Beachmom,
I totally agree with Sherry. It's different with each individual. For me it was very frightening when I was first diagnosed. Are you seeing an allergist or a pulmonologist?
My asthma is severe, so even with all the medications I take, I am always going to get short of breath on exertion. My grandchildren are 3,4 and 6. I can no longer pick them up, no matter how much I want to. Where I live now, my laundry room is downstairs. If I make two trips down there, I have to use my inhaler. It's just something I've learned to live with.
I remember how frustrating it was for me when I was first diagnosed with asthma. Mine came on with a vengeance. I remember asking my allergist how long it was going to take to get over it. She told me about a month to six weeks. What she meant was that round. What I meant was forever. Most often when you get asthma as an adult, you are stuck with it and you just have to learn to adjust your lifestyle to it.
I'm hoping you don't work outside the home on top of taking care of your children.
I agree with Sherry that you should go back to your doctor. Just sit down with him and let him know how frustrated you are and that you don't really know how often you should use your controller medication (Advair) and express your concerns about the steroids. I can give you my opinion, when it comes to breathing or not breathing, I will take the steroids any day. You just need to tell him what you have told us because stress is a big trigger for asthma.
Please know we are always here for you.
Carla
Moderator, Allergies/Asthma