Anyone have breathing problems on prednisone?

Just wondering if anyone has had shortness of breath on prednisone. I was put on it for the first time with flare up in hospital.  Just got out today.  Had in hospital via iv for three days.  Some heavy doses.  Never noticed breathing shortness in hospital room but had to get prescripts filled with I got out and had trouble walking from care to pharmacy counter at drug storre.  Very short of breath.  Called doctor and he had me return to the hospital for a chest exray to check for conjestive heart failure.  Both tests negative but I am retaining tons of fluid in my feet and ankles.  He sent me home but said if I have any turn for the worse to call ambulance again.  Just wondered if anyone else had breathing problems on presnisone.

Post Edited (OlderThanDirt) : 1/11/2011 4:25:52 PM (GMT-7)

I'm usually in the migraine forum, but I saw this posting on the main HW page.

Prednisone (and many similar steroids for that matter) do have the tendency to cause you to retain water. It's a common side effect that some people experience.

With regards to your shortness of breath, I really have no idea. It could be a side effect or a sign that you are somewhat allergic to the medication (maybe?). That could be why your doctor is advising you to call an ambulance if you encounter more serious problems.

I see they checked for conjestive heart failure. Are you on any new heart medications? Beta blockers can cause shortness of breath (especially when you exert yourself). A common side effect of some calcium channel blockers is swelling of the ankles.

Regardless, be careful and good luck!

Edema (fluid) in the hands, feet and/or ankles and shortness of breath are a sign of Right sided heart failure while shortness of breath and fluid the lungs is synonymous of Left sided heart failure. I would recommend a visit with a cardiologist to rule out right sided failure. If you are carrying too much fluid, they may want to put you on a mild diuretic to take some of the fluid off so you will be more comfortable.
Here is a good article that explaines the difference in Right vs. left heart failure. http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/right-sided-heart-failure/overview.html
Good luck and I hope you get to feeling better soon!

i don't get hungry on pred. either, although i am sure my family wishes it would.  i always feel sick after i eat.  i am on a low dose though so that might have something to do with it.

Thanks Zanne. Good suggestions, both. I have some Benadryl in the house and may take one although I am not having other allergy symptoms right now. Hand swelling has gone down some (maybe cause the iv is out) and clonipin has eased my hyperventilation so maybe I can do better. I did manage to wash my hair. After being in hospital I felt like a grungy smurf. So that's a bonus.