I have Amox and prednisone to take if I think I am getting an exasterbation. My problem always is to know when to start. My Dr is not to clear on this. So my first question is what do your DR give you for instructions. My second is how often can you take the meds in a year.
Any help is appreciated.
Hi, we all have different indicators that an exacerbation is starting, maybe a temperature or coloured sputum. Your doctor or nurse should have provided you with an action plan with details of what to check for and when to start treatment. Check out BLFs advice here:
I have been instructed to start taking my rescue meds at the first sign of a chest infection which is when any phlegm being coughed up changes to a dark or green colour. Hope this helps
I was told to start taking them as soon as I am certain I have a cold to protect my chest. I am finding now though that if I have a bad cold/ cough that amox is not working as well as it did and often have to have 2nd lot of antibiotics
macnsyl
Everyone tells us we know our own bodies better than most, however I always use the the peak flow chart. I find that tells me when my readings are consistently down over a day or so, then I start the meds.
Many of us have multiple use of anti b's over the year knowing a fixed number is difficult as this disease does not really give a warning. Check with your GP you mat find at times taking Prednisolone on it's own may help the symptoms.
IKeith
My Doctor tells me "you'll know when". So I know how you feel!
I understand the predicament you are in.I am never sure if I am getting a chest infection and when I asked my GP,the only advice I got was my sputum would be yellow or green.I never get coloured sputum.The doctor has sounded my chest and said that I've got a chest infection yet my sputum is not coloured .When I said this to her,she said that some people don't get coloured sputum.I get a lot of colds and I suffer from hay fever and can get a bit short of breath and I'm wondering if I should start on steroids or antibiotics.Usually I wait to see if it gets any worse because I don't want to take antibiotics or steroids if I don't need to.I wish there was a clearer way of telling.Most times I wait and it clears up itself.
Thank you everyone. Is seems like I am not alone in my perdickerment. My latest exacerbation was found to be my sinus infection. This is something to keep in mind since it technically not a bug in my lungs but causes me to cough and feel like a lung infection. I think a lot of Dr's miss this cause.
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