Chest colds require prednisone?

Gazelle562

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Joined : Apr 2007

Posts : 10

Posted 7/18/2007 11:14 AM (GMT -7)

I developed adult-onset exercised-induced asthma about 8 years ago. I'm sure I must have had a cold/flu within the past 8 years but I don't recall it ever triggering an asthma-like episode. Last week I developed a cold and started having trouble breathing. I needed to use albuterol around the clock, which I have never had to do before, and even this did not fully relieve the breathing difficulties. I finally went to see a doc and she just said it's typical for an asthmatic to develop bronchitis when they get colds/flus and gave me a prescription for prednisone. Since prednisone scares me (I know someone who actually died from its side-effects

) I asked for an anti-inflammatory inhaler instead but she said that won't work and insisted I take the pred. Do I really need to resort to such heavy-duty stuff? Couldn't I eventually recover on my own? Is this common for asthmatics to need something extra when they get a cold? Why wouldn't a steroid inhaler help? Should I expect to have to go through this every time I get a chest cold/flu from now on? It scares me to think I'm going to need medical attention every time I get a simple cold now.

bamap

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Joined : Jul 2007

Posts : 26

Posted 7/19/2007 6:03 PM (GMT -7)

I *think* inhaled steriods are for more long term maintenance. I was prescribed a prednisone dose pack, Advair, and Albuterol when I had my first issue with asthma. I know others who take a low dose of prednisone with asthma as well. I don't blame you for being nervous about taking it. It can have some bad side effects, but it can make you feel much better too. I've heard it referred to as evil candy! I was once given a nebulizer treatment in my dr.'s office ... that helped a lot!

groovey

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Posts : 127

Posted 1/9/2008 12:53 PM (GMT -7)

hi gazelle i have been taking low doses of prednisilone on and off for 20 years but only for very severe asthma attacks and never for just a cold or even flu...hasnt your doc offered you the pneumonia and bronchitus injection..which lasts for life.!!!!ask about it it will put your mind at rest and keep your stress levels low ...stress does affect asthma.Got a cold and cough...try pure honey mixed with brown sugar a tiny pinch of ground ginger and boiling water.sip slowly...soothing and relaxing.f you get scare about your asthma...get on web site and chat you are not on your own..we are all here to support you...be happy Groovey.

ceebee

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Posts : 401

Posted 1/9/2008 1:37 PM (GMT -7)

Groovy... I have never heard of that shot. Is it new?? I get bronchitis a couple times a year and either end up on prednisone or in the hospital. I will ask about it next time I see the doctor. Wondering why it was never mentioned to me?

Another Day

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Posted 1/9/2008 2:03 PM (GMT -7)

CeeBee,

If Groovey lives in England that might explain why we've never heard of these treatments. My allergists has told me before that in England they are allowed to treat asthma patients more aggressively than they are here in the U.S., therefore, they aren't as sick as we are. It's a shame, isn't it?

Take care!

Carla

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ceebee

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Posted 1/9/2008 3:11 PM (GMT -7)

another day....maybe we should retire to England?! Who says the doctors can't treat asthma here as aggressively? Wonder if the drug companies have anything to do with it? That shot would make my life much easier and cut on costs of drugs I take. I think it is all a money thing and we suffer for it. Maybe a vacation to England to shop...for a shot!

groovey

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Posts : 127

Posted 1/25/2008 1:10 PM (GMT -7)

ceebee..i wish i could pack up a batch of pneumonia and bronchitus shots and send them to you to help with your asthma....do you have a flu shot every winter? Here in uk anyone with a chronic condition either gets free medication,physio,massage etc [if on low income] or pays a once yearly fee of £85 and all medication and treatments are available....whether for asthma or any other ailment.we also have at our local medical centre a drop in asthma clinic where you can go and see the asthma nurse if you are worried about your asthma ...she may just check chest, peak flow and blood pressure to make sure all is well or just have a chat about how you feel...i find this service so reassuring. i do know how lucky we are here in uk....asthmatics are treated so so well ..and the emphisis is always on doing everything to help the patient control the asthma before it gets to the serious stage. when i had a realy bad attack and was hospitalised for a week the asthma doctor from the hospital actually visited me at home on my release and went around my house and explained to me all the things i could do to help myself...little changes that didnt cost a fortune to put into place..it was so useful and made a big difference to my life .... come on over to uk...take care groovey

SnowyLynne

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Posted 1/25/2008 6:45 PM (GMT -7)

The bad thing about Steroids is It affects your bones in later years,so use with caution..........

SnowyLynne

Another Day

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Posted 1/27/2008 3:51 PM (GMT -7)

ceebee said...
another day....maybe we should retire to England?! Who says the doctors can't treat asthma here as aggressively? Wonder if the drug companies have anything to do with it? That shot would make my life much easier and cut on costs of drugs I take. I think it is all a money thing and we suffer for it. Maybe a vacation to England to shop...for a shot!

ceebee, I somehow missed this post. It sounds like a good idea to me. What's the weather like over there?

Take care!

Carla

Moderator, Allergies/Asthma

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Epilepsy, asthma, GERD, depression, hypothyroidism, tinnitus

sjkly

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Posted 1/27/2008 6:50 PM (GMT -7)

I had a respitory infection three years ago that caused me to have bronchial spasms that were quite severe. They gave me prednisone for just a few days I felt better almost immediately and have never had to go back on pred despite numourous colds, sinus infections etc. So, using it this time does not neccessarily mean you would need it each time you get sick in the future.

groovey

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Posts : 127

Posted 1/28/2008 9:46 AM (GMT -7)

hi carla the weather is rubbish over here in uk at the moment with lots of floods...but in the garden the daffodils and snow drops are blooming and spring is in the air so I FEEL GOOD and the weather will be cooler and calm soon.. If you and ceebee fancy a vacation to england there is a warm welcome and a cosy bed for you both...dont just talk about it do it...could be fun...be happy groovey...e mail available if you get serious....

Another Day

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Posted 1/28/2008 10:11 PM (GMT -7)

Groovey,

It certainly sounds tempting, but I'm broke right now. Could I have a rain check? I would love to come some time. How about you CeeBee?

Hugs!

Carla

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ceebee

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Posted 1/29/2008 12:06 AM (GMT -7)

I would love a trip to England but the long air time would kill me:) After four hours on a plane, I am going loony! My son and his wife will be taking a honeymoon trip to England in April. They got married in June and had to wait to get time off work. When they get back. it is making me a Grandmother again time:)

groovey

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Posts : 127

Posted 2/3/2008 6:59 AM (GMT -7)

hi carla, understand that you cannot come to england just yet but perhaps one day .....offer will always be open...would love to show you the sights...be happy groovey

Another Day

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Posted 2/3/2008 6:13 PM (GMT -7)

I will look forward to it. It sounds exciting. I would like to come when you are having nice weather. Thank you so much for the invitation!

Hugs!

Carla

Moderator, Allergies/Asthma

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Epilepsy, asthma, GERD, depression, hypothyroidism, tinnitus

groovey

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Posts : 127

Posted 2/6/2008 11:25 AM (GMT -7)

ceebee..if i win the lottery i will send a private jet over to usa to pick up you and carla up...promise... i never stop dreaming lots of hugs... grooveyxx

ceebee

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Posts : 401

Posted 2/6/2008 9:43 PM (GMT -7)

HMMM...a private plane sounds so nice instead of the sardine cans I fly in now! I will pray you will win the lottery.:) Wouldn't it be nice to that wealthy?? Dreams are what makes life so much fun:) Keep on a dreaming groovey.

groovey

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Joined : Nov 2007

Posts : 127

Posted 2/8/2008 9:06 AM (GMT -7)

to ceebee and carla...weather picking up and the snowdrops and crocuses are out in bloom in my garden which tells me spring has come and the summer is not too far away.asthma good at the moment lots of sunshine and i feel well, positive and happy. some day i know you will both be able to come over to uk and visit me ...you will love england...in particular scotland where the air is so pure and very few people around. i know that after a week in scotland your lungs would be clear and you would feel well again.....all i need to do is win the b****** lottery.. but i will keep dreaming and trying... keep in contact big hugs ...groovey.

Another Day

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Posted 2/8/2008 6:19 PM (GMT -7)

It sounds wonderful! I can't wait to be able to make the trip.

Hugs!

Carla

Moderator, Allergies/Asthma

Help support the forums so we can support you: https://www.healingwell.com/donate

Epilepsy, asthma, GERD, depression, hypothyroidism, tinnitus

groovey

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Joined : Nov 2007

Posts : 127

Posted 2/9/2008 8:46 AM (GMT -7)

carla...never say no...one day you will make the trip to england and i will show you the most amazing scenery on earth...rambling mountains with gushing waterfalls and serene lochs[lakes] that go on for ever and wonderful restaurants that serve sea food and local delicaceys and the most friendly people in the world....get better and come over....grooveyxxxxxx

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