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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Asthma While On Prednisone For Lupus?

Posted on Sat, 30 Apr 2016

Question: I am taking prednisone for Lupus. Having shortness of breath and an asthma sound when I exhale, bad taste in my mouth, when I cough also, kinda foamy and bubbles. Is this caused from excess fluid retention. I have been sleeping in a hospital bed and elevate my head and it seems to help. The bad taste seems to be coming from my lungs or feels like it.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
GERD, PPIs, clinical evidence of fluid overload , X ray chest, ECHO

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Based on the history that you gave, its more likely to be GERD ( Gastro esophageal reflux ) / gastritis associated with prednisone use. It can be countered by adding a PPI such as lansoprazole and a pro kinetic like domeperidone to to the prednisone which you are already using. If there is clinical evidence of fluid retention e.g pedal edema, fine crackles on chest auscultation or decreased breath sounds then a chest x ray and echocardiogram can be advised to look for the possibility.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

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Dr. M.S. Khalil

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar