[Guest]

I only have asthma symptoms when I get a cold. I average 3-4 colds per year. Recently, I saw a colleague of my MD who diagnosed me with "walking pneumonia". My peak flow 12 hours before seeing the MD was 550, 1 hour before seeing the MD 400. She told me that I should consider seeing a specialist since I go on a pred taper and antibiotic 3-4 times a year. She feels my asthma is not controlled if I am being treated so often. Is this true? Should I insist that my internist refer me to a specialist?

[Guest]

For any patient with asthma who requires prednisone and antibiotics 3-4 times per year, an asthma specialist is important. Many things can contribute to the asthma exacerbations and should be investigated. Also proper medications and inhaler technique are important in controlling asthma. Regular checking of a peak flow, usually the same time of day is helpful to follow the progression of the breathing changes.
[quote] I only have asthma symptoms when I get a cold. I average 3-4 colds per year... [/quote]