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What Causes Frequent Asthma Attacks While On Albuterol And Montelukast?

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Posted on Sun, 5 Jan 2014
Twitter Sun, 5 Jan 2014 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 23 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on
Question : I am 48 and have developed asthma and GERD. I had a lung XRAY which was negative and an endoscopy which showed some gastritis. I am on Albuterol, omezaprole, and Montelukast. I have been on the Montelukast for 6 days with no great improvements regarding the asthma at night. I had been on Flovent which worked great. Stopped Flovent, everything got worse. I had asthma attacks mostly at night, now they are increasing in frequency and I am using my albuterol 2 to 3 times a day. After eating, even small amounts of food or drinking liquids, if I get up, I start to cough, and my throat starts to feel inflamed and uncomfortable, sometimes to the point of wanting to use the inhaler . I am 5'8, 170lbs. Don't drink alcohol at all, never smoked tobacco and no drugs. I have no pets. I don't eat fat or fried foods often and I don't gorge myself. My only sins are 2 cups of coffee a day. Should I just go back on the Flovent or wait for the Montelukast to take effect?
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Answered by Dr. Sonila Borici (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Asthma attacks aggravated by GERD/gastritis... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have read your medical history and feel sorry for the situation you are in. You are saying to be using Albuterol and Montelukast for asthma and Omeprazole for gastritis/GERD. The attacks of "asthma" are being aggravated because of gastritis/GERD symptoms you have, especially after eating. So, I'd suggest to eat often and small portions without rushing. Furthermore, do stay sit for a while after eating, do not move or do not lay down immediately after eating to avoid the attacks. Montelukast is a drug used to prevent asthma attacks and is used for long-time. Thus, it will take time for its effect to settled. Meanwhile, Flovent, is a potent corticosteroid, used for short time to treat asthma. If your doctor shifted from Flovent to Montelukast, it was because he/she had thought the acute phase of asthma has been cleared, and wanted to prevent further attacks by putting you on Montelukast. If you have been aggravating, I'd strongly suggest to consult your allergist/pneumologist to search for other alternatives. Please bare in mind that lifestyle and diet changes as mentioned earlier are also helpful. All the best! Dr.Sonila Feel free to ask me other questions you might have!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Sonila Borici (1 hour later)
Any long term dangers of using albuterol or flovent?
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Answered by Dr. Sonila Borici (20 hours later)
Brief Answer: Side effects of long-term use of flovent/albuterol Detailed Answer: Hi again, Thank you for following up. The side effects of long-term use of albuterol include: - cardio-vascular (tachycardia, palpitations, chest pain) - of nervous and musculo-skeletal in origin (headache, vertigo) - respiratory (paradoxal broncho-spasms or frequent pharyngitis) While the side effects of long-term use of flovent are mostly related to immuno-suppression. However, I'd wanted to note that flovent is not used for long term due to this severe side effect. Take care! Dr.Sonila
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Sonila Borici

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 214 Questions

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What Causes Frequent Asthma Attacks While On Albuterol And Montelukast?

Brief Answer: Asthma attacks aggravated by GERD/gastritis... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have read your medical history and feel sorry for the situation you are in. You are saying to be using Albuterol and Montelukast for asthma and Omeprazole for gastritis/GERD. The attacks of "asthma" are being aggravated because of gastritis/GERD symptoms you have, especially after eating. So, I'd suggest to eat often and small portions without rushing. Furthermore, do stay sit for a while after eating, do not move or do not lay down immediately after eating to avoid the attacks. Montelukast is a drug used to prevent asthma attacks and is used for long-time. Thus, it will take time for its effect to settled. Meanwhile, Flovent, is a potent corticosteroid, used for short time to treat asthma. If your doctor shifted from Flovent to Montelukast, it was because he/she had thought the acute phase of asthma has been cleared, and wanted to prevent further attacks by putting you on Montelukast. If you have been aggravating, I'd strongly suggest to consult your allergist/pneumologist to search for other alternatives. Please bare in mind that lifestyle and diet changes as mentioned earlier are also helpful. All the best! Dr.Sonila Feel free to ask me other questions you might have!