[Guest]

I have late onset asthma have seen pulmonologists many times. Yet, I have never had asthma control. At present I take FloVent 250 mcg, Serevent Ventolin (oral steroids in past). I still seem to be constantly have a asthma attack. It acts up no reason. I can be watching TV suddenly need Ventolin. Yes, I've had allergy tests cats is only positive one. I have trouble going up stairs, hills, lifting etc. I do everything my doctors tell me to do. Yet, my peak flow never goes above 200? Do have any ideas? P.S. On occasion I get sudden a chest cramp ces air out of my lungs. It doesn't hurt. I don't is eir? Thank

[Guest]

It sound slike you are on the normal therapy. People with difficult to control asthma present a complex problem that can be do to a variety of problems. I would say up front I wouldn't dare to guess the answer over the internet. Some things that are commonly seen include vocal cord dysfunction, when the vocal cords move the wrong way and cause problems very similar to asthma. This is often termed pseudoasthma. Vocal cord dysfunction is often seen in asthmatics and determing which is causing the problem, vocal cord dysfunction or asthma can be very challenging. Other causes of difficult to control asthma include gastroesophagela reflux or chornic sinus problems.

[Guest]

I do not have vocal cord dysfunction, reflux or sinus problems. I'm just finishing my oral steriods. While on the steriods I maintained the usual medications of flovent, serevent and ventolin. My peak flow only rose by 10%. Any ideas?