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Steroids not working?

I’ve just had a 5 day rescue course of prednisolone due to an asthma flare. However, my peak flow is still only about 70% and I have an itchy, scratchy throat and cough. I don’t actually have a cold so I’m not sure what’s going on. I’ve never had a course of steroids before where it hasn’t made me completely better. Have others had this experience please?

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Gymbearo

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11 Replies

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Muldrew1 year ago

Hi Gymbearo

I usually take longer than 5 days of steroids ( I take prednisone 40) perhaps talk to care team?

My prescription says use until Peak Flow is back to a certain level

You may also need to tail it off

Best talk to asthma nurse or gp?

Good luck

Homely2Administrator1 year ago

I normally take five day courses of pred.

In January though I needed 40 days, in step down.

So have a chat with your medics. It is not unusual to need more than five days.

peege1 year ago

Could something else be going on? Covid test, it's definitely more prevalent now. Personally a sore throat for me rings alarm bells because it's always a precursor of a chest infection, first sign of soreness I reach for my antiseptic throat spray and a drink of effervescent Vitamin C 1000mg for immunityboost. Those 2 usually nip things in the bud. If I'm away from home I'll use a few drops of Tea Tree Oil in water for gargle...........that's me though. My gp won't allow a rescue so have to manage myself. He will allow winter abs as a prophylactic, Azithromycin on Mon Wed Fri from November to April.

Your experience could be due to seasonal change? I've had to raise my nightly Fostair this week.

Chip_y2kuk1 year ago

Yes a few times and I needed extra steroids or a different antibiotic .... I now get doxycycline and prednisolone as a kind of "standard" together but occasionally need extra prednisolone

Poobah1 year ago

I'm the same as Peege, my throat being sore is a heads up of a possible chest infection. But the tickly throat and cough may be post nasal drip, just a sign that your body is fighting something. Definitely talk with your doctor about an extended course of steroids and that your symptoms now include a cough and itchy/dry throat. Highlight any phlegm too, no matter how little - changing symptoms are key in getting on top of potential respiratory infection.

Gymbearo• in reply toPoobah1 year ago

Thanks. I was pretty sure initially I didn’t have a chest infection as I didn’t have a blocked nose but am now taking antibiotics, so thanks for helping me to think outside the box!

Poobah• in reply toGymbearo1 year ago

I hope they do the trick and you feel better soon.

hilary391 year ago

Sometimes when I'm in a bad flare I have to do two courses to get it to calm down. I'm in the middle of one of those now (just wrapped up my second course I mean). I think it was covid that caused this long exacberation for me. It's been six weeks and it's stilll going.

Did you have covid symptoms and take a test? I've seen a lot of people here and on my other asthma board saying that this recent strain was particularly hard on their lungs.

ellamental1 year ago

Hi. I had a sore throat about ten days ago. Did a covid test and negative. Then husband bought newer ones and we were positive. Had a mouthful of ulcers, so tired etc I thought new strains were less of a problem but my breathing was bad. Been on nebuliser a lot, prednisalone for 8 days, docycycline for 4 ( when the phlem went green) and lots of vits incl big dose vit c. All that and still ropey breathing each morning but by the afternoon it is more controlled. I think it is fine for you to take further days pred but give your GP a ring and do a covid test as others have said too. If you are run down vits always a good idea. Asthma can make you feel exhausted. Hope it improves for you soon.

Patk11 year ago

There is a heavycold going round and covid - it's worth testing x

Claricec1 month ago

I recently went through a course of prednisolone myself, and it did help, but I understand how frustrating it can be when you don't see the results you’re used to. It's possible that inflammation is persisting or that another factor, like allergies or an underlying infection, might be contributing to your symptoms. Make sure you're staying hydrated, avoiding potential irritants, and using your maintenance inhalers as prescribed. It might also help to check in with your doctor—they could adjust your treatment or investigate further to rule out other causes. You’re not alone in this; sometimes it just takes a bit more time or tweaking.

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