You have already been using a corticosteroid in your Combivent.
The chronic nature of copd means that your lungs are always in distress.
Taking a tiny regular dose into your lung via an inhaler is much safer than a regular larger dose as a pill. It will help prevent the immune system from inflaming and narrowing the airways.
Your doctor will best explain why he wants you to change inhalers. Be sure to read the instructions.
😊🍀

I agree that if you're going to exercise at home, you should first talk with your doc, and start slow. However, don't stay at the same level of exercise. If you're really going to improve, you have to increase the intensity of your exercise as you get stronger and have more endurance and stamina. Unless you push yourself a bit on a regular basis, you're going to maintain, but not get any better. Keep pushing and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

Well PMS, It is unfortunate that our understanding of HOW most meds work come from trial-and-error learning. We are barely told WHY we take them and what the expected result should be. When we visit, the docs spend little time with our concerns and we are left to figure out a very complex process on our own.

Steroids are found both naturally and as man-made chemicals. Some we can't seem to live with ("high"cholesterol) and some we can't seem to live without (vitamin D3). Budesonide is given in such low dose because it goes strait to the bronchial area needing treatment. Other steroids like Prednsone have to build up over time and travel through the entire body to fight the inflammation in the lungs from our COPD. It IS used on a daily basis for some as a Controller medicine in addition to the commonly inhaled bronchodilators. Many also know of it as a front line treatment in an Emergency room or Flare-up episode. Regardless there is no shortage of complaints from side effects over prolonged use.

The point is we can learn from self-inquiry and the experience of others to be informed enough to say HOW one med may or another may not benefit our condition. It is not Happen-chance or Luck driving the WHY your Doc will write prescriptions over time. We should not have to suffer with drug side effects and interactions just waiting for the next doctor's appointment to complain. I may be alone on this thought, but I think most Docs appreciate an educated patient. Some may feel threatened too but Believe me - We are not going to put them out of business anytime soon. Ask your Doc HOW this change of medicines and dosing routine will benefit your condition over the short and long term.

I won't add my story, as the original questioner may become more confused, but it involves disagreements among doctors, allergic reactions, doses beyond the manufacturer's recommendations, and poor training as to the use of dispensers.
Things have settled down now, thank goodness...
😊🍀

My mistake, and apologies! I am indeed confusing Combivent with Symbicort. I agree with @A MyCOPDTeam Member, it is surprising that you have not been prescribed an inhaled steroid already. Most of us are, from day one of COPD diagnosis. A written explanation from your doctor may be useful. 😊🍀

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...