severe btreathing problems

[charlieangus]

my name is Charlie and I have severe copd. when I get a severe breathing problems is there any herbal medication out there that can replace prednisolone which is excellent but I don't like the side effects these give.

[sassy59]

Welcome Charlie and sorry to hear about your breathing problems. I have no idea about herbal rememdies but my husband Pete has taken steroids for 25 years now and gradually trying to decrease them. He is down to 5mg per day now. They do cause side effects definitely but what is the answer? I simply don't know, perhaps someone else could shed some light.

Take care. xxxx

[charlieangus in reply to sassy59]

thank you all for your replies. on prednisolone and copd side effects, its nice to know other people have concerns and much appreciated opinions. I will keep on looking, you never know. don't get me wrong prednisolone is a wonderous drug/steroid, it gives me relief within 3 to 4 hours, it opens the airways with great relief, shame about its side effects. thank you all god bless yours Charlie.

[Toci]

Hi Charlie, I can empathise as I had all of the known side effects and then some when I took Prednisolone. I also have COPD (very severe). Mine is emphysema and I have no mucus. It made me feel so ill and I was suicidal so my consultant and I agreed it was better for me to stop taking it, about 5 or 6 years ago. I am not recommending you to stop, but do have a serious discussion with your medics and explain how badly this is affecting you. Good luck.

[Watfordgirl]

Hello Charlie, welcome.

Side effects from steroids aren't fun. It's better now that the normal course is only five days. I don't know of herbal medicines which reduce inflammation in the lungs, and if there were claims they could it wouldn't be backed by research evidence.

There are other things you can do to help manage severe breathlessness - exercise, maybe magnesium, exercise, possibly a salt pipe, and exercise.

Good luck. Sue x

[Hidden]

Hi Charlie

As sue mentioned above using a salt pipe, I had one of them and found them partly useful for breaking the mucus, though I'm newly diagnosed with COPD so I'm not knowing much about it as some users would on here. I have Spiriva everyday with ventolin inhaler as and when needed but like I say it's just the start for me.

Hope you find a solution that's right for you x

[Katinka46]

Hello Charlie. Welcome to this brilliant site. Sorry, I can't really help you because I don't have your condition. But I am sure there will plenty of people here who will have much advice.

All the best

K xxx

[Nottobad]

Hi sorry you are so breathless. The side effects from steroids are not nice but as everyone is different to what side effects they get. I have been on steroids since dx of COPD in 2006 and the only side effect I have had is cataracts . I do everything now at a snails pace and that helps with the breathlessness. X

[Caspiana]

Hello Charlie. I'm sorry you're having a difficult time. I don't have the same condition but I just wanted to say hello. I hope you find a solution. Sending you my very best wishes.

Cas xx

[Dedalus]

Sorry can't help Charlie. I can't take prednisolone either. If I have an exacerbation I take o my antibiotics. Welcome to the site.

[Hidden]

Hi Charlie, I was seeing a famous herbalist over here (Ireland) and he was giving me liquorice in liquid form which is a natural steroid as I was having problems weaning off steroids with joint pain etc

Niamh x

[peege]

Hi, a warm welcome to the forum Charlie. I can sympathise, I have refused steroids for the last few years as I hate them so and how they make me feel. This year my new-ish GP insisted for an infection, I set my alarm for 5am to take it & found the nights slightly better.

Turmeric is ringing a bell, write it in the search bar top right & all the old posts & info will come up. Nfanning above mentioned liquorice, look that up as well. Good luck. Peege

[MisUse]

I would be very careful about taking any herbal remedies without discussing with you dr or pharmacist. Not sure what meds you are on, but herbal remedies can affect them hugely

[CCSP-27]

Charlie I have brittle asthma and Bronchiectasis - inhaled steroids are bad enough to have to rely on so I understand!

Turmeric capsules (look for a pure form) are great at reducing inflammation a lot of places in the body. I cured cysts (boil type things) with Turmeric and Teatree oil

I now take them daily to reduce inflammation in my lungs

Also if you can manage to push yourself to go for a walk it's of great benefit ....,if your lungs allow it ...,catch 22 eh !

I also do yoga mindfulness and meditation

It doesn't come easily and needs a lot of practice (I'm not quite there yet !) but the benefits are enormous!!!

I guess your head has to be in the right place to absorb and receive it all. After a lifetime of dodgy lungs I'm always willing to try anything

Keep well

[Palm-Tree-11]

Hi Charlie, I am using vitamins and suppliments in order to keep away from steroids and antibiotics too much, I have had copd for several years now, a couple of years ago I had an exasserbation (?) with a virus, because my copd hadnt caused me problems before I didnt know what was happening, my docters didnt offer me antibiotics or steroids but sent me for a heart check, anyway - I went to my local health shop and got some high strengh vit c and multi vit, within days i felt better, i know tumeric is good , if you buy organically and by the kg is cheapest and put on food, also I now take olive leaf x2 if around infection or 1 daily as preventative, i am also waiting for a new suppliment as its being ordered, will let people know what it is when I do! I am also interested in cannabis oil, tho not found a supply yet!

[Beth1949]

I also take Turmeric every day (with peppercorns). The pepper increases the effectiveness of the Turmeric. 1.000 mg twice a day with the pepper. It's to help with inflammation. I also take a tablespoon of Manuka honey each day for it's antibiotic properties. You can buy it on line, the higher the number the better, but it's pricey.

Beth

[tamariki]

There are a number of inhalers containing steroids, which may be more effective for you. That seems to be the thing doctors prefer. Qvar and Anoro Ellipta are the latest we have in New Zealand.

[lynnekay]

I'm not sure how often you take steroids, surely only when you have a chest infection? I have severe COPD and asthma and only take them when I have a chest infection or asthma exacerbation. I know the side effects are worrying, and I know of no alternative, but I am grateful for steroids as I'm sure I wouldn't be here now without them.

Hope this is reassuring

[tctelboy]

Hi ,

I am 74 want to get away from using steroids etc and have severe copd. After much research, I have started using cannabis oil and I have to say, I have never breathed easier than I do now. It may not be for everyone, but it certainly works for me and many others. There is a lot of very extensive research on medical marijuana and many positive results for it's use, and a very good source of information is on Facebook. Just search on Facebook for "Treating COPD with Cannabis".