Steroids not working?

[Gymbearo]

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?

[Muldrew]

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

[Homely2 Administrator]

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.

[peege]

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_y2kuk]

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

[Poobah]

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 to Poobah]

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 to Gymbearo]

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

[hilary39]

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.

[ellamental]

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.

[Patk1]

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