Question 1

need alternative to zirtec for allergy-induced asthma. allegra and benadryl (diphenhydramine) don't work, nor albuterol asthma inhalars. claritin gives me nasal pain.

Accepted Answer

Allergic help: You will definitely need to speak with your physician about this.  Other alternatives include the short acting chlorphenamine (chlortrimetron), sold over the counter.  There are prescription medications - xyzal, singulair, xopenex, (levalbuterol) Flonase and more.  Ultimately - make sure you speak with your physician about this, since the medications you have tried so far are not providing relief for you.

Question 2

what will happen if i take albuterol and i don't have asthma?

Accepted Answer

See below: Most likely, you will raise your heart rate and become "jittery" as these are side effects of the medicine.  However, if you are on a beta-blocker for blood pressure control, the albuterol could temporarily block the effects of the beta-blocker and cause a rise in your bp.

Question 3

should everyone who has asthma use a ics or just albuterol as needed?

Accepted Answer

: All patients with asthma should have a written plan, cleared with their doc, that allows for increasing or decreasing treatments based on the day to day/week to week changes in symptoms. ICS is a good daily maintaince for many, with episodic albuterol. However, all patients have unique needs best managed by someone who knows you best.

Question 4

i've had asthma since i was little. but i think i'm using albuterol way too much. can albuterol be bad for you?

Accepted Answer

Albuterol: Albuterol is a great medicine for those with symptoms of asthma. That being said, there are side effects associated with it. The common side effects are palpitations, shaking, and a rapid heart beat. When being used constantly in nebulized form, it could cause variations in potassium level. There is another inhaler known as Levalbuterol that does not elevate the heart rate as much.

Question 5

28/male/5'4/140lbs. pef before albuterol is 450l/min-460l/min. after albuterol it is 540l/min. does that mean i have asthma?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: Though this type of challenge test is used to test for asthma, there are other issues your physician must consider. like allergies, family history, attacked of shortness of breath etc. A single test does not exist for asthma. 
Good Luck.

Question 6

is there a risk in using expired albuterol in a nebulizer for asthma?

Accepted Answer

Expired meds: There is a risk they won't work, and if you are having an asthma attack, that's a big problem. Most meds will not harm you if expired, except for the fact that they may not be good for what they are intended for. You should check all the medicines in your home monthly to see if expired and/or need refills or replacements.

Question 7

does long term use of albuterol to treat asthma have any serious side effects?

Accepted Answer

Yes: An example is tolerance development.  You may become less responsive to albuterol in the long run.  Also, you will not be as well controlled between doses allowing for scarring and other complications of poorly treated asthma.  If using albuterol more than a couple times per week, or if waking to use albuterol more than couple times per month; daily controller medication is needed.

Question 8

if i used albuterol before my run for my asthma and still coughed during my run, does that mean my asthma is not under control?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Many times, people do not use proper technique when using their albuterol.  Using a spacer is best, and waiting a minute between inhalations.  Without a spacer, use at least three fingers between the albuterol and your open mouth.  If you are still having a cough, and having a cough more frequently than only with running, see your provider about possibly adding another medication.

Question 9

what is considered poorly controlled asthma? i only use albuterol when needed. is it a good idea to take a daily controller medicine?

Accepted Answer

: I wouldn't consider that your asthma is poorly controlled. Albuterol is excellent for relief of symptoms.  A Rx for duplumab may help.  I would see your allergist, pulmonologists, or PCP for help.  You may need testing to learn what your sensitivities are.

Question 10

how serious is asthma? i'm 27 and have had allergic asthma my whole life but never used albuterol unless near a cat etc... it's getting worse now...

Accepted Answer

Very Serious: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to almost 5, 000 deaths per year in people poorly controlled or not taking medications for symptom control. You must see an allergist for testing and consideration for appropriate medical intervention.

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Doctor answers about:

Albuterol alternatives for asthma

A member asked:

Need alternative to zirtec for allergy-induced asthma. allegra and benadryl (diphenhydramine) don't work, nor albuterol asthma inhalars. claritin gives me nasal pain.

A member asked:

What will happen if i take albuterol and i don't have asthma?

A member asked:

Should everyone who has asthma use a ics or just albuterol as needed?

A member asked:

I've had asthma since i was little. but i think i'm using albuterol way too much. can albuterol be bad for you?

A member asked:

28/male/5'4/140lbs. pef before albuterol is 450l/min-460l/min. after albuterol it is 540l/min. does that mean i have asthma?

A member asked:

Is there a risk in using expired albuterol in a nebulizer for asthma?

A member asked:

Does long term use of albuterol to treat asthma have any serious side effects?

A member asked:

If i used albuterol before my run for my asthma and still coughed during my run, does that mean my asthma is not under control?

A member asked:

What is considered poorly controlled asthma? i only use albuterol when needed. is it a good idea to take a daily controller medicine?

A member asked:

How serious is asthma? i'm 27 and have had allergic asthma my whole life but never used albuterol unless near a cat etc... it's getting worse now...

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