Coughs and colds and PMR

[braininjurythepits]

I’ve had two bouts of colds (with a lingering cough) in as many months, is it general practice to increase dosage of pred during the illness? I haven’t been doing this and have had no return of PMR symptoms, but if a dose increase speeds recovery I’d be interested to know! Currently on 8mg.

[SheffieldJane]

I have been having similar symptoms for over 2 months. I took a little extra Pred temporarily at the acute beginning of the cough and cold, but mainly because I had been diagnosed with steroid, induced, Adrenal deficiency and my Endocrinologist advised this. It didn’t appear to have any impact, so I went back to my original dose but stopped my taper. This was more to protect a PMR flare than speed up recovery from the cough and cold.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I would say, not as a general rule. It’s not a painkiller as such.

Take paracetamol for the cold and cough syrup or hot and lemon in hot water for the cough.

I would only up the Pred if I felt PMR symptoms were returning.

Colds are very similar to PMR - they go in their own time.

[Hidden]

I haven't increased for coughs and colds. I reckon it's the one time when I want my immune system to be more active. I take a dmard/immuno suppressant and am supposed to stop that if I get colds etc to give my body s fighting chance.

[braininjurythepits]

Thank you all, I’m glad I resisted the temptation. I was just about to taper when I caught the cold, so I’ll leave it now until I’ve recovered 🤞

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Never taper if you are ill - your body is under stress anyway, so don't add to it by reducing Pred.

In the great scheme of things, despite what your doctor may tell you, a few weeks here or there doesn't mean the end of the world!

Hope you feel better soon.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I never do - what goes up has to come down! Doesn't seem to make a difference one way or the other.

Out of interest - did you have a cough with PMR before pred?

[braininjurythepits in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro, it took about 5 months before I was diagnosed and started pred, and I don’t recall having a cough during that time.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to braininjurythepits]

That's OK - it can be a sign that arteries in the chest are involved.

[S4ndy]

I was supposed to start a reduction 2 weeks ago. Have put it off as I have had a bad cold/cough that's still hanging around. I've been making pineapple juice ice lollies which help to sooth the throat and bromelain helps think the mucus so it's easier to cough up! Also the occasional spoon of raw honey which soothes throat and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.

GP gave me 5 days of Amoxicillin too but it hasn't helped as I am pretty sure this is viral but she wanted to be sure. I don't take antibiotics often so agreed to try.

Hope you recover soon, my cough will be three weeks old tomorrow might have to have a celebration 😂🤣😂

[braininjurythepits in reply to S4ndy]

Thanks Sandy, especially the tip about pineapple juice. I’ve got a doc appointment this afternoon, and I’ll pick some up 🙂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to S4ndy]

Pop a bottle of prosecco - I find it helps everything!!!!

[S4ndy in reply to PMRpro]

Not on my meds, I'd probably end up comatose

[braininjurythepits in reply to PMRpro]

Coincidentally, it’s six o’clock, that magic hour 🥂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to braininjurythepits]

Mine would have had to be for breakfast ...

[braininjurythepits in reply to S4ndy]

Doc listened to my chest, prescribed amoxicillin and inhaler. I used to just catch a cold, not an infection....☹️