I Have Had Asthma Since I Was 6 (I'm 48/female/white)

I have had asthma since I was 6 (I'm 48/female/white) and recently was told I have RA or maybe it was a genetic marker for it. Regardless, I've had dyspnea with increased mucus production for the past 2-3 months. My doctor doesn't like to prescribe antibiotics, to which I agree, but I'm wondering if the RA may be the culprit rather than a lung infection. The mucus is heavy, dark yellow and sometimes the only relief I get is having my husband thump my back with his fists. It almost seems as if that loosens the mucus enough so that I can cough it up easier. What do you think?