TEdwarRAB,
Breathing troubles can be extremely scary. It has been a year now that I've been seeing specialists to get mine back under control. I gain some comfort from my doctor visits because I have plans of action to get things under control and I know what to do in emergencies.
Don't worry about the tube, you won't even know you had it in because of the sedation. I've been sedated 5 times in the last two years-4 just in the last 8 months. I have tons of allergies nad haven't had any problems with the sedation meRAB.
For me, the allergies/ asthma/ reflux thing is a vicious cycle. My sinus infections often trigger my asthma cough. The frequent PND also messes with my cough. When things get out of whack, it takes some work to get them balanced back out.
If it is asthma triggered, the codeine probably won't do much. I've even tried narcotic strength cough medicine and saw little relief. You should talk to your doctor about trying a rescue inhaler such as Albuterol. If that works, you should talk talk to your doc about it or try to see a Pulmonologist. I think I had asthma for years without knowing because they just kept telling me it was my allergies and sinus issues causing the cough. The tough thing for me is that my primary reflux symptom is a cough, my asthma symptom is a cough, and I do have PND and allergies that cause a cough.
I'm in my second round of immunotherapy for my allergies (28 allergens being treated this time.) I also take Allegra, Astelin, Flonase and Singulair for the allergies. I had to go off of decongestants because I developed rabroadP.
For the asthma, I am on Advair 250/50 or 500/50 (depending on if it is flaring or not), Singulair and Albuterol. I also carry an Epi-pen for emergencies. It is often really difficult for me to know the difference between an asthma cough and a reflux cough. I often end up at the clinic so they can listen to my lungs. I don't want to overtreat the asthma when it isn't actually flaring up. I was on steroiRAB for several months this year because of the cough. While they do help with the asthma, I'm not crazy about the side effects.
For the reflux I take Prevacid Solutabs 2x/day. Once a day didn't do anything. With LPR, twice a day is usually most effective. I have tried all the PPI's on market and have found the Prevacid most effective for me. I also supplement with Gaviscon.
I will say that while I have symptoms throughout the day, mornings are the worst for me. I often cough non-stop and I have a lot of mucous too. I have often coughed so much that I can't catch my breath and it has occassionally triggered vomiting too. For me when it flares it is usually horrible in 4 month cycles then it lets up a bit before starting back in. I think the various treatments help a bit too. I've had very supportive docs.
I used to go to an allergy/asthma clinic specialist. I did that for about 6 years and the doc still didn't know who I was. I've found a good ENT who runs an allergy clinic. I also started seeing a Pulmonologist and Gastroenterologist for the coughing, asthma and digestive issues. I coordinate those three with my PCP. I have all my specialist reports sent to my PCP.
This week I have a follow-up with my GI doc, some Pulmonary Function Testing and a follow-up with my Pulmonologist. Cold winter air is a major trigger for my asthma. That on top of the reflux cough gave me a horrible winter last year. I ended up needing emergency treatment at one point. This follow-up will help me know how well my current treatment is working. I will then be able to revise my asthma plan. The GI follow-up is to check on the Nissen Fundoplication I had in October and my newly diagnosed IBS.
Let me know if you have any further questions. If anyone can be helped from my previous experiences, that would make me feel better.