I suspect I've developed an allergy to steroids.

I'm 66 and many years ago I was prescribed Seretide and at that time it substantially improved my health and did so for many years. Over the last few years my asthma control has not been so good and it's been consistent regardless of location/environment etc. In recent times when I've had a chest infection and have been prescribed antibiotics and prednisolone I've noticed that although the antibiotics (usually) tackle the infection side of things my asthma actually worsens and does not improve until 4 or 5 days after the course of pred. has finished (it used to improve on day 2/3 of starting). Over the last three days I've reduced the Seretide to 1 x 250 puff twice a day instead of two and I can feel a clearer feeling in my chest. Is it possible to acquire an allergy to steroids?

[Hidden]

Hello

No, I don’t think so. That’s how it goes:

You get used to steroids that’s why you need more days to get better. They become systemic.

Then the more you have the more your immune system is depressed and the more liable you are to a chest infection, but you need them to dry out that mucus and reduce inflammation so the antibiotics can do their job.

So it is a spiral we have all been through here I am afraid.

I would get a medication checkup/review regarding your asthma and inhalers.

Don’t reduce by yourself. You can have a backlash effect.

Do see your GP or asthma nurse and phone the helpline.

Take care x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply, it's not really a case of taking longer to get better but my asthma actually kicks in and worsens while I'm on pred, before taking them I have a chest infection after taking I become asthmatic aswell, I also find my chest is very aggravated after taking Serevent which tails off until the next dose. I have made appointment to see the asthma nurse but a three week wait, you have to be nearly dead to see a doctor where I live.

[Maximonkey in reply to Hidden]

Hi rattleben, I went through an experience where my Seretide inhaler was not working and I felt really rotten, my asthma was really bad and the doctor did not know what to do next. My consultant changed the inhaler to Spiriva and after using it for a week or so I felt much better. I have been well ever since. Make an appointment asap to see your asthma nurse or doctor and ask for a change, if they do not want to change your inhaler get in touch with your Consultant's secretary and ask her to speak with your consultant on your behalf. I am sure something will be done asap. Do keep well and good luck over the inhaler problem. Maximonkey

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Next time ask for spirometry and do the reversibility test, where you have to take your bronchodilator and try in the cabin 10mn later. If your stats drop well it is not working for you.

Some inhalers can give you bronchospasms, however I am surprised you are also getting that at the same time as taking pred. I think it needs investigating.

Take care x

[Tree20862]

I talked to my lung doctor a couple of years ago about the different inhalers for daily maintenance. I had been on the same one for years. We tried something new and I stopped the dry nagging cough I had been dealing with for a while! Your body may just be too accustomed to that drug for it to work.

[Shanti55]

Hi there rattleben, i have Kinesiology through a friend, which is a simple form of muscle reaction testing for allergies, food intolerance etc I also now get my meds tested plus any vitamin supplements etc..for me it has really helped big time! . Anyhoo after being on Flutiform for a year or more my symptoms got worse so got my friend to test me & yes very intolerant to it! I felt pretty annoyed at the time with my doc for prescribing something that really didn't help n could've potentially caused more damage but guess i also wanted to blame someone for my worsening condition as I hadn't managed to give up smoking at that point either! So i quizzed the nurse for an alternative that didn't contain fluticasone & now use Fostair instead for the asthma ,2puffs a day & they've also given me Incruse 1 inhalation a day as asthma was still bothersome. It is much better now tho I am not necessarily looking forward to pollen season when that 'may' change but antihistamines did help a lot last year & i have atlast managed to quit fags! I occasionally also use a vicks stick up my nose if I start to feel inflammation.

I hope that's helpful. ..If u can, find a good Kinesiologist in your area.

Also I would push for an emergency appointment if ur having trouble breathing from whateever cause u need to be seen soon not in 3 weeks, we have the same issues here with appointments but I was told if I had any breathing problems I could be seen the same day!

Best wishes & good luck