Asthma and weight gain

[tmsl]

I started working out in 2002 after a particularly bad bout of bronchitis. After several years of getting this about the same time each year it was determined it was brought on by allergies. I was also diagnosed with asthma but didn't have many problems with it, so I didn't worry about it. Fast forward to this past summer, I had worsening asthma symptoms and was put on prednisone for a short time and an increased dosage of Advair. I was hoping to have my doc back down the dosage of advair at my checkup next month, but as I am still coughing at night at times and still feeling some things in my chest, I doubt that will happen. Since being put on the higher dosage, I have gained weight and no matter how strict my diet or how much I work out, the pounds will not budge. Has anyone experienced this? Does you body ever get used to this medicine and allow you to return to a normal weight? This is getting very frustrating....

Thanks for letting me vent.

Laura

[wallycat]

I know that steroids can affect weight.
I have not researched this a great deal but *think* some of this is due to water weight gain and tissue swelling rather than FAT added on. Certainly if your exercise is limited due to the condition, calories do get stored.

Good luck. Asthma is a serious condition and I commend you taking care of yourself.

[sillybeans]

Inhaled steroids like Adviar don't usually provide sufficient systemic exposure to affect metabolism. I'm assuming you're off the oral prednisone? That would likely be the culprit.

Have you asked your doctor about a non-steroid oral agent like Singulair? That might help as well.

HTH,
Tracy

[Terri_A]

Feel free to pm me...I have personal and professional experience with Advair, steroids and asthma.

[AnneLórien]

I've also had experience with this. I've had asthma since I was about 1yr old. Was on steroids and all sorts of med to control it until after grade school when I stopped taking theophylline (basically a caffeine - I was a very hyper kid!). Once I stopped the theophylline I gained weight like crazy and found the steroids to be the culprit ( if I was 40 and gained weight I'd have thought just a slow metabolism, but I was 14!) The doc's started to wean me off the steroids and now I'm just using the albuterol. I have a Neb if I need it. I still cannot lose the weight. Last year I hurt my back and ended up back on the oral steroids for about six months, I gained more weight ( I was eating very well at the time and still exersicing to the best of my ability) and I'm still, after a year, just trying to get bact to the weight I was before hurting my back. I've had my thyroid checked but thats not the cause. Everytime I look back to when I've been put on steroids ( usually short term for bronchitis like yourself) I've gained weight. Most of what I'm trying to lose I put on due to steroids (don't get me wrong- being a student put on a few pounds but I've been able to lose what I've gained in that dept).

This is just my own experience, but I thought I'd let you know- you aren't alone and I does happen. My own doctor ( whom I've been seeing all my life) agrees with me- even went on a MD directed diet and exercise program and it didn't work(very closely monitored). I feel for you and hope you're able to lose the extra pounds! Feel free to PM me if you have anymore questions! Anne

[tmsl]

Thanks for the input and suggestions. I feel like I am at the point if I got sick, I would not want to take the prednisone I know would be prescribed. Anyway, I will ask the doc about non-steroidal meds to see if I am a candidate. Thanks for letting me vent.

Laura