Is it normal/recommended to increase steroid, bronchodilator, or both when
one has a cold or other illness that affects the lungs?  I keep Advair in
500/50, 250/50, and 100/50 doses around here.  My normal is 250/50 in the
morning and 100/50 at night.  I find that, when I have a cold, 500/50 in the
morning and 100/50 at night really seems to make a difference - my lungs are
clearer and I just plain breathe easier.  And, truth be told, I'd consider
just taking Serevent at night on many mornings I've had 500 Advair in the
morning because its all I feel I need - my house's air is well filtered and
it's generally easier on me than being out in the world during the day but I
can feel a constriction in my upper chest at night if I don't get some
Serevent in me, even if I don't feel like I need any more of the steroid.

Is it reasonable to up the doseage of the steroid during colds, flus, and
the like?

Is it OK to do 500 AM and no steroid PM?  Does the steroid work longer than
12 hours in some people, especially at the higher doseage?

I know much of this can only be determined by experimentation but I'd like
to know what others think and have read on these matters.

Thanks in advance.

-S-