Prednisolone advice please : I’ve throughout the years... - NRAS

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Prednisolone advice please

saffron07 profile image
9 Replies

I’ve throughout the years and not every winter had a serious chest infection which comes with periodic asthma.

As a child had bronchitis many times. Currently on amoxicillin but not really working. GP prescribed 40ml Prednisolone 5 days. 8 a day. Also on two inhalers one a steroid. I’m worried about what to expect, I know compared to many this is low level but still worried. Any advice or info welcome.

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saffron07
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9 Replies

I’m not sure what you’re concerned about? Do you mean the effects, or the side effects? I find short (5 day) high dose courses like the one you’re on easier to deal with than lower, longer courses. For respiratory issues, 40mg for 5 days is the standard dose, the intention being to reduce inflammation in the lungs, improving breathing and the ability to cough up any rubbish trapped by inflamed airways. It tends to work extremely well if there is inflammation. I primarily live over on the British Lung Foundation page; you might want to hop over there as steroids used this way are standard for many of the lovely people that are members.

saffron07 profile image
saffron07 in reply to

Thank you. Yes it’s the side effects I’m more concerned about and had focused in on them to much possibly. I most certainly will take a look at BLF page. Many thanks for taking time to reply.

PSAWarrior28 profile image
PSAWarrior28

I've just got over seasonal flu and had the same treatment plan. I'm already on steroids for something else but 5 day treatment plan with steroids tapering is standard for treating lung infection. I've also got a nebuliser at home which I use when things get bad during this time of year.

saffron07 profile image
saffron07 in reply toPSAWarrior28

Thank you for sharing it really helps a lot.be safe and take care

AussieHiccups profile image
AussieHiccups

Hi Saffron07. I've been on Prednisolone for 7 months now . Its making me feel pretty good but I'm starting to reduce it down from 8mg to 7 etc. Trying to get off it as after 7 months I am getting bad reflux which is exacerbating a granuloma in my throat (larynx). But its been quite ok most of the time really. I started on 50mg for 5 days then 25 mg for 2 weeks then dropped to 12.5mg. Have been trying to slowly reduce since without much success BUT - Lots of Drs have different regimes and they will have their reasons for those, no doubt. The methotrexate meds sound much scarier to me that the Pred's. My mother was on Prednisolone for 10 years (low dose) for Polymyalgia and it was a real solution for her in her 70's. She did get some long term side effects - thin skin, stiffening of the arteries, but the good news is she is still alive at 100 years and a half! I was told by my throat specialist on Friday that the Pred does make you susceptible to throat reflux and thrush (Fungal infections). There are a few down sides like that but I wouldn't worry too much. I certainly haven't. I find this forum is excellent because its real people taking these meds with real opinions from experience, however everyone is different, and of course we all say only your Dr can give you advice! Good Luck.

saffron07 profile image
saffron07 in reply toAussieHiccups

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Yes I am on day three of five day course and consider myself fortunate as touch wood just feeling a little wired, upset tummy and slight anxiety but controlled. So wonderful and uplifting to hear your story about your mum❤️

AussieHiccups profile image
AussieHiccups

I would also add that different people will get different side effects, some ppl very few, especially on a short sharp course - It sounds to me like your Dr will have his reasons and it does not sound unusual to me. I am not a medically trained person though.

kittypebbles profile image
kittypebbles

Hi - I too have had asthma for many years and more recently COPD and scarring of lungs due to RA. Also have had chest infections/pneumonia most winters requiring antibiotics and prednisolone. I know everyone is different but I have been fortunate not to have side effects from the prednisolone - they usually work well at calming down the lung inflammation (and also inflammation in joints). I think when used for short periods of time the likelihood of side effects is reduced. I do hope that you tolerate them well and your infection/inflammation improves. Take care.

saffron07 profile image
saffron07

Than you 👍you to.

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