I have difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with COPD. My doctor prescribed Breztri and Trelegy but I cannot see any change. Please help.
Possible causes of symptoms in 3 mins

Q. What is the alternative way of treating COPD?

Answered by  
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
and medically reviewed by   iCliniq medical review  team.

Education: MBBS., MD

Professional Bio: Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar is an Internal Medicine specialist and Pulmonologist. He completed his MBBS at M. P. Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, MD at PDU Medical College, Rajkot. He has 13 years of ... 

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.
Consult other doctors in the same speciality >>
This is a premium question & answer published on Oct 27, 2023
Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had difficulty breathing when I visited a doctor two months ago. I was prescribed Prednisone and Albuterol treatment for a week. Shortness of breath persisted for which I visited the ER and the doctor took a CT scan and I was diagnosed with COPD. Then I went to a pulmonologist who prescribed Trelegy 100 mg and Breztri twice daily. But neither of them seems to help. The pulmonologist ordered two heart tests to rule out cardiac issues and both were normal. If Breztri and Trelegy are ineffective for a person with diagnosed COPD what other medication could be prescribed to offer some relief for shortness of breath? The cardiac issue has been negative with a normal echocardiogram gram and nuclear stress test within the last month. Kindly give your suggestions. I am taking Lexapro 30 mg and with Romuflast I developed some side effects and stopped taking them.

Thank you.

Answered by  Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
#

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern. I have gone through the reports you have attached (attachment removed to protect patient's identity). I suggest you try Indacaterol (Glycopyrronium bromide and Lactose) and Tiotropium (Tiotropium bromide monohydrate and Lactose monohydrate) inhaler medications. I would like to know if any PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) was done. Please do answer the questions so that I can suggest you better. I hope this will help you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Pulmonary function tests were done and as I mentioned, the doctor asked me to continue to Trelegy. O2 levels are not below 92 and are always in the mid-90s. He basically said that the Trelegy or Breztri were the best options. I just want to try something else because I cannot see any improvement. I am wondering if a different type of inhaler might perhaps be worth trying. I have attached a clear copy of the ER diagnosis.

Answered by  Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
#

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for your answer. I can understand your concern. You can try the Indacaterol and Tiotropium inhalers. Oral Acebrophylline (Theophylline-7 acetate and Ambroxol) tablets (oral bronchodilator) can also be used. Non-pharmacological measures like chest physiotherapy, and incentive spirometry (three-ball spirometer) are also useful. Also, answer the following so I can suggest you better

  1. Do you smoke?

  2. Do you have any family history of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?

  3. Is there a familial variant?

  4. Do you do physiotherapy and incentive spirometry?

I hope you find this helpful. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I did smoke off and on for many years at a rate of ten per day or so when I did smoke. No history of emphysema in my family. Can you write a prescription for a trial dose of one of the other inhalers you mentioned just to give them a try? Because it makes no sense to continue with the Trelegy if it is doing nothing. Thank you.

Answered by  Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
#

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. Sorry, to say but in online consultation we doctors can not give official prescriptions or certificates. We can only suggest or advise. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

That reply just cost me $49.

Answered by  Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
#

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. I can understand but in online consultation we doctors can not give official prescriptions or certificates, we can only suggest or give advice. I advised you on new inhalers, physiotherapy, and spirometry to improve breathing difficulty.


Was this answer helpful?
 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!


Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case


iCliniq's FREE Newsletters

Expert-backed health and wellness information, delivered to your email.

Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletters!

Also Read


PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions.  Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this.  Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades.  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask a Pulmonologist Now
* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.