Hi Debden,

Any time you are having trouble breathing, it's a sign that something is going on in your airways. Chest tightness is also not a normal symptom. And GERD is often associated with asthma. Experts aren't sure of the reason for the connection... that is, does GERD cause asthma or the other way around?

One thing we do know, though... most people can get control over their symptoms with the proper asthma and GERD treatment. (It might take a combination.) If the medicines you're on now aren't relieving your symptoms, then they're not working well enough and changes are probably in order.

Treating illness with medicine is often a matter of trial and error, as we never know for sure how an individual will respond to a medication; we are each different. So, if one medicine doesn't work, another might.

I would encourage you to talk openly with your doctor about how you are feeling and your desire to try new things. Singulair is sometimes used with other asthma medicines, so that is a definite possibility. I'm also wondering if your GERD is being treated.

You might want to consider a consultation with an asthma expert, such as pulmonologist or an allergist. Maybe a GERD specialist too. You should be able to feel much better than you are right now, so don't be afraid to keep asking for better treatment.

You can find some tips on talking with doctors here

To your health,

Kathi