Chest colds require prednisone?

 

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.

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,

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

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

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

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....

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:)

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

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.

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

Hugs!

Carla