Some people have asthma that is triggered by things like acid reflux and chronic sinus drip - I do, so I also take meds for those conditions - helps to control the asthma.

I use xopenex as a rescuer - this is newer, a bit more pricey than the older rescuers. But it doesn't seem to have the side effects of the original albuterol.

I also use a long acting bronchodialtor - Serevent. So...your doc may have to experiment to find meds that work for you...

(I just had a mental picture of a patient with a methacholine induced asthma attack, gasping for air, while the technician cold heartedly takes notes..."ahh. she's still alive. hmmm. how many more drugs should I give her?" It really isn't like that at all. Honestly. Just be sure to follow the instructions about backing off on any meds you are using - you need to do that for a period of time before the test).