I was tested for allergies 10 years ago, and the tests showed allergies to dust mites. I controlled it through environment. The symptoms I was having at the time (sneezing uncontrollably for hours in the mornings) went away, so I figured I outgrew them. Around the same time I had stomach problems and was diagnosed with acid reflux. I took meds for several years and then went off when the symptoms went away.
Last December, I started having shortness of breath, dizziness, vertigo, and an increase in migraines and headaches. I went to the doctor, and they said I had asthma. A pulmonologist put me on Advair and Prilosec. I went to an ENT for the dizziness, and they found nothing. I had an MRI that was negative. I saw a neurologist for the dizziness and headaches, and they found nothing.
Since March, I have been getting sick with cold/flu symptoms (fever, aches, congestion, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea) almost every month. I had a chest x-ray, and it showed nothing. I took antibiotics,, but they did not help. I am seeing an allergist in a few weeks. I started taking Zyrtec a few weeks ago.
I take multivitamins daily, and flax oil supplements. I have tried green tea, grape seed extract, zinc and echinacea. I do mild exercise regularly and eat fairly well.
My doctor’s office said it's because my asthma and allergies are not controlled properly. I switched from Advair to Asmanex a few months ago because the Advair wasn't working (I was still getting frequent coughs), and I am also uncomfortable taking Advair due to the precautions. My doctor's office suggested Singulair, but I am also uncomfortable with that because I have a history of depression and a family history of suicide, which it can cause.
I read that asthma medications can weaken your immune system, and some of the side effects listed include upper respiratory infection and cough. I'm wondering if the meds I'm on are actually making me sick.