Worst asthma flare of my life—desperate for relief
I have historically had very mild asthma (only needing albuterol a few times a year), but then after I’ve been sick with a virus, I’ll need to add in a maintenance inhaler for a few months (typically Symbicort paired with Atrovent, or Breztri). A few times, I have needed a short course of oral prednisone.
I had surgery in January and got a post-op upper respiratory infection. That seemed to flare things up, and I went back on Breztri shortly after.
I had Flu A (H3N2) at the end of February, and it absolutely took me out. I was hospitalized for 5 days. I’ve needed multiple courses of IM & IV steroids. Have been on oral prednisone since early March.
Current regimen is Dupixent, Breztri, Atrovent, Xopenex (I’ve been in a POTS flare too and unable to tolerate albuterol anymore). I’ve been on Dupixent since 2021 (originally for eczema). I’m also on 20 mg a day of prednisone (was up to 40 mg a day at one point). We are adding in compounded oral ketotifen this week. I take mucinex as needed to help with mucus plugging.
I have never in my life had my asthma so out of control. I’m consistently using Xopenex every 4 hours during the day. I’m desperate for relief! Those of you with severe/complicated asthma, what things have you tried? What has helped? Bonus points if you have POTS or primary immunodeficiency (I have Hypogammaglobulinemia; on IVIG).
I am unable to tolerate singulair—it gives me severe anxiety and nightmares. Wondering if anyone here has tried Zyflo and had success? Anyone tried cromolyn sodium or theophylline and if so what was your experience like?? Anyone tried nebulized glutathione?
Pulmonology is considering switching me to Xolair after we get my IgE level back. Any and all suggestions welcome!! I have a functional medicine doctor too, so not at all opposed to untraditional/homeopathic things either.
TLDR: major asthma flare, steroid-dependent & still struggling.