What other options will my doc give me if steroid & rescue inhalers aren't helping asthma?

Oral meds may help: For asthma that is out of control, the addition of nonsteroidal anitinflammatory med like montelukast may help, or a short course of oral steroids. Some people still respond to theophylline orally. Pulmonary function tests can distinguish between the bronchospasm seen with asthma from the laryngospasm and difficulty inhaling often seen with anxiety or panic.

Confirm Diagnosis?: If you physician confirms asthma as a diagnosis and not confounding panic attacks as a cause of your shortness of breathe, then she may consider adding in a medicine called Singulair, (montelukast) which can help reduce inflammation in the lungs as a daily preventive. Pulmonary Function tests may be useful as well. Good luck!

More Workup: You absolutely need to have a spirometry or pulmonary function tests. If they confirm asthma that is not controlled, Singulair (montelukast) is a good idea. Your doctor might also try Spiriva or a drug called Xolair. I suggest seeing an allergy and asthma expert to help you.