Asthma Support Group
Asthma is a disease of the human respiratory system where the airways narrow, often in response to a "trigger" such as exposure to an allergen, cold air, exercise, or emotional stress. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which respond to bronchodilators.
Hey there. I haven't been on Prednisone for ten years--used to use it as a child before alternatives like Advair (which I'm on) came about. Recently, after a really bad allergy season that left my lungs weaker than normal, I got a chest cold and couldn't breath properly for a few days--regular meds/nebs/inhalers just didn't work.
So doc prescribed Prednisone: five-day tapered course starting with 30mg, down 5mg/day. Day two and I don't feel any side effects yet. When I was younger, I had horrible reactions to it--perhaps because I was on it longer, larger doses, the meds have changed since then??
My questions to those who know the drug better are:
-Could weight gain occur during such a short run? When it does occur, is it because the drug makes you more hungry, or you just gain weight without diet/exercise habit changes?
-What side effects have any of you experienced during a short course such as mine?
-Do you think most side effects occur during long term therapy?
Just a little nervous about this stuff. Would appreciate any advice/answers any of you may have. Thanks!
So doc prescribed Prednisone: five-day tapered course starting with 30mg, down 5mg/day. Day two and I don't feel any side effects yet. When I was younger, I had horrible reactions to it--perhaps because I was on it longer, larger doses, the meds have changed since then??
My questions to those who know the drug better are:
-Could weight gain occur during such a short run? When it does occur, is it because the drug makes you more hungry, or you just gain weight without diet/exercise habit changes?
-What side effects have any of you experienced during a short course such as mine?
-Do you think most side effects occur during long term therapy?
Just a little nervous about this stuff. Would appreciate any advice/answers any of you may have. Thanks!
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
In answer to your questions:
1) weight gain, which could occur in short or long term use, is both as a result of increased hunger and fluid/hormone imbalances caused by how the medication works. Diet and exercise changes could help in reducing this weight gain.
2) Common side effects, which gain occur with short or long term use but are usually worse with long term use, include: weight gain, bloating and swelling, particularly in the face as a "moon face." Another bad hormonal side effect increased blood sugar leading temporary diabetes in some users and a worsening diabetes in users already having this disease. There is also the possibility of exposure to infections as the medication shuts down immune reactions. For a more complete list of what to be aware of, visit webmd.com
In general, it best to use as little of this as possible, for as short a time as possible.
-I felt bloated and did have weight gain because of the medicine - I didn't feel that bloated when I wasn't on them
-The worse side effect was the sleeplessness as I was already having problems sleeping
-Yes, I do think most side effects occur during long term therapy, especially the more serious ones.
But, after having said all of the above...the Prednisone helped me breath better so for me, I say it worked.
Since Prednisone seems to help most, it is worth the trial. Short term use is key. The taper you describe isn't very strong and I'd expect minimal negative side effects. Let us know how you do, okay?
People who have commented on my journal talk about the benefits and risks.
For me, I've never benefitted from it yet it is the first drug they seem to prescribe.
Do people with asthma benefit from prednisone and if they do, what "type" of asthma do you have?
Trying to be positive and see if this higher dose of prednisone will help me.
Stay tuned!!!
I tended to find that when i just went on short courses fo pred i didnt get side effects but then since 5years ago i get bad side effects including horrible marsk fromt he skin stecthing due to fluid retenion and also get very hungry. i also noticed thing like my haor and nails got brittle and skin got very thin. i am now also slightly osteoporotic and have secondary ammenohrrea.
However i do know a few epoepl who get minimal side effects from pred and have had absorbtion tests done and they are def absorbs pred properly.
It is a horrid drug but then t has great effects ont he lunsg too.
Olive
When your breathing becomes labored and it is caused by an inflammation (rather than excess mucus) prednisone is the best steroid for alleviating the inflammation.
Once the inflammation has decreased, your regular asthma medicine has a better chance of working. Prednisone itself doesn't make you feel better, it is the regular asthma meds that do that. Prednisone just lets them do their work.
--Bill