Steroids and Phlegm Samples

[anng18]

Hi,

Does anyone know if it is ok to start a course of steroids, before giving a sample of phlegm. I took a course of antibiotics a few weeks ago and didn't feel the infection was totally cleared up, but I'm very reluctant to start a second course without knowing if I have an infection, or not. However, I'm not feeling great and my breathing and oxygen levels are very erratic.

Any advice would be welcome.

Thank you for your time.

[Will57]

go with your rescue pack . I am in the same boat as I went to my doctor 5 days back and was encouraged to start as I'm a vulnerable patient and I feel better for it but I also have a home nebulizer

[Patk1]

Yes it's fine to start steroids prior to putting sample in x

[Danielmystar]

Yes I would go with your rescue pack I cant get mine anymore unless I have infection even thou I know its the steriods I need foe my breathing when I don't have an infection was told you have to have infection aswell

[Lynnetp]

I was told not to start antibiotics before giving a sample as this would prevent the correct antibiotic being found for the infection. I’m not sure about steroids though…

Hope you feel better soon

Lynne 🥰 xx

[blueferret]

My respiratory nurse said to I should start steroids after 2 days of wheezing, but only use antibiotics if phlegm turns green,. Works great but I have used steroids about every 4-6 wks over this winter. Having said that, I haven`t had a bad chest infection since going onto the 3 a week antibiotics for my pseudomonas. I`m expecting to hit obstacles from Dr who seems to know less than the nurse and my consultant. Roll on the warmer weather.

[soppysokes in reply to blueferret]

do you use them for full 5 or 7 days? resp nurse here says just 3 days is fine if it does the job and full course isn’t necessary.

[anng18 in reply to soppysokes]

Hi soppysokes,

I use to take them for five days, but am wary as I have osteoporosis, so the last time I took them for 3 and like you said - it worked.

[blueferret in reply to soppysokes]

Hi, full 5 days as I`ve never been told different. It can take 2 days for them to kick in, sometimes I can feel difference much quicker. Good luck.

[anng18 in reply to blueferret]

Reassuring to hear what you've been doing. I take the pills and am ok for a couple of weeks, if I'm lucky and then feel I need some more. My Doctor sounds rather like yours - can't believe what they say, but I do avoid them as much as I can.😀

[Germantara]

Yes ihave myself being in the same situation and took my steroids and it worked for me I've never being asked to do a sputum sample

[anng18 in reply to Germantara]

I have the pot, but never used it. Normally, I just go ahead with my medication. It just seems so soon after the last lot - I don't think it completely cleared!

[Germantara in reply to anng18]

I can understand how fed up you must be feeling why don't you make appointment for docters and do sputum test and put that in when you're there it must be very frustrating for you and anxious