Hi all, I was prescribed Qvar 80, 2 puffs, twice a day and a 6 day tapered dose of medrol because I keep having chest tightness, coughing and trouble breathing. I felt significantly better when on medrol but as it tapered down, the cough and tightness came back. It isn't as bad as it used to be but I still have trouble especially at work (I believe there is mold in my building) and am wondering if I should be feeling the full effects of the Qvar now them I am on week 2 of it. How long do you get the full effects of your inhaled steroids and what happens if it doesn't work?
My doctor thinks it's asthma and is treating it as such. I also did a chest and sinus x-ray to make sure that there were no other underlying problems. I go back next Friday to discuss the results.
By 2 weeks, you should be feeling the full effect. I generally get it in about 7 days.
If it doesn't work, the doctor can either raise the dose or add another medicine. If mold at work is the culprit, possibly an antihistamine would help. Or, cold winter air is a common trigger. If it's cold, covering your face when outside can help a lot.
The Following User Says Thank You to janewhite1 For This Useful Post: seleena123 (02-06-2011)
Thanks Jane. I'm on day 8 and I have been noticing lesser symptoms but they are still there. Am I being unrealistic to expect no symptoms when on Qvar? I'm going to try an antihistamine to see if that helps. I am also using flonase for nasal congestion and that seems to help although my doctor says my nasal cavities are still very swollen.
It can take come folks a month or more to see full benefits. Do you not have a rescue inhaler (albuterol) for emergency use when having an attack? He should have also given you that med. And I strongly suggest seeing a pulmonologist for a proper evaluation and treatment.
Yes I do have a rescue inhaler too. I know I need to see a specialist but I have been putting it off due to finances. My regular doc has been good about helping me troubleshoot the problems but he did say that if all this did not work, I will have to go to a pulmonologist. He also wants me to have allergy testing done.
