Bloated

By davo

1 min read

I'm a 66 year old diagnosed with emphysema asthma 2 years old. I'm on ultibro, pulmicort turbohaler, corasteroid IV and I've been told these medications won't cause bloating on my abdomen or legs but stomach area. Is this common to get bloating around the stomach area?

At the moment there is a lot of smoke from fires, does this cause cramp like pains around the rib area or upper body? This doesn't last very long but is a bit painful, the heat is really exhausting me even more than usual.

If any ideas please reply. My doctor doesn't seem interested.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi Davo, and thanks for sharing your story. I'm sorry to hear you have a physician who appears to be disinterested in your case. Have you considered looking for another physician? Perhaps one who is more compassionate and capable of providing your care would be better suited to your health. You may be aware we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), however your concerns certainly warrant a reply. Bloating is a condition that may be associated with COPD, although it can vary from patient to patient. Since you have shared that you have both emphysema and asthma, this may have relevance to your condition(s). I thought this article on that very topic might provide you with some additional insight (it is from our sister site, <a href='https://COPD.net:' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>COPD.net:</a> <a href='https://copd.net/living/bloating-why-what-to-do/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://copd.net/living/bloating-why-what-to-do/</a>. As well, the rib cramping which you mentioned can also be associated with COPD. I thought you might find it informative and interesting to look over this material on rib cramping, also from our sister site, <a href='https://COPD.net:' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>COPD.net:</a> <a href='https://copd.net/living/relief-rib-cramping/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://copd.net/living/relief-rib-cramping/</a>. I do hope you find it to be helpful. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi. Davo. Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble with your asthma. I wouldn't think utibro or pulmicort would cause the symptoms you are experiencing. However, IV corticosteroids certainly could. This is a medicine that is is systemic and may cause stomach trouble as one "potential" side effect. Are you currently admitted to the hospital and are on IV steroids? Or were you using them in your past. I ask because usually side effects subside once you are no longer using steroids. Just curious. John. Site Moderator.
1. davo Member
 Thanks John for reply, no IVs cortasteroid ,just been on Pulmicort inhaler twice a day, be byen on ultibro couple yrs,good chance it could be caused by the recent hot weather ,also apparently some people with lung problems suffer from lungs extending into stomach area if coughing too much which I guess would cause abdominal swelling maybe..thanks John .
davo Member
Could doing a coronary stress test effect my overlap asthma copd
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi again, Davo, and thanks for your post. You may be aware we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), but your concern certainly warrants a reply. In the most general of terms, if the activity/exertion associated with a coronary stress test acts as a trigger, that might cause a reaction of some kind for someone with asthma-COPD overlap syndrome. Are you scheduled for a cardiac stress test or, did you have one done? Did this happen to you? Actually, you may want to discuss this at length with your physician. Please do check back and let us know how it all turns out for you. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)