When ??????

[annanother]

Is there an ideal time for taking the emergency steroids and anti - biotics

always hold back with belief that they will not be needed (with what steroids do it puts me off) with it all getting well normally.

[dall05]

Dont worry about taking steroids 'short term' as thier benifits far outweigh any small side effect you may get. The respiritory nurses always say 'hit it early and hit it hard' to stop any infection growing into a bigger problem and stop any further lung damage occurring. Take care annanother.

[Jester]

Go with simple advice change in temperature reading from normal with sputum darker than normal is time for treatment .

Hit it hard and early is a good call when infections do damage.

[Gordon57]

Before the backup meds are issued, the COPD nurse or GP should explain about their use. This advice differs from person to person it seems as some advise to take them at the first sign of an infection where others will say that the sputum should be a certain shade. Page 15 of this document mentions it, complete with colour chart! :- doncaster.nhs.uk/upload_fil...

Once you've gone through the routine a few times you just 'know' when the right time is, it becomes second nature. You also need to advise the surgery so they can issue a new prescription to replenish your stock.

The first few times may be hit and miss, you could start taking AB's when you don't need to, but that will be part of the learning process. It's also possible to leave them too late, which is why I linked to the colour chart and info from my local NHS.

Someone linked to another self-management plan, which I bookmarked :- lothianrespiratorymcn.scot.... - this gives advice on steroids too.

It may be worth having a chat with your nurse to determine when you should use the steroids, they may not be needed every time you have an exacerbation. I know I've had mild and strong ones.

If you're unsure or something different happens then call your GP surgery or NHS Direct. During daytime hours there's also the BLF helpline, they have nurses who can advise further.

[Hidden]

Hi, My husband was visited by the specialist respiratory team when he was very ill and they told him to start to taking the emergency antibiotics and steriods when two of the three following symptoms increase significantly:-

more breathless, more coughing and/or coloured sputum

I think it is a very personal thing - and you have to learn to trust your own body and listen to your own symptoms.

Take care, TAD xx