Upper airway swelling? Info please! *****10 points too!*****?

In the past 1.5 months I've had 2 bouts of "upper airway swelling," which the doctor described as "kind of like the effects of croup (laryngotracheobronchitis), without the virus." He said that it could either be caused by the post nasal drip from my severe sinus infections causing inflammation, or because I was exposed to dogs (someone who has a dog came to my house and they had dog dander/hair all over them... even though I cleaned thoroughly, there's no way to completely rid my house of it I guess because I've had terrible trouble with my asthma ever since.) Anyway, my question is, how dangerous is it? I was told that even though I FEEL like I can't breathe and have a terrible, constant cough (so much that I almost vomit from the force of coughing), that because my oxygen was normal, there wasn't a need to worry. Yet I'm on Medrol, Prednisone (this has since stopped), and Decadron, plus Atrovent/Albuterol nebs every 4 hours (I was even told to set my alarm at night to wake up

and stay on top of doing it so often)... which makes me think, isn't that pretty serious? I don't know if my doctor was just trying to get me not to worry, or if all the precautions he's having me take are just over-kill. Thanks for any help, and any additional info about upper airway inflammation/swelling would be GREATLY appreciated! I'll give 10 points for the most informative and helpful answer!

Since you have Asthma you already know that albuterol and atrovent are bronchodiolators and will not help with the swelling in your throat but will help if you feel that your airways are constricted. Prednisone is a steroid that is also used in severe asthma related problems. The decadron is an anti-inflammatory that we use a lot in kids with croup, thus it may help. I would get a COOL mist humidifier to help reduce the swelling in your throat and place it in your room, you can still have a normal sat. (oxygen level) even your throat is swollen. You mignt need to see an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) and see what their thoughts are as to what could be causing the swelling. Good luck to you, I hope you feel better soon.

First off I think you need to pray and seriously ask God for help and guidance....You are going to have to get your house professionally cleaned and use all antibacterial products and also bleach thoroughly....You may also need to get your vents cleaned....Also I think you need to get something for your sinuses because I know that my sister has sinus drainage and that causes her to really cough a lot and it also depends on if she gets too hot or eat something dry that also makes it hard for her. The main thing to do is to really pray about the situation. Personally, I think you are taking too many things at one time...Even though doctors say that you will not be affected by it you really will be in the long run.....Now if God gives you peace about the Doctor then stay with him but I would seriously seek him for your problem. Airway swelling is very dangerous. You are also going to have to keep all pets away......

You may aso want to get a second opinion because you are taking entirely too much stuff at the same time....Be careful and I hope you feel better. Good luck and I hope it gets better.