Hi Ms. Mendoza,

http://www.healthcentral.com/asthma/introduction-000004_9-145.html

http://www.healthcentral.com/asthma/c/55/23941/future-approaches

http://www.healthcentral.com/asthma/c/962/20303/asthma-women

You sound like many of the frustrated patients on their first office visit to see me that have poorly controlled asthma. You are right, asthma medications are expensive. It is more discouraging when they don't work.  

The newly revised asthma guidelines published last year by the National Institute of Health recommends regular follow-up visits with your doctor to address these concerns. Sometimes medications can be switched to reduce the cause but not lose their effectiveness. Medications that are not working should be reviewed by your doctor. There are several classes of asthma medications to consider. Learn more about them and discuss alternatives with your doctor.

If you are not seeing an asthma specialist, see about getting a referral to one. A board certified allergist or pulmonologist should be selected.

Natural remedies are not a substitute for reliever and controller asthma medications. A healthy diet replete with fresh fruit and vegetables (as long as you are not allergic to them) is always a good start. People that are allergic need to be careful about taking herbs that may worsen their asthma (because of hypersensitivity to them).

Don't give up on conventional asthma medications. You need help from a specialist. It may take a few appointments to find the right combination. Ask about samples and special prescription programs that may be available from some pharmaceutical companies.

Some specific adjustments are made if pregnancy is anticipated. Category B drugs are desirable in this setting, if available. Natural remedies, in my opinion, should be avoided because of limited safety data in the pregnancy setting.

Best to you,

J. Thompson, MD