Off topic question about prednisone and my cold/ asthma

[summerluvr]

Hi friends,

I don't have MS but this forum is so full of knowledge I can't leave :)

this is an unrelated question to MS or even MM (multiple myeloma what i have)

I am on Prednisone for an asthma flair up. :(  For the past month had increasing chest tightness, pain and just feeling breathless on stairs etc. Lung doc changed me to Adavair, and after a week I still felt more pain, tightness so I went to walk in. After consulting my asthma doc they decided to give me a course of steroids to nip the attack in the bud. I started prednisone yesterday (30mg) and then developped a bad cold (which is probably why my asthma was flairing since I was coming down with a cold). I am hacking a lung here, have blown my nose through one box of Klenex already!

Is the prednisone going to prolong this cold? Or will it help my lung heal up faster?  I was lucky when I took steroids in the past I never had a cold!  I still have 4 days of the pulse and then I have the taper.

[summerluvr]

Thanks for the great explanation sidesteps!  I do have a blue rescue inhaler and have been using it every four hours, or when I have a coughing fit.  I hoope I don't not develop a secondary infection (in my case usually ear infections) I'm feeling better today (a little).  I used my peak flow meter to test my lungs and I'm still in the yellow, so It's good I insisted on getting more treatment for my asthma before this cold / virus.  I think the steroids are giving me enough energy to feel relatively normal instead of feeling dragged down with a cold actually... lol

On the plus side this is my first cold this winter, but we are having spring like winter here in ontario, havent' even had one snow fall. It is raining / freezing rain today so I am staying inside!  Nope, not on chemo, I am currently in remission and only taking a few precautionary meds that do not affect blood counts (a bone drug, and famvir to prevent herpes and shingles)

[sllowe]

Hi Sumervlr,

I'm limited in knowledge here, but do know that for an infection caused by a cold, prednisone is oftentimes an add on script to the antibiotics. It works well for my daughter. Not sure of the chemistry there, but it works.

I'm on advair too, and find I have to really make sure I get that shot of special powder or whatever it is super straight, take a big inhale and hold as long as I can - which is not always easy. The cold may be a doosey so you are unable to feel any relief from the advair right away. Was is prescribe 2xs daily? If so, keep at it, because it works longer than the rescue inhalers.

Long term use of steroids can lower your immune system, but I'd not worry so much for this particular course in the short term. Bottom line, don't think it will lengthen your cold. Feel you will be able to breath well soon and that will feel heaven sent!
(((hugs)))
shell

[Sidesteps]

Are you still on chemo?

The steroids will suppress your immune system but you probably won't notice the difference. The steroids will reduce the inflammation and allow your body to naturally get rid of the virus and mucous so it is far more productive (even with an suppressed immune system.)

The problem is when your asthma is flared, your entire sinus tract is flared as well... which creates extra mucous that can't easily be removed (stuffy) and causes more mucous. You end up creating this vicious circle that way and that is what causes the pneumonia, ear infections and sinus infections with asthma attacks because it's all the same system.

Think of our airways like an Interstate Highway... when it gets filled with cars what happens? When you encounter a back-up you need to relieve the pressure of the congestion and the inflammation. This doctor isn't treating you to the full extent for you to get better and benefit from medication.

Two things they need to be treating: 1) Your inflammation and 2) Your broncospasms.  

The steroids will be taking care of your inflammation. Advair is also to reduce the inflammation (it is a long term anti-inflammatory) but it can take a couple months for it to take full effect.

You seem to be missing the medicine for the bronchospasms or constriction (typically this is Albuterol.)

ADVAIR helps prevent asthma symptoms from occurring in the first place. Results may vary. ADVAIR is not for, and should not be used to treat, sudden, severe symptoms of asthma. ADVAIR won't replace a rescue inhaler. http://www.advair.com

I'd call your doctor and ask for Albuterol or the other rescue inhaler. It's usually prescribed to be taken every 4 hours as needed.

I wish you well ~

[michelleric]

well, I have this issue many times in the past.

I have asthma also, and tend to get the horrific cough when sick.  The pulmonogist has given me a shot of kenalog in the office to get relief fast.

I do think the prednisone can make a cold hang around longer, and can lower ur immune system even more.  I would watch for the cold turning into an infection like bronchitis etc.

Steroids, u good hate and love them at the sme time,

Take care of yourself,
Michelle