How does prednisone help with emphysema?

26 Jan 2011

Prednisone can act as an anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressant and may help to reduce any iflammation in the airways. It is also used to 'mask' certain symptoms. In your case it would be the antiinflammatory capacity. It is a drug to think hard about before you begin especially when using long term. It causes a lot of problems with long term use. It can cause heart failure, edema (swelling), cataracts, stomach irritation, increased appetite, high blood sugar, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, thinned skin, adrenal insufficiency, among others. My grandmother took this long term for asthma and was never able to get off of it. She had BAD osteoporosis that led to compression fractures in her back, her skin was so thin that if she bumped her arms against anything she got HUGE skin tears-the skin was so thin! She died from heart failure. Everytime she tried to wean down she couldn't breathe. It is a good drug for some things short term but can be very rough in the long term. I would only consider as a very last resort.

26 Jan 2011

after I did some compression fractures in my back I almost had pneumonia you could hear me wheeze at night like crazy the way that it was explained to me was that the prednisone reduced the inflammation and reduced the tightness and swelling in my bronichal tubes allowing me to breathe easier and to get over the hump, it did make things better for me and that is my wish for you to do well

16 Feb 2011

I too am an Alpha 1 with moderate COPD. I'm 62 and use Prednisone to help me open my airways when my regular medications aren't enough. My doctor prescribes a 5 day tapered course of prednisone. Usually I only need this when I get a lung infection and it really helps my breathing. My daily meds are: Advair 250/50 along with Allegra and Singular to control my allergies. If you aren't already on one of the replacement therapies, you need to look into it. It won't cure you but will keep you stable.