emphysemia

[natalyab]

I have emphysemia and have been more short of breath since start of year. doctor put me on steroids and antibiotics . started them yesterday but cant seem to breath through my nose at all and it is making me panic. I think I may also have virus. does the steroids and antibiotics usually help straight away.

[CDPO16]

Antibiotics and steroids will usually take 3 days to start having an effect. I often have a blocked nose and have to mouth breath. Just keep a glass of water handy to keep easing the dry mouth this causes.

[natalyab in reply to CDPO16]

thank you

[hallentine47]

I endorse everything said by CDPO16. Give it a few days and hopefully you start to feel the benefits, stay warm and rest and drinks lots of fluids.

[natalyab in reply to hallentine47]

thank you

[SparkySW123]

Hi natalyab, as CDPO16 says it does take around 3 days for the medication to kick in. I too have emphysema as well as brittle asthma and getting a cold is my worst nightmare as it can easily turn into a chest infection. A suggested, drink plenty of fluids. Superdrug sell their own brand of a nasal decongestant - put a few drops on some tissues. I put a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil on tissues and sniff that. Although your symptoms may be viral which antibiotics won't help, if you have any lung condition a cold/chest infection can often turn bacterial which is when the antibiotics kick in and do their job. Hope you fell better soon. Christina

[natalyab in reply to SparkySW123]

thank you

[natalyab in reply to natalyab]

will try superdrug nasal decongestant