I have been having a very hard time with my asthma for the past month.  I have had asthma since I was born.  I am 57 now.  This past episode has been very different.  My theophylline level went out of wack high and I had to stop it from Monday morning until Wednesday night to bring the level down.  Now Im just taking 1/2 the dose twice a day.  My potassium level was also lower and my pcp doubled that.  I feel very weak in walking up the stairs in my house, which is also new for me.  Is this to be expected with such a severe asthma attack?
Hello, Youre an Asthmatic since birth. Of late you you're having a severe episode and needed higher doses of theophylline and having some Chat Doctor.  You're also suffering from hypokalemia. Instead of oral you can go for inhalers with your bronchodilators. Use a short-acting form. The systemic side effects will be less.Long-standing pulmonary disease will give cardiac problem called Cor pulmonale. Evaluate your cardiac status. Correction of hypokalemia.