Symptom of COPD?
My question regards having a constant runny nose. I was diagnosed with COPD about 23 years ago. The first three years I was admitted to the hospital 5 times ( each time from 4-10 days). Fortunately I have not been in the hospital since 2013! To my pulmonologist's credit, I am given Zpack and prednisone to keep at home for unexpected exacerbation. The question is: Could my nebulizer (albuterol) or maintenance inhaler (Trelegy, previously Advair ) be the cause of runny nose for more than 20 years? It's very inconvenient! Suggestions?? Judianne
Hi Judianne (
). Twenty years is a long time to suffer with a constant runny nose. Unfortunately, you're not alone. It's a common COPD symptom. Here's a article about COPD and runny noses that might interest you: https://copd.net/clinical/copd-and-runny-noses. I'm not sure whether your nebulizer or inhaler might cause that, but your pharmacist would be a good person to ask. Pharmacists are often more educated about medication side effects and interactions than doctors. It's also possible you are allergic to something you are unaware of. Have you ever undergone allergy testing? Hopefully, others in the community will share their own experiences here and you will, eventually, get relief. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member) Hi
. You might want to try a creating a separate forum post to ask about homeopathic remedies. I can't think of any that have been proven to actually work, but I can see why you are tempted to try. Have you seen a respiratory therapist lately? That might be an even better option. A respiratory therapist can help you explore techniques and strategies for improving your lung effeciency.
I really wish I was that Lori Foster! I have met her and she is a lovely person. I am more into thrillers and historicals than romance, but I read a few of her novels out of curiousity and I see why she is so popular. She really understands the psychology. Reading is such a great hobby, especially for those days when you are feeling too drained to do much else (like the laundry). I'm glad to hear you're a book lover! Warmly, Lori (Team Member)I truly thought she was talking about you, and was very excited. Ha! 😀
Thanks, Lori. Maybe I'll see about resp therapy; it's been years since I did 2 sessions of rehab camp in Leesburg, VA.
Talk about fast onset exacerbation, last night I suddenly felt a scratchy throat then tightening lungs, then this morning I was producing greenish phlegm. Thank goodness I have ZPack and Prednisone on hand! My regular 6-month check with pulmonologist is this Monday, so will confirm with him. Inevitably these flares always seem to start on Fridays! And always before a holiday. I am so grateful, though, because I have not been hospitalized since 2013 in North Carolina!
Thanks for your attention - here's hoping for happy and healthy holidays for all of us!Hi
. I'm glad you had medications on hand and that you already have an appointment Monday. Sending lots of healing vibes for a quick recovery and a happy holiday season! - Lori (Team Member) Just checking in on you! I'm so relieved to hear you have a z-pack and prednisone on hand, I wish every doctor allowed that. Hopefully you are doing okay now and your appointment with your doctor was uneventful. Let us know when you can. 😀 -Melissa, team member
Thanks for checking on me, ladies! Just finished Zpack yesterday and have a couple more days of steroids. Main problem is no energy - and so much to do for the holiday! But I know I need this time to rest up, so what gets done, gets done. From past experience I should be about normal for Xmas. Hoping everyone has healthy, happy holidays!
Hope you ended up having a good holiday, Judie. It seems like everyone I know was either sick before Christmas or has something now. I have heard that flu numbers are especially high this year. Take good care of yourself! -Melissa, team member
Doing much better! The Zpack and Prednisone usually clear the exacerbation quickly if I start taking them early enough. (This is why I'm grateful my doc lets me keep these at home - naturally this started on a Friday night). I'm also thankful I only have maybe 1-2 flares a year and feel fortunate, as it could be much worse. Thanks for keeping tabs on me and I hope 2026 is a good year for all.
Hi
. Thanks for the update! I'm glad to hear your improving. I hope 2026 is a relatively healthy year for you. - Lori (Team Member)
