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prednisolone and asthma

Posted , 4 users are following.

Guest
Guest

I have asthma usually managed with symbiocort inhaler and ventolin reliever. I get intermittent chest infections and consequently I have been taking prednisolone occasionally for 5 years now - 2 or 3 times a year along with antibiotics when I feel I can no longer function at all normally and have to resort to going to the doctor's. I take 30mg a day for 5 days and they work very well. I am concerned reading other experiences of taking prednisolone and the horrendous sounding side effects. I have always known these drugs are not \"good\" for you but they have provided me with such effective and fast relief that I have continued to resort to them, albeit occasionally. I have no severe side effects - some interrupted sleep, heartburn etc. Can anyone tell me if, at the levels I am taking them, whether I am likely to suffer the side effects other people speak of - e.g. weight gain/redistribution, moon face, osteoporosis etc? Also whether the side effects go away and how long they last once you have stopped taking the pred?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Tessa
    Tessa

    Posted

    Hi Heligan,

    You seem to be managing your asthma very well. To take a course of Prednisolone 30mg for 5 days is the usual treatment for chest infections. You only do this a couple of times a year.

    I think the side efects come when you are on them for a prolonged time. They do have side effects, but you have to weigh up the benefits to your chest. I have noticed with myself that the side effects eg. weight gain, moon face come after I have been on them for some time.

    If you are really worried, then a word with your GP should put your mind at rest.

    Take care

    Tessa

  • mrs_k
    mrs_k

    Posted

    Hello Heligan

    Tessa should have put your mind to rest.

    Rule of Thumb - 7.5mg is rated as the highest low dose.

    Two weeks on higher doses (anything over 7.5mg) is the maximum before side effects 'kick-in' unless you are very very unlucky.

    We would all be in a worse situation without prednisolone, its just that it was invented around 1949 and it still works - but so do the side effects. Newer type replacements seem to be based on chemotherapy type drugs. So I think on balance prednisolone is perhaps the better option.

    mrs K

  • mrs_k
    mrs_k

    Posted

    Sorry Heligan

    I meant to add - ensure that you use enteric coated tablets - this should stop the heartburn - if not, ask for a 'gastro inhibitor' tablets from your GP and take them whilst you are taking non-enteric coated tablets.

    mrs K

  • colin04820
    colin04820 Guest

    Posted

    An interesting discussion, last winter was real bad, with 3 chest infections plus pneumonia over 3 months. Have been on Prednisolone since January 1.

    I have managed to shed 5kG since Jan 1 and been on prednisolone at varying doses ever since. I have not noticed any side effects to date, but being able to breathe trumps any side effects at the moment.  

    With the the return of cold damp weather, the Asthma has gone wonky again, forcing me to put the prednisolone back up a bit higher ..... Just hoping I can keep clear of chest infections ....

    I have received first class care and support at Peterborough hospital throughout with email dialogue which really helps. 

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