Steroids

[Clarice91]

Has anyone with bronchiectisis been prescribed steroids

If so did they help and how long were you on them for

[Hidden]

Hello Clarice. Oral steroids are not a treatment for bronchiectasis unless you have asthma or an element of copd with it. You can find this online in the official bronchiectasis guidelines. Unfortunately many GPs and respiratory nurses do not know this and treat bronch like copd. I hope that you have a good bronch specialist. These are the only people who have enough training and experience in bronch.

[Bassjaco]

Hi ClariceI've been prescribed prednisolone occasionally over the years for chest infections, copd. They worked for me,alongside antibiotics.

I was quite recently diagnosed with bronchiectasis as well. My gp told me that by taking the steroids they would help me breathe again, without having to go to hospital to have a go on the nebuliser. I always get steriods with antibiotics and they tend to make me feel better,although I must say I do usually end up back at hospital on nebuliser!!!

The usual dose for me is 6 or 8 a day for 5 days. ... I do suffer a bit with sleeplessness and maybe irritability 😬 when on them.

Another doc told me that there should be at least 2 weeks between courses of them.

[GintyFerguson]

Hi I have asthma and bronch. I've taken steroids in the past but really dont enjoy the side effects of no sleep, huge appetite and hyperactivity! However they dampen down inflammation and help me to breathe better. The respiratory specialist wanted to put me on a low dose for an undefined period of time some years ago and I refused . Subsequently, I have managed well without but am on inhalers. When prescribed prednisolone I have taken up to 60mg per day for various periods; mostly 2-3 weeks tailing off gradually. Good luck....

[Lutontown]

I find they help certain conditions. Steroids are a mender I think, so if your lungs are inflamed say due to infection, then they will help. I've had them as a week course, and for longer where you reduce the number of tablets each day. Can't remember the numbers. I don't have asthma but COPD and bronchiectasis.

[watergazer]

I gave been given a weeks course of steroids. 40mg a day. I have mild bronchiectasis and asthma. I only get them if I’m desperate x

[marra52]

Predisolone 5mg tablets 6aday in morning 7days course

[Alberta56]

I have bronchiectasis. I have been prescribed steroids a couple of times when I had infections. Not sure what effect they had except that I had terrible insomnia.

[B0xermad]

Hi Clarice91,I have bronchiectasis and asthma and copd and docs prescribed me antibiotics and prednisolone for chest infection for 5days as a rescue pack to calm down the coughing irritating th lungs but only if needed otherwise just antibiotics