Shortness of breath at rest

[sinclair61]

Hi,

I have mentioned this before but wanted some further thoughts on this after recent developments

My fev is in the high 80s, usually about 87/88%. My functional status is pretty good. I go running and nothing I can't really do.

However, prior to changing inhalers from Fostair 100 to the 200 I would get shortness of breath at rest and when lying down. That has now stopped due to the higher dose of steroids. That is obviously a good thing but I am intrigued why that would be the case.

So much of the literature suggests that inhaled steroids have little therapeutic value with copd. I am wondering whether all the higher steroids is doing is masking an underlying infection that I have had since my first flare in January that hasn't been properly resolved?

Throughout this time I have had a pretty constant ache in the my right lung/chest and could that also be a sign of an ongoing infection?

Obviously the sensible course of action is to go to the Dr but they are such a struggle.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks,

Sinclair

[mrsmummy]

It can only really be answered by whoever prescribed the steroid inhaler. They must have had a reason for doing so?

[sinclair61 in reply to mrsmummy]

I was prescribed it by my GP after I requested because I told her the other one wasn't working. I asked for it on the basis that the majority on here seem to have the higher dose of fostair.

I can't imagine my GP would have any clue as to why it has made such a big difference

[mrsmummy in reply to sinclair61]

We are all different and what suits one may not suit others. Why not give the BLF nurse a ring? 03000 030 555 during office hours.

[sinclair61 in reply to mrsmummy]

Will do, but was hoping for some thoughts from our knowledgeable membership.

[mrsmummy in reply to sinclair61]

Members can of course share their experiences and the knowledge base here is very high. But if your doctor has prescribed a steroid inhaler it is likely to be because s/he feels you need one. S/he is therefore the only one who can explain why s/he thinks this one is better for you.

[sinclair61 in reply to mrsmummy]

I am not being flippant when I say the only reason she prescribed it is because I suggested it and she essentially agreed with the idea of giving it a go.

I am merely wondering if anyone on here might have any insight into why the higher steroid might be beneficial when it is not normally indicated in copd

[Dmactds]

Here's a Google search results page with some 'official' medical input in the matter including a few entries from Health Unlocked:

google.com/search?q=fostair...