Prednisone and increased coughing and mucus production

When I take Prednisone for exacerbated COPD, I have significantly increased production of mucus from all areas that show inflammation.....lungs, throat, nose, sinuses.  The mucus thickens.  The coughing and mucus production does not abate until the Prednisone is withdrawn.  I have had this happen several times now.  My Dr. does not believe this is caused by Prednisone even though withdrawing the Prednisone causes rapid resolution of the problem.  Is anyone familiar with this problem?  Is there any literature to support this problem? Many thanks for your input.  

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

What you describe is uncommon but not unheard of.  What you are experiencing may reflect increased mucous clearance, rather than increased mucous production.  The real question to be answered is, do you breathe easier after a course of prednisone than you did at the time when the prednisone therapy was started (presumably because of worsened breathing?) Sounds like that may be the case.  If so, a few days of coughing-up otherwise retained mucous, may be worth it if your breathing is improved after a course of prednisone.