Q: I am suffering from bronchial asthma which starts at the onset of winter season i.e. October to Novemeber and then disappears in Decemeber. During rest of the year, I am totally fine without any trace of the problem. The problem starts with sneezing and then difficulty in breathing followed by cough. This lasts for two months with up and downs getting worse in evening. However, I sleep well. Initially I control with Ventorlin inhaler but when it get worse I take Deriphylline SR 300 mg along with Ventorlin inhaler. During worse times I start Becoride inhaler 2 puffs three times a day. But still the problem remains but under control. I have to use Ventorlin inhaler 7-8 times a day. Is that safe? and am I following the right procedure. I must tell that I am overweight as well but during the periods when I am fine, I dont find any problem in carrying my weight even if I have to climb 5 floors.

A:If in fact you are completely normal except during winters you should start your Beclomethasone inhaler in a dose of 400 micrograms twice a day at the end of September and continue till the end of December. If this is not adequate, you can add Salmeterol twice a day to the treatment. I would recommend a formal assessment of your asthma during the symptoms.