Medral Dose Paks ?

[Pearlo]

I have  COPD ---had  Lung Volume reduction in 1996  . LAtely the desease seems to be coming  back  but  I keep asking  Doc about  Phlegm stuck in my throat ( thought  maybe a trip to  ear nose throat man may help?  ) making  it  hard to breathe  . I'm interested in knowing if  this  Medral Dose  Pak would help  ?? Is it   Steroid?  Right now  I'm taking  20 mg of  prednisone  to help with breathing  . I'm in good health otherwise  cept for the lungs and  as we all know  it all  starts in the sinus canal  or  at least I think it  does  for me   . Any suggestions  is appreciated  

[National Jewish Health]

Phlegm can originate in the lungs, nose, sinuses or throat.  It can be a sign of an active disease process in any of those sites.  You and your doctor should try to determine where the mucus is coming from and then he/she can try to treat it.  You may need to see an ENT specialist.

Yes Medrol® (methylprednisolone) is a steroid and should not be used for the purpose of phlegm clearance.

It is unusual for a person to be taking oral prednisone for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in a dose as high as 20 mg daily.  That dose puts you at risk for a lot of steroid side effects, such as muscle weakness, bone thinning, cataracts, fragile skin, hypertension etc.  You should ask your doctor why you need 20 mg of prednisone.  You may also want to consult with a lung specialist about this and other inhaled medicines available to people with COPD.

[Pearlo]

Wow  thank you for that and  your  right  since taking the prednisone  I have been feeling  weak. What else would  you think would  be  more appropriate to help the breathing  other than being on Oxygen 2 liters ?

I also take abuterol in my nebulizer as well as  combivent puffer along with nasal spray for the nasal problems. The LVRS  did me well as I was off all meds for  ten years till last two years  when the desease seems to be reoccuring  and  now  I am trying  desperately to get on the lung transplant list  at  either Pittsburgh medical center or  Cleveland clinic  . I am otherwise  a healthy 73 year female weighing  164 pounds 5'9" and am sure I would be a good candidate  for the transplant program . All my vitals  are good  too and  I know  if  I dont  get the transplant  It will take it's toll on my heart  .I have since my surgery in 1996  been working out  at  least 2x a week to stay healthy .

Thank you for answering  me  . It is nice to hear  other views . I will discuss this with my Pulmonary man  .
Thanks again
Sincere regards for you unselfish time