Hi Ritaann. Many meds can actually cause swelling, including our COPD meds. They activate the kidney to remove excess water from the body. Especially the steroids and antibiotics.
Now, other nutrients like potassium and magnesium get washed out too. Or may cause constipation. The poor dehydrated body holds onto whatever moisture is left and causes the body parts to swell to hold onto the rest. The solution is to drink more water, unless your Doc says NO.
It's our vicious cycle, indeed.

I’ve had similar issues with the spiriva inhaler however they stopped it & slowly but surely the swelling seems to be going also I was told abt the drinking more water too I’ve also found sitting around causes it too hope this helps

I doubt that the budesonide is completely responsible. Fluid retention in the feet and ankles is very common with COPD and many other heart/lung problems. See your doc to determine what the cause is, because there are way too many to list. There are medications that help and you may be able to make changes in diet and exercise that will reduce or eliminate the problem.

You should call your doctor for advise.

This was the reason I got admitted to hospital, swollen feet & ankles (very red, it was cellulitis but I wouldn’t of known I had copd if I didn’t go hospital such a scary illness..