Shortness of breath : Can anyone shed any light has... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

20,342 members38,113 posts

Shortness of breath

bigg8 profile image
9 Replies

Can anyone shed any light has to why I get very short of breath is it a possible side effect of the steriod pred having been on it since New year having been diagnosed with PMR.

Have never been short of breath before has anybody experienced this.

Thanks bigg

Written by
bigg8 profile image
bigg8
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

It is a recognised but fairly rare side effect of pred. However - it is also an effect of PMR and GCA as well so if the dose is a bit low for the amount of inflammation you have, it could be that.

Bittebitt profile image
Bittebitt in reply to PMRpro

Is that so? I have had huge breathing problems lately!! I also thought prednisolone was the culprit, even though that seems to be a contradiction. I have been on high dose treatment for ITP, but I also have PMR. Started on 100mg jan.30. Reduced graduslly according to platelet counts. Last tuesday my haematologist reduced from 20mg to 15mg. Breathing problems really ESCALATED!! I couldn't walk a couple of yards before I had to stop and regain my breath! Contacted my gp on tuesday. He ordered an x-ray, and yesterday he sent me an sms and told me to come and see him tomorrow. A bit concerned, because I guess he has got the result of the x-ray. If PMR has caused the problems, would that show up on the pictures? Btw. I'm better now. Raised the dose to 20mg again on my own. Thought that a couple of days on that level wouldn't do any harm.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Bittebitt

Ah no - that sounds more like something else if it improves with more pred. Inflammation of some sort perhaps - I had a flare last year that was very like that, couldn't get my breath walking up a gentle slope.

Do let us know how you get on tomorrow.

Bittebitt profile image
Bittebitt in reply to PMRpro

Thank you, I will do that😊

Whittlesey profile image
Whittlesey in reply to PMRpro

Thanks Prmpro.

Whittlesey profile image
Whittlesey

Have had shortness of breath since first large doses of pred for GCA - 2012. Never an adequate explanation from the doctors. Have been checked for heart attackvseveral times during this time. Had one, later tests explain -- I wasn't aware of this at the time.

Not content w drs "take" on this, which has been really -- no information or guess.

Please keep us informed. Thanks.

All my best, Whittlesey

Marcy47 profile image
Marcy47

I sometimes run out of breath while talking. Must try not to get so excited!!

magmapearl3 profile image
magmapearl3

I was prescribed a huge dose of 80mg Pred for a few days for a bad chest infection and became so breathless I found walking difficult ( I wasn't breathless before taking the Pred). This was 6 months before I experienced PMR symptoms. I delayed taking any Pred for the PMR for several weeks as I felt it was the Pred and not the chest infection that had caused the breathlessness even though the Dr felt it was the chest infection and not the Pred. I've had many chest infections over the years and NEVER felt so breathless. However, I eventually started on a moderate dose of 15mg for the PMR and was only slightly breathless. No problems while reducing. It is listed as a rare side effect of Pred and I expect doctors find it difficult to believe a medication that is prescribed to help with breathing can cause problems with breathing.

Perkey profile image
Perkey

Yes I am suffering with breath shortage which is so unusual for me. When I see a slope my heart turns over as I know it will make me breathless. Doctor now suspects it could be angina so I have to see a cardiologist. I am no longer on predict been off it 2 months. I feel is there no end to all this I do hope I haven't got angina

You may also like...

Dizziness and shortness of breath.

it is, and I will have to wait till it improves. Btw I have been treated for PMR since Jan 2016 and...

Short of Breath

out if this could be the PMR, a side effect of being on Pred. for nearly 3 years or issues with my...

Methotrexate and shortness of breath

have been on methotrexate for 18 months and having increasing shortness of breathe . would like to...

Could GCA be the cause? shortness of breath/fatigue~

me part of my problem was PMR. When I said I didn't have a diagnosis of PMR but had GCA....she...

Breathing difficulties

Was diagnosed with PMR about 4 years ago. On Prednisolone, up & down 20-3... Now on 9 mg. I keep...