Severe allergies/allergy induced asthma meds

[pithikaki]

Alright, so I know I'm hormonal and I'm probably exaggerating but I need advice please.

I have a thyroid condition so most doctors I've spoken to say I shouldn't be on anything "D".

Right now I'm on:
Advair 500/50 1-2x a day
10mg Singulair
Synthroid for my thyroid
Zyrtec (NOT the "D")

The seasons are changing and my body is going nuts, so I went out an bought some tylenol cold, the only ingredient being acetamenophin, and I've taken about 1/4 of the recommended dose, trying to keep it down, today and yesterday. I also stopped my Zyrtec and am taking Benadryl. My throat is starting to feel better and nose is getting less stuffy, but I'm still sick.

As anyone with asthma and allergies/colds knows, when stuff "sits" in your chest, it can get really bad and lead to bronchitis and chest infections.


When I saw my OB preconception, she looked over my meds, and said "Well, you need to breathe."

I'm really concerned I made an appt with my GP but they won't see me until next Tuesday. I'm going to my OB on Friday for blood but I don't think I will be able to see anyone.

Should I try to get switched to another asthma medication?? Was anyone in a similar position?? Please help I could never forgive myself if I do something dumb/ignorant now and it hurts my baby.

PS - I'm nearly 5 weeks. Thanks girls

 

[cowgirl21]

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I don't have asthma but definitely have horrible allergies! Doc didn't even tell me not to take the "d" but I did. I stopped because I looked it up and found it was really bad. I've been trying to cope without drugs but it isn't working. I've only taken benadryl one day because it was horrendous.
if you find something that is safe and works, let me know!

 

[rd4baby]

You should be fine taking your current asthma meds. I take advair as well. Im also a respiratory therapist. Im not too sure about the allergy meds, was wondering that myself. Sept/Oct is the worst time of year for my allergies and im not sure what i can take.

 

[sunbaby777]

I don't have asthma, but I do have really bad allergies that lead to migraines and then puking. It sucks! I'm just taking Tylenol and Benedryl, but I'm trying to take as little as possible. I'm also using saline nose spray. I'm hoping that will be enough, but only time will tell.

 

[dimplesmagee]

At times I have needed to take Albuterol rescue inhaler, and I know that's safe to take.
My sister has horrible asthma and she continued to take her asthma meds. throughout pregnancy. Can you just call your GP and leave a message with the nurse about your ?s about the meds.? Then you don't have to wait till next week.
I also called my OB/GYN the other day about allergy meds. and they said 2nd trimester was when they would prefer if we have to take something, to take something. She said plain Zyrtec and plain Claritin or benedryl were fine.

 

[LizzieM83]

Definitely keep taking your meds, the risk of uncontrolled asthma outweighs the risks of taking necessary asthma meds.

I also have asthma and allergies and my allergies have been kicking my ass. Just sneezing constantly and congestion which causes headaches. I take acetaminophen for headaches and for my allergies I was using nasonex but it was causing nosebleeds so my doc switched me to astepro which is working ok.

For asthma, I was told that I should stop taking symbicort so I did and was told to use albuterol (pro air). I did that for a few days and ended up having an asthma attack a few days later. I told my doctor and was put back on symbicort (lowest dosage) and my asthma is back under control. It's so scary because uncontrolled asthma can be dangerous. Just keep taking your meds and you and your baby should be just fine.

 

[pithikaki]

Thanks girls.. going to a GP tomorrow (I'm in a new place and don't have one here yet!) so I'll let you know what I find out. What HORRIBLE timing!! It's absolutely miserable being in your first few weeks as the weather changes if you've got bad allergies.

I've tried the nasal sprays but they just irritate my nose and/or drip down my throat. IMO my biggest problem is inflammation, that's whats causing all the fuss and congestion! We'll see what they can do for me tomorrow though.

I rarely need my rescue inhaler but I've needed it additionally once or twice this season. I'm in NY btw. The rain and humidity is setting us up for a wonderful flu season here!

Allegra and Claritin are ok, if you haven't tried those. I've been doing OK with benadryl once or twice a day, which I think ends up being less medicine than a 24hr (yeah, i'll keep telling myself that ) but I would go insane without my Singulair, too.

I'll keep yall posted.

 

[mamaduke]

I have COPD (think "irreversible asthma") and seasonal sinus infections. With the COPD, I used to be on Singulair (seasonally), Advair, and Spiriva. But as soon as I met with my pulmonologist, he switched me to QVAR and had me drop the others. I've been on QVAR for about a year and am working through my pregnancy with it. And my emergency inhaler (albuterol or Proventil) has been quite helpful when pregnancy shortness of breath strikes.

A friend's wife was on QVAR during both of her pregnancies and her boys were born without any issues, which helps put my mind to ease.

Definitely meet with your doctor if you have concerns about the meds you're on.