Adrenal insufficiency

[primrose123]

I have asthma bronchiectasis & adrenal insufficiency, I have developed flu symptoms, runny nose,cough & slightly breathless, I am also coughing up green phlegm, I am currently on 20 mg of hydrocortisone tablets( which I have doubled up to 40mg+ 14 day course of doxycycline antibiotics, I am now on day 7 of course but still have the same symptoms, I found last time I took 8 prednisolone for 5 days worked better for me, could anyone advise me that could I changeover to 5 day course of prednisolone as opposed to hydrocortisone for the remainder of the course? All replies greatly appreciated..Thanking you, Primrose 123..

[Some12U]

Hi, Primrose,

I have the same diagnosis as you.

Earlier this year when I had a stubborn chest infection I was switched over to 5 mg of Prednisolone (eight tablets a day ), so 40 mg for five days instead taking doubled up hydrocortisone which for me is 40 mg. It worked better. Not only is it twice the strength, but slow release as well. I was on Doxycycline 100 mg for 14 days also. I don't see why you couldn't change as H.C. isn't working too well, but best to take your Dr's advice. Hope this helps x

[janedivney]

Converting one type of steroid to another, and taking into account the balance you want to achieve, is actually quite complex. There are several steroid conversion calculators online eg mdcalc.com/calc/2040/steroi...

However, if you haven’t improved after 7 days I definitely recommend you consult your gp before changing the dosage yourself.

Another resource I’ve used in the past is the telephone helpline run by the Pituitary Foundation. It’s run by an experienced specialist nurse whom I’ve found incredibly helpful in the past. Here’s a link pituitary.org.uk/helplines/

[peege]

Hi, I think a call to the helpline for professional advice is in order. Or back to the gp?

[Patk1]

You need to take both hc & prednisolone,primrose 123.think of prednisolone as completely separate to hc

[Alberta56]

Shouldn't you be on a 14 course of doxycycline? That is the norm for people with bronchiectasis.

[Lfcpremier]

Have you submitted a sputum sample to identify the 'bug'. Get well soon!

[Topsy-Turvey in reply to Lfcpremier]

This is such good advice, I was given 14 days of Doxycycline for a flare up and it did very little, I then caught a cold which enabled me to provide a sputum sample, they grew the bugs, identified it and alongside a microbiologist decided on the best antibiotics as the bug was resistant. I felt the difference within 3 days but then decided I needed my prednisone as well.

[Stanjory]

hello primrose. Good advice above. I know my endocrinologist wouldn’t want me just switching about between hydrocortisone and prednisolone because of their different strengths and functions. Definitely get some professional advice. Hope you soon feel a bit better.