Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory drug. Both COPD and Emphysema cause inflammation and restriction of airflow in the lungs. Decreasing inflammation regardless of the condition aids in better breathing. Some people likely respond better to certain medications that others in part due to their own chemical make-up and severity of disease, also strength of prescription is a factor, where some may respond well to 10 mg a day dose some may need 40 mg pill doses or as low as 5 mg. But it is often prescribed for patients with emphysema and does work. I have emphysema as well as COPD, I actually think emphysema falls under the COPD category of illness

Prednisone indeed does help me breathe. I absolutely hate taking it because of the side affects but I will deal with that as they appear, I like being able to breathe. Easy.breathing to you.

Pam2U. My experience is to not use too much albuterol . Several years ago I was in trouble breathing late one night and I took ProAir (an albuterol). I took too many puffs and it put my heart into atrial fibrillation (afib) and I ended up with ablation of both sides of my heart. The dumb thing is I did not call 911. I just drove myself to the hospital to get some oxygen. It took them 45 minutes to get me some after I got there. But the good side is my heart is now good and I don't even need blood thinners. Just be careful how you use albuterol and talk to your doctor about it. For myself, I have not had to use it since then, but I have it available.

a low dose does not have that many side effects, and i have been stable for 5 years and have severe copd am om prednasone5mg 02 3l and exercise i think i am doing well

Sharona, I tend to agree with all the above people who have given advice....everyone reacts to the affects of prednisone differently. My doctor has put me on a one a day maintenance pill as I was getting bronchitis to often and so my doctors were giving me bursts of prednisone and she said that wasn't good for my body..I have been doing really well with the one a day pill. It helps keep my airways open and I can tell when I'm not on it cause I have more trouble breathing....If you take a large dose for a long period of time, yes you will gain weight, and in the beginning yes, you will have a ton of energy, and for me it wired me so I couldn't sleep and they had to give me sleeping meds...Hope this help and Happy Breathing..