.

What is management protocol for asthma?

Does one acute episode of asthma indicate required lifelong treatment, even when asthma symptoms have abated?

Thanks for any guidance you can offer.

Kind regards, Jerri

[Just96753]

Sorry to hear about your health issues. My situation is very similar to yours, in that I also had no issues with asthma until I got ill with a bad flu in November of 2013. I had really bad flare ups for 2 months and then prescribed a steroid inhaler. I used it for 8 months and got it under control so good that I didn't have any symptoms for the next 5 years. I recently started having attacks and flares since January of this year. I'm having a hard time getting it controlled right. If I would have continued to use my inhaler while not having symptoms, I dont think I would have the issues I'm dealing with now. I'm not a healthcare professional, but I think you should continue to use the steroid inhaler daily. I wish I had.

[Beasley63]

They will probably put you on a daily maintenance inhaler. I am currently on dulera, singulair, ProAir which is my rescue inhaler and I use medication in my nebulizer as needed. I was diagnosed 2 years ago at the age of 54. My main trigger is anything that is scented. Perfume, airfreshners, cleaning products, smoke etc. Best of luck to you. Have they done the methacholine challenge test to diagnose your asthma?

[Purplecrow in reply to Beasley63]

Have not had any tests at this point, other than spirometer. Currently use singulare, qvar and albuteral