Shortness of breath and harsh cough. Ex ray showed inflammation around my lungs. Dr. said a virus. Light smoker, but Dr. said lungs look beautiful. 80mg prednisone for five days brought no change. On my 3rd day of another 5 day prednisone script plus and inhaler, and still no change. Any ideas?
Hello appreciate your concern Shortness of breath and harsh could be related to Inflammation of the airway or lung due to allergic reaction or infection. Another possibility is obstruction in airway or collection of fluids in lungs or pleural cavity. If I were your treating doctor I would have advised you for a battery of tests after clinical examination in order to ascertain diagnosis like blood for hemoglobin, CAN, ESR, AEC (absolute eosinophil count), an X-ray chest or an CENT scan in case of chronic and refractory cough Meanwhile you should take steam inhalation and do deep breathing exercises. Continue with inhaler and anti-allergic Chat Doctor. Prednisone is a steroid and its doses to be tapered gradually like 40 mg than 20mgand slowly 10, 5 than twice a week followed by once a week and then stop. Hope this answers your questionPlease do let me know if anything is not clear. I will happily answer you Wish you good health and speedy recovery