Hello
I appreciate your concern
Shortness of breath and harsh could be related to Inflammation of the airway or lung due to
allergic reaction or infection.
Another possibility is obstruction in airway or collection of fluids in lungs or
pleural cavity.
If I were your treating doctor I would have advised you for a battery of tests after clinical examination in order to ascertain diagnosis like blood for
hemoglobin, CAN, ESR, AEC ( absolute
eosinophil count), an X ray chest or an CECT scan in case of chronic and refractory cough
Meanwhile you should take steam inhalation and do deep breathing exercises.
Continue with inhaler and anti allergic drugs.
Prednisone is a steroid and it's doses to be tapered gradually like 40 mg than 20mgand slowly 10, 5 than twice a week followed by once a week and then stop.
Hope this answers your question
Please do let me know if anything is not clear.I will happily answer you
Wish you good health and speedy recovery