Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
I am to see my internist shortly. I recently had a pulmonary function test and improved. My Doctor placed me on a steroid inhaler recently as a trial but in 30 days got no noticeable improvement. I have a mild COPD and was also given an albuterol inhaler which I used after the steroid and was able to clear a little orning congestion. I have never needed a rescue inhaler and wondered if a tablet (likely 2 mg) since I am 75 or a nebulizer would possibly be a better (and far cheaper) option. I have no cardiac issues to worry about, though I am a well controlled type 2 diabetic.
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
If the symptoms are mild and pulmonary function is improved, no need of steroids and you can depend on inhaler only. You can use Ipratropium inhaler two puffs twice daily which is quite effective and safe in your age. It won’t worsen your diabetes and other health status. If you cannot afford an inhaler you can take Salbutamol tablets twice daily which is cheap and economical. Wishing you good health.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain
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How Can COPD Be Treated?
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. If the symptoms are mild and pulmonary function is improved, no need of steroids and you can depend on inhaler only. You can use Ipratropium inhaler two puffs twice daily which is quite effective and safe in your age. It won’t worsen your diabetes and other health status. If you cannot afford an inhaler you can take Salbutamol tablets twice daily which is cheap and economical. Wishing you good health. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Shinas Hussain