Question: I am currently on prednisone treatment for COPD/Emphysema, after my very first exacerbation. scary to say the least. I had severe shortness of breath and a very deep non-productive cough. I was put in the hospital overnight and given high iv doses of prednisone along with several nebulizer treatments and 2-4 liters of oxygen. slightest exertion would cause my breathing to become very labored and my breathing was very deep feeling like I had just ran a marathon. I just couldn't catch my breath. I am feeling a lot better except for a very deep dry non-productive cough which I have had for a few weeks. The symptoms were more prevalent at night with wheezing and waking up every few hours or so. Just started my new oral medication today with the dosage of 40 mg for 2 days, than 30 for 2 days than 20 and so on. I am currently doing nebulizer treatments every 4- hours with a combination of Ipratropium Bromide 0.5 mg/Albuterol Sulfate 3 MG, I was also given a Albuterol 2.5 inhalation solution for the nebulizer, that can be done between the above treatment if needed. I have not yet had to do that treatment as the above is working well. I was also prescribed a Ventolin HFA 90 mcg inhaler to use as needed in between, and finally a cough syrup of Guaifenesin AC that I can take at night if needed . My wheezing has subsided substantially. I have not yet seen a pulmonary doctor yet but my primary doctor is making me an appointment to do that so they can get a base line on the COPD/Emphysema. Like I mentioned above, this is the first time I have ever had any problems with my COPD to this degree and the first time ever that I had to take prednesone. What kind of response or side effects should I expect? this is the 2nd round, I was on the 60, 50 40 30 20 10 series a few weeks ago for the very first time to knock this stuff down. and I was very emotional and anxious, along with getting very warm in the face and neck area. I was told that I can take Benadryl with the prednesone to help with the hot flash like symptoms, so I did do that this morning with my first dose. seems to have helped with those symptoms so far. Is there anything I can do or take for the emotional type symptoms as well?

I wanted to mention that I purchased a SP02/heart rate finger monitor. My levels are staying between 92-96, with a heart rate of between 78-88. I am currently taking it easy and not exerting myself in anyway. Are these levels ok? They say normal is 95-100. Should I be concerned with these readings?