PMR and asthma

[Uke1]

Hi everyone. I’m wondering whether there is anyone else with PMR who is also asthmatic. All my adult life it has largely been well-controlled with a daily preventative inhaler and very occasional use of a reliever. In the last few months, PMR diagnosed in June this year, the asthma has been worse. My airways have tightened and are producing a lot of mucous (sorry!). I’m almost constantly slightly breathless. I have doubled the dosage of the preventative (which I am supposed to do) and take the reliever once or twice a day.

My question is, does anyone have the knowledge to know whether the inflammation in the body could also be affecting the airways? I’m trying to avoid a doctor appointment as it will mean possibly yet more higher dosage inhaled steroids.

Very grateful for any advice and help there may be.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas 🎄 to all!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sorry - must be feeling thick today: I'm not clear as to whether you are taking oral pred for the PMR. If so that should also be helping the asthma - and I think a review of your asthma management is required.

[Uke1 in reply to PMRpro]

Hi, thank you for your reply. It was my omission not to have included the following information! I am now on 9mg of pred a day, having come down from 15mg. I agree, normally a short sharp dose of pred would greatly help the asthma. I’m really wondering whether anyone else has found the same thing and could offer any advice before I speak to the doctor.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Uke1]

Mmm - I appreciate that. But to be honest, it doesn't alter the fact that your asthma management needs a review because it should be better rather than worse on oral pred.

[Uke1 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I will soon be having a review so will follow up.

[Polymialgia]

Yes, yes yes, I’m not sure whether it’s the PMR or prednisone but 6 months in after diagnosis I started becoming breathless (over 3 years ago) I’ve had all sorts of investigations, inhalers , relievers etc, but nothing makes any difference , indeed seretide 250 gave me terrible swallowing problems. As Dr’s don’t seem to be able to put a tick in a certain box I am now ignored and left to just get on with it! It’s certainly extremely disruptive but I just live in hope that when PMR finally leaves this will as well.

[Uke1 in reply to Polymialgia]

That’s very interesting, thank you so much for replying. I’m not normally like this so it makes me wonder if there’s something about long-term steroid use. I’ve now been on pred for 6 months so very similar to you. I’ve learnt the Buteyko method of breathing and am going back to practicing that. It might help you?

[Polymialgia in reply to Uke1]

I’m just going to look that up !

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Uke1]

Breathlessness has been associated with pred, doesn't even have to be long term - the authors of a study pointed out that knowing that might save extensive cardiological tests been done when a patient on pred reported it

[Uke1 in reply to PMRpro]

That’s very interesting, thank you for this. I did feel something had changed in the last few months.

[whitefishbay]

I have asthma which I can mostly ignore. It only gets bad if it is hot and polluted air or heavy clouds keep the cold air in (if that makes sense). Has no relation to my PMR for me. Good Luck.

[Uke1 in reply to whitefishbay]

I’m glad you’re ok and your asthma is under control.

[Dambusters]

Mine improved after being prescribed Pred. I am on 10 mg now and still doing well. I take my preventive inhaler twice a day and haven't needed the Ventolin at all unless walking out in cold or windy conditions.

[Uke1 in reply to Dambusters]

I’m glad to hear this. I’m surprised the pred hasn’t helped me.

[CSMM]

I have asthma and since taking prednislone it’s totally controlled I know when I drop down I will need to use inhalers again . I strongly advise you to get a doctors opinion ASAP . Let us know how you get on .

[Uke1 in reply to CSMM]

Thank you, I will.