Hi Dr. Goyal, I am a 26 year old female. Quit smoking 8 days ago. For the last 8 days, I have been suffering with lung inflammation that has caused constant shortness of breath (it does not stop for even one second), as well as occasional chest tightness/pain. I finally saw a Pulmonologist this past friday who performed extensive lung tests on me which all came back as normal, minus a test which showed I am not exhaling as much as I should be. He said I am not exhaling as much because of the constriction in my lungs brought about by the inflammation. He says I do not have COPD or any other lung disease. He also listened to my lungs and heard a lot of what he calls wheezing and crackling . He prescribed me Symbicort 160/4.5 and said that should combat the inflammation. However, on sunday (2 days later) I had noticed absolutely NO improvement in my shortness of breath so he put me on Prednisone 40 mg (tapered down for 16 days) as well as Singulair. He also told me to continue taking the Symbicort (2 inhalations twice a day). I must add (in case this is important) that a week before the noticeable inflammation began, I was on Levaquin 500 mg and Medrol Dose Pack (2 packs one after the other). I just finished the Medrol a few days ago, and completed the Levaquin today. I have a few questions: A) If I was on the medrol, shouldnt it have stopped or alleviated any inflammation that started? My pulmonologist said that type of steroid isnt meant to treat lung inflammation, but why not? B) How long until I should expect seeing results from the medicine I am currently on? This S.O.B. is extremely debilitating and I would really like to see improvement. WILL I EVEN SEE GUARANTEED RESULTS?? C) If I do not see results from this treatment, what are the next steps to take? Hospitalization? Stronger medication? I would really like to know what I am in for (if this question even applies after reviewing my story). My Pulmonologist just seems so laid-back about everything and told me I should see results with the Prednisone in a week. I wanted a second opinion that is straight-forward because I am not sure I even have the full faith anymore that results will come soon! Please help and provide your expertise to the best of your ability. Thank you so much.