I just had flu that quickly became acute bronchitis. My doctor prescribed Advair after 2 weeks. It worked quickly. Within half an hour I coughed up phlegm a couple of times, then that stopped. First night I felt, wow, breathing is so much better, less mucus and easy in and out breathing. The next morning, same easy breathing. My two oximeters measured average 97, at times 98 and once 99. At the height of the bronchitis, it was 93-95. Normally, it was 95-96. I'm prescribed Advair for 3 months. It'll be interesting if it brings a permanent "fix" and causes me to be stable with better breathing and no need to continue the drug, or if a need for Advair is more permanent. Concern is long term side effects of drugs.
History: I posted previously about Trelegy and how that caused me to wake-up at 2 a.m. and clearly disturbed my sleep. Advair has no side effects so far for me (week 1). A different laba and no lama.
Also, change in diagnosis. Originally in NJ doctor diagnosed copd, emphysema. But did not do (refused) a CT scan. In PA, the pulmonary group did scan, and lungs are fine, no sign of emphysema. From breathing tests, I do have moderate obstructive airway. It is assumed damage is from inhaling cement dust 30 years ago when laying tile without mask or open windows. Scan shows little dots in bottom of lungs, assumed where dust settled and is no problem. While the problem seemed centered in the larynx area and presents as reactive airway, apparently the bronchia area had some issues from this given the test results. But it has not gotten worse over the years, nor better. However, this Advair helps, and it appears to show no clear bronchia scarring if my oximeter is 98, I think.
I also wonder, as a child I ran out of breath when trying to run the bases when playing softball. I wonder if I just have tiny narrow bronchia, giving the test results of obstructive airway, and no dust damage?