Hello Sharon - 
 > sister, who lives in Canada, also has asthma and she can hike, ride
 > bikes and walk up hill with ease. Just because I live in the USA I 
 > am denied this medicine. Put too many allergists out of business maybe?
I'm surprised to hear this drug isn't available in the US.  I live in 
Adelaide, South Australia (allergy capital of Oz!) and I have had asthma ever 
since I had my last cigarette 4 years ago - ironic, huh?  I have been taking 
pulmicort (budesonide) 400mcg via turbuhaler for 3 years now.  99% of the 
time I need only one puff every morning - sometimes in the height of allergy 
season I will take a puff at night, too.  This one puff cuts down massively 
the amount of Ventolin (salbutamol) I need to take - some days none at all, 
other days 1-2 puffs per day.  I would not be without it - I would be 
interested if someone here could explain the pros and cons of budesonide vs 
longterm prednisolone.  Take care!  Regards, Pat.
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