Asthma problems - please help!?

At 2:30 I took two puffs before Cross Country. Then at 3 I took to more because I could barely run. I had an extremely hard workout, and finished at 4:30. At 5:15, my chest started hurting so badly I could barely cope with it, I was laying on the couch, so I took another puff. It is 5:25 now, and it has calmed down, but is still pretty painful. No coughing or wheezing - just chest pain.

So basically, I've taken 5 puffs in the last 3 hours. Should I take more if I start to need it?

Robert, it's an inhaler. DUH! I wouldn't have taken the 5th puff, but I couldn't even walk up the stairs without stopping. It was that or the ER.

well, watcha puffing on?

I think the dosage for your inhaler really depends on the type of medication you're using. I checked it out online just to make sure. The following example is for albuterol:

"Albuterol inhalations should not be administered more often than prescribed. Excessive use of inhaled albuterol can have adverse effects on the heart...Patients requiring more inhalations for relief of symptoms should seek medical advice."

I thought the normal dosage was two puffs daily, but check what your medication tells you. If you're allowed less than what you've taken, I wouldn't recommend you take anymore. If you're allowed more then I think you're okay.

I would recommend going to the ER for the chest pain. The albuterol can cause high blood pressure, high pulse rate (especially with the running). and sometimes irregularity in your heart rhythm. With anything involving cardiac, I always advise patients to seek help. You can't get back any tissue that may die because of certain complications.

Ask your doctor about a nebulizer. When my daughter has a heavy feeling that won't go away after using her inhaler she will use the nebulizer. It gets more medication into your lungs. It will be in a mist that takes about twenty minutes to finish up. I've been told that the way it is delivered over such a long period of time will open your chest up better. Works for her. We haven't been to the ER because of the nebulizer giving her relief. I would look into it. Also, are you on any daily maintenance drugs. That could help you tremendously, I would stay away from Singulair though. Been there done that and it was a horrible nightmare for her.

A lot of Asthma is related to allergies. Have you seen an allergist to see if you have hay fever or allergies to pets? That can help your asthma and identify local issues like pollen that is active at the time.