Monica V.
Understanding Asthma isn't always an easy thing to do. I know as I have bronchial asthma and I use a nebulizer four times a day. My youngest was born with bronchial asthma and he uses an emergency inhaler. I find the nebulizer much easier to handle, but you will still use your emergency inhaler for times when the allergies you have are irritated than usual. Don't worry about the number of times you need to use it, some precautions to take would to keep all mold producing items outside, such as plants, and such. If a friend smokes, tell them to go outside and smoke as this will irritate the same problems you are now having. I am personally allergic to inside, outside, and foods. But when the cough gets to be too much I go into the bathroom and turn on the hot water the steam/moisture will help relieve the cough. Even when the weather changes in humidity you will find this to be a problem. Check all the times you have had a coughing attack and then write down what is around you or in the house at the time. Stress will also cause this reaction you are having, also check with webmd.com and you can find out more you can do.
ok so process of elimitation, do you have heartburn, acid reflex can cause you to cough alot, the acid goes up and down the throat... cause you to cough.. your sinus drains at the back of your throat, makes you cough a lot, do you smoke ? again you could have COPD start checking for cancer, sounds like they are putting a bandaid on the asthma, and not treating what is causing the out breaks, did you start using something new.. any new plants in the house or around your home, shampoos, laundry soap, eating the wrong foods, wearing to much wool, start a check list, and elimmate things little by little, be in charge of your health, and good gawd do you relize what your doing to your body with all those meds..... with all those meds you would think something would help its not, maybe because its not the problem you think it is.. think out side the box
Hi Monica,
First, have you ever been tested for FOOD allergies??? Eggs allergies can cause breathing problems very similar to asthma. If you keep consuming eggs (they are in everything), for years on end the asthma will keep getting worse. Also, other food allergies besides eggs can cause these "breathing" problems.
Second. has anyone done an upper GI/Endoscopy scope on you (the actual camera down your throat not just that swallow test and x-rays). My dad had vomiting and breathing problems and not to scare you but he ended up having Cancer of the Esophagus.
Hope these may help. Please update us once you get some answers.
Good luck.
You are right to question any meds. It is your right as an individual and your responsibility to know the possible side effects and any alternative options. I grew up dealing with respiratory problems and as an adult started researching my options as the meds had such awful side effects and did not address the underlying cause of my condition. There are so many things you can do for yourself. Start educating yourself. Have some patience. Asthma is nothing more than your body's supressed immune system reacting to allergens. You can do some reflexology on your feet in the morning and when you go to bed at night. It feels good and it works. THere are several books on the subject and anyone can teach themselves the basics. You want to apply slight pressure evenly on the toes and along the foot just under the toes. This area reflexes (sends energy) to the head and chest. If you hit some sore spots they are definitely in need of work. Apply pressure for 20 seconds or so and release. Do it again. I would strongly suggest you find someone who does reflexology and get a session done professionally. You will be amazed how great you will feel.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to start using a neti pot. You can find one in most health food stores these days. They look like little alladin lamps. You rinse your sinuses with salt water. I use pink himalayan salt available at Whole Foods or on line. You can also use sea salt. Just don't used table salt. It is junk. It takes a little getting used to, but I guarantee it will change your life. Just relax and breathe through your mouth before you pour the solution in one nostril and let it run out the other side. It will come with instructions. A salt lamp will help and a salt pipe is great therapy. Here's a link where you can read about it. Salt air is very healing for anyone with respiratory ailments. Clean and healthy sinuses are imperative in a healthy respiratory system. 
 Here's a link to one with some information.
http://www.isabellacatalog.com/prod.cfm/pgc/21300/sbc/21306/inv/12434/tid/708091105
Stay away from milk and eggs. They both cause mucus. Soy, rice, or almond milk are possible substitutes. 
Personally, I can say that I benefited greatly by cutting milk out of my diet. We don't need it. 
http://www.notmilk.com/
Eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as you can. If you are a meat eater, cut back.
An apple a day contributes to healthy lung function. Eat organic. Regular meats and dairy products are loaded with hormones and antibiotics that play havoc with our immune system. Farm raised fish is heavy on antibiotics also.
Regular chiropractic visits are incredibly helpful in dealing with asthma. This was one of the first things I did for myself when I decided to take control of my own health. Again, be patient. You most likely will need to go 2-3x/week to start but then you will taper down to every 4-6 weeks or so. It is great for your overall health. I can recommend two great chiropractors, one is in Long Beach near Seal Beach, the other is in LA in the Fairfax area. Let me know if you are interested in getting their info.
Acupuncture works wonders as well. The AMA actually acknowledged a few years ago that it is an effective way to treat asthma.
The more you can do to boost your immune system the better. Start taking superfood-dehydrated wheatgrass, spirulina etc. I use Dr Schulze's formula. You add to juice. The Natural Botanical Pharmacy is in the Marina. You can also find a variety of formulas at any health food store.

https://web0.herbdoc.com/index.php?&c=1
Start body brushing to jump start your lymph system. Again, a lymphatic massage would be a great way to start. Body brushing is done with a dry natural bristle brush that you can find at health food stores or bath stores. Before you get in the shower in the morning brush your body using long sweeping strokes always towards your heart. It feels wonderful.
Limit sugar intake including juice. Nothing brings down a person's immune system faster than sugar. That said, don't fall into the trap of sugar free products that use aspartame-splenda, etc. It is quite literally poison. Water, water, water is the best. Herbal teas are great also. Remember it doesn't have to be served hot.
Oil of Oregano is a natural anti-biotic and anti-viral supplement. Since it is a food source it will not interfere with any meds you may be taking and it will help boost your immune system. You can put some in jojoba oil or any other carrier oil-even olive oil, and rub it on your chest and sinuses. Jojoba penetrates the deepest and can be easily purchased at Trader Joes. A little goes a long way. Straight is too strong, it can burn and irritate the skin. Bee products like 
bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly are also great for building up the immune system and are also anti-viral. You can add bee pollen into a smoothy with the superfood. Local bee 
pollen taken in big doses for a month can get rid of allergies.
Steroids may do the trick, but over the long run they can be very destructive. If you are on antibiotics make sure to take acidophilus for your tummy. Antibiotics also kill off the good bacteria needed for proper digestion. You can get it in liquid form, plain yogurt-I know it's dairy, but a little plain yogurt won't hurt, or pill form. I would use the pill form as a last resort. OK , for example, if you are traveling.
Yoga will also help build up both your immune system and respiratory system. Deep breathing is great and backward bends actually boost the immune system. They also help open up the chest. Start slow. Yoga is non-competitive. You start at whatever level of flexibility that you have and go at your own pace. If you are not into taking class or feel intimidated there are plenty of great home DVDs for beginners.
START MEDITATING. There are many sites online that can get you started. Here's a great 5 minute you tube. Just sit back, close your eyes and soak it in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23Z9l_Ni428&feature=PlayList&p=DD6D523151FD9FB8&playnext=1&index=25
There is a body, mind and spirit connection to everything that we are just starting to understand. Releasing old anger, learning to voice that anger in a positive way might help you go a long way in healing. Forgiveness is the greatest healer. Once you get started you will be amazed at how better you feel. You can do any or all of these things while you are still taking your meds, but with diligence you can transition off. Again, be patient with yourself. It will take some time, but these things do work. The more you can integrate into your lifestyle, the better and faster you will regain your health.
I realize this is a lot of information. I hope I am not overwhelming you. Feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance. If this is too much, pick one thing to work on and then add slowly.
A god friend of mine had asthma and she went off gluten and things got a lot better. Good luck and don't give up looking for a cause.
you know my daughter gets the same way (shes 22 months old). also my daughter is asthmatic and has NEVER wheezed. wheezing isnt a sure sign of asthma. her dr even said so. asthma doesnt just affect the lungs but can irritae the throat which causes the persitant coughing. winter time is a major trigger for my daughters asthma. we are still new to her asthma because shes only been diagnosed for a year. what her dr said for us to do is double her prevenative (which is pulmicort). she now takes .50 of pulmicort instead of .25 via nebulizer. also when she has the uncontrolable coughing she gets albuterol via inhaler and nebulizer 4 times a day. maybe you should ask your dr to change your prevenative to a higher dose for the winter season or to a different medication. you do seem like your on a lot of meds but im sure your dr knows what they are doing. maybe he/she should try giving you a prevenative via nebulizer. good luck!
you've gotten a lot of great advice. My 7 year old has athsma, and this is what I've learned.
I've heard, also, that the neti pot is a huge help.
this last week, there was a study out saying prednisone does not help asthma attacks. I don't remember if it was referring to all ages, or only children.
After 911, there was a respiratory doctor in NY that tried to get rescue workers to take pulmicort. He believed that it could help because the theory behind this steroid is that it heals the lungs. Many people didn't follow through with the study, but the ones who did had dramatic healing, as opposed to those who did nothing. I read it on yahoo in 2001, but haven't been able to find it since. When my son has asthma attacks, he doesn't audibly wheeze, but coughs.
It's very hard for me, because my ex-husband doesn't believe in medicene and thinks I am convincing the doctors he has asthma. So incredibly stupid, and aggrivating, so I have to approach his problems by myself. I get no support, and tons of aggrivation about it. He did take pulmacort for a while, and I believe it has helped. He is not on anything, and I am watching it closely. It didn't seem to help him to modify his diet, but doing it only 1/2 time doesn't yield good results, so I have him eat as healthily as I can.
Oh and once I had a really bad cough years ago, and was given cough syrup by the doctor with some opiate in it. It will give you relief temporarily.
If you are in the SOuth Bay, I sugest that you see Dr. Salama, she is at Health Care Partners on Torrance Blvd. near PCH. SHe listens, and she has had my Asthma under control. I use to have the hacking, sleepless nights and pain in the location of my right lung. While I take alot of medication I do not have the caugh and the asthma is controled.
Hi Monica,
I understnad how you feel. I was 31 when the asthma started and I coughed for 3 months. The inhalers, etc. did not help. My mother's friend took me for acupuncture and I stopped coughing within a couple of days. I then went to acupuncture once a month for about 6 years. That was in NY. I am now in LA and have finally found an acupuncturist here that I love. Meanwhile I've been on Advair. Between the Advair and acupncture it keeps the asthma in check.
Please check out these options and see if they work for you. I'm sorry about the terrible ER experience.
Good luck.
o
Are you only interested in medical advice or alternatives as well?
Monica, I would recommend you going to visit an acupuncturist who specializes in asthmatic conditions; there's a lot that acupuncture can do to help out asthma patients. A good acupuncturist can put together an herbal and acupuncture program to strengthen your lungs so you don't need to be on all of those medications and will be feeling much better. If you have good insurance, check to see if it covers acupuncture; many do.
Best of luck to you!!
Hi Monica,
Sorry -- I'm a couple of days behind. Wow, that's a lot of meds! First of all, ask your doctor to bag the Advair immediately and switch to another beta agonist with a separate steroid inhaler (I use a combination of atrovent and flovent). Do NOT accept Serevent. Both Serevent and Advair contain salmeterol, which can cause the worsening of asthma symptoms in some people, status asthmaticus, and even death. The FDA recently released a very specific warning against the use of serevent for asthma without an accompanying steroid inhaler.
Next, consider taking the narcotic cough suppressant for a day or two, just to quell the cough reflex. Sometimes it can build on itself when the nerves triggering the reflex are continuously irritated.
Definitely see a pulmonologist, as others have recommended and get a throrough evaluation. Find someone who will work with you. Definitely do some allergy testing to determine your triggers. Asthma is typically (but not always) the endpoint disease of allergy. A good pulmonologist will recommend this. Testing for specific IgE in the blood is best directed if you have some idea as to what you might be allergic to.
Last, consider that this might not be asthma. Get the X-ray retaken and interpretted by the pulmonologist, and get a lung CT. Don't freak: I'm not suggesting that this is cancer. There are many other pulmonary and nonpulmonary diseases that could be generating your symptoms. Someone suggested acid refulx (GERD), which can commonly mimic or exacerbate asthma symptoms. This occurs more frequently than was once recognized, and you're at higher risk for it if you're overweight (don't know -- I can't see you through the web!)
Another thing to consider, especially since you've had 5 kids, is an enlarged thyroid that could be displacing the trachea. A neck X-ray would identify this.
I hope you feel better soon!
Just wanted to add that my son was dealing with a very similar situation since Feb 09 cough that wouldn't go away they gave him all the meds you tried and just yesterday after I insisted last week to test him for pertussis found out he doesn't have asthma or any allergies but he had had pertusssis and is now on the correct antibiotic I am hoping we are at the end of this cough after 16 weeks 5 doctors and many medications. Just wanted to share another option to look into it was dx from a simple blood test.
Have you had allergy tests done? It helped me to be able to avoid certain things. Hormone levels checked? When I was pregnant, I coughed 6 months straight. Singulair also caused me to cough. Hopefully this gave some ideas.