When is serious treatment for asthma needed?
Patient: I am 18, just got told I have asthma this year.  I am on Asthmanex and Foradil and Ventolin. I was wondering when I should consider my asthma bad enough to go to er. Most times I put it off and say i'm fine. I dont have a peek flow meter or anything so I just wondered.Thanks Kristen Doctor: HelloSince you are an asthmatic patient and taking asthmanex, flotral ( foradil ) and ventolin . All these are bronchodilator and anti allergic .This indicate that you are having asthmatic allergic bronchitis and for your kind information this is a very common disorder in modern life due to so many allergen surrounding around us . These allergens are : Pollen , mite , fine dusting powder, sudden fall and rise of temperature , mold , pests ( cockroaches ) pets ( cats and dogs in home ) fumes , smoking ( active and passive ) .As all these are predisposing factors so avoidance help great.Do these measures :Wash all bed covers in hot cycle every week.Treat carpets w/acricides or tannic acid.Keep dust-accumulating objects in dust cup board.replace curtainswith blinds or easily washable curtains.Use vacuum cleaner ,Encase mattress , pillows & quilts in impermeable covers.Install air- conditioner or dehumidifier .When such patient visit I only prescribe them to take montelukast+ bambuterol one or two tablet in day . All patients respond this treatment very nicely . No medicine except this.Hope this will help you.Take whenever necessary , stop once relief , recurs , use again.In my opinion there is no need of  ER .Good luck.