My best anti inflammatory is to stop eating foods that cause inflammation. Wheat and sugar are the worst. Also up probiotics like yogurt. Hope you do better soon!

Here is a general list of all current anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used for COPD:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Understanding_COPD/hic_Pulmonary_Rehabilitation_Is_it_for_You/hic_anti-inflammatory_medications_for_copd

So you can see there are substitutes.

BUT, frankly I dont know of a single medication that doesnt have possible side-effects, or one that someone hasnt come into this forum to complain about. The only one I can think of is a low-dose aspirin tablet. (But then I probably just happened to miss that post, that day. Smile)

Actually when it comes to prednisone prescriptions 5mg is pretty low may be something else going on. You need to talk to your doctor/s. Explain your concerns. He will likely change your prescription to something else, or perhaps even drop the prednisone entirely. But only HE or SHE can answer your question.

I take 5mg of prednisone for another problem, I HATE this drug. They tell me it is so low of a dose it does not cause problems. I feel awful on it and it feels like it has changed my whole personality . UGH

I found that after years of prednisone usage, the inflammation I was experiencing just worsened. When it was suggested by my family doctor that the dosage be increased yet again, I balked.

On the advise of another M.D., I have been taking 1400 mgs of Turmeric Curcumin each day. Most of you know it as a spice and since starting it 6 months ago I find that the inflammatory pain and discomfort is 99% relieved. Since pain is subjective, I can only say that, for me, this substance is superior to prednisone and I haven't experienced any side effects.

I need to remember that there are other alternatives out there and that I have permission, by virtue of my incurable disease, to explore them. So far, the Turmeric option is working well for me. Plus I can get it in capsule form at an affordable price.

Peace, Lois

I take the Turmeric as well but dosage at 3,000.....so far im not sure if anything works as my pain is wrapped up with inflammation. So im on Tramadol, which i want to get off by trying a few other herbal ''meds''

At my stage, Pred does not concern me as by the time IF any of the bad stuff happens, i'll be long gone....I do not mean abuse it but 5-10mg a day is hardly the dosage they are concerned about.....in my opinion.

Ask a Neurologist, Gabapentin seems to be working for me. There is help for that .