Hi,

I have been an asthmatic for several years ( I am now 42) and have using an
albuterol inhaler when it gets bad and also an albuterol nebulizer at home.
I recently got the flu with the upper respiratory gunk, and of course my
asthma has gone crazy.  Although I hadn't heard of it before, reading this
newsgroup today gave me the name, cough variant asthma.  It has never
responded to the likes of singulair, or advair or flovent.  Just doesn't
seem to effect it good or bad.

I went to our clinic at work, and she set me up with an appointment to see
the doctor today.  The nurse said I ought to be on steroids, particularly
prednisone.  I don't think I have ever taken this before, what should I be
aware of as far as side effects.  Also, with the lack of effects of the
other medicines, am I likely to not see any benefit from prednisone.  I
really need to do something with this right now, cause it is pretty bad.
And I would really like to go back to sleeping in the bed, rather than on
the couch so I don't wake up my other half.

Oh, and my question about albuterol inhalers, I was under the impression
this was a "rescue" inhaler, or in other words, when your having an attack,
breath this and it will help.  The nurse yesterday said that I should be
taking 2 puffs 4 times a day, and right now with this gunk, I should be
taking 4 puffs 4 times a day.  So, which is it, a rescue inhaler or a
preventative?