Rescue pack of prednisolone- when to start using them

[Teach66]

Hi,

This Tuesday I was prescribed a rescue pack of prednisolone (after much discussion with the GP, who eventually relented).

I tested positive for covid on Thursday. I have always had a constant cough that produces lots of phlegm. I am currently waiting to see a consultant in July regarding this.

I have felt quite ill these past couple of days and I am producing much more phlegm than I normally would. Today it is green. Having never had a rescue pack of steroids before, I am not sure whether I should start taking them now. I know I should probably take a sputum sample into my GP tomorrow (Monday morning) to see if I need antibiotics but in other people's options, should I start taking the steroids today?

Thanks in advance.

[Yumz199725]

Definitely start taking them today x I have recently come out of hospital from having an asthma attack and I feel exhausted so please don't leave it any longer and make sure your medication is adjusted if needed I had to fight to get what I needed went to my GP like 20 times in the past year! So please get seen as soon as possible x

[Yumz199725]

Forgot to mention I'm on 3 different inhalers now and week of prednisolone steroids x

[knitter]

I would ring 111 for advice …..tell them you have Covid

[B0xermad]

If you're coughing up green stuff definitely antibiotics will help the bugs go away and the actual coughing is hurting and causing you stress then prednisolone will calm that down

[PaulineHM]

Hi, sorry to read you aren’t feeling so well.

If you have been prescribed steroids for your current lung issues then please start to take them as prescribed.

Taking them at 8.00 in the morning is the best time to take them as this will coincide with your natural output of corticosteroids.

Drink plenty of clear fluids to help to clear the mucous. 1-2 litres a day. Rest but take some small activity if you can.

Use an over the counter analgesic to help you feel more comfortable.

See you GP again in 2-3 days of you don’t feel better by then.

Hope you feel better very soon.

Go well

Pauline

[Teach66 in reply to PaulineHM]

Thank you Pauline x

[Alberta56]

Lots of good advice. A pity your doctor didn't prescribe some sort of antibiotic. Get a sputum sample in as soon as possible.

[Maggity]

Hi, I too, have just tested positive for covid which triggered an exacerbation. I have been given paxlovid anti viral but have also to take 5 days steroid and antibiotics. Sounds like you defo need to take antibiotics as well if mucous is green. Take care.

[Teach66 in reply to Maggity]

Thank you x

[kev60]

hi, I was never told about a rescue pack even when I was diagnosed with emphysema (COPD). It was a year later I went to the chemist to pick up my meds and they gave me the rescue pack, I had to call the doctor and find out what it was. Then they started to panic and a GP called me to explain and also sort out a rescue plan. The first time I used it I was unsure so called the doctor and they just said start asap . The rescue plan gives you an idea of when to start but if in doubt call your doctor or 111. Hope you get better soon. Kevin

[Teach66 in reply to kev60]

Thank you. I'm currently at my GP's surgery now. I started the rescue pack this morning as I'm still feeling rough. Tested negative for covid, so that's good now.

[Teach66]

UPDATE

I went to see a GP at my surgery yesterday- I managed to get an emergency appointment. I told her I had had a positive test for covid last week and that it had left me feeling very ill and was affecting my chest (I had a negative test yesterday morning). I told her that I had started my rescue pack of pred yesterday morning, to which she agreed was the right thing to do - I took the recommended dose of 6 x 5mg. I then asked if she would take a sputum test to see if I also required antibiotics but she refused stating that in her opinion, it would be too late by the time the result came back. She listened to my chest and could only her some wheezing - which was good - not pneumonia. I asked her to check my history, and given that I am registered with the respiratory team at my local hospital and my history of chest infections and amount of steroids and antibiotics prescribed as a result, I told her that I was very reluctant to leave the surgery without any. She reluctantly relented and eventually did prescribe me some doxycycline (which I have taken many times before). So, I started on those yesterday too.

By yesterday evening, I was feeling a bit better, thankfully. Still coughing and producing phlegm but that's my norm anyway.

Suffice to say, last night, I could not sleep. I have read that the high dose of prednisolone can do this - it's happened to me before. I'm reluctant to take the 6 x 5mg again today. I think I'll just take 2 (I was on that dose for 4 weeks and had no effects of insomnia then). No doubt I'm going to be shattered for the rest of today 😴. Hey ho, nevermind - I'm just glad my chest is a bit better 😌.

Thanks for all your replies 😊

[modace]

I have sputum pots for sampling.