When I have an extremely bad, bad attack my doctor has put me on steroids. It does give you some relieve and time to rest.
NOW, I have become allergic to bug bites. Which means a hospital trip. I have an Epipen to inject myself. They treat me at the hospital and I am given Methylprednisolone, 21 pills for 6 days.
The wonderful thing is I almost feel like a normal person taking them. My COPD is settled. I can do normal every day things. I can breathe without my oxygen. I know you develop the "moon" shaped face and gain weight from them. The way my disability is at this point, why would I care if I gain weight?
Please let me know...................................
2006-07-19 03:54:42 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
I work at a clinic pharmacy and we do fill regular monthly medications for people that do include steroids for copd. There are people who take prednisone or methylprednisolone everyday, you should talk to you're doctor about it. If you won't mind the side effects then go for it, steroids also make you're immune system weak making it hard for you to fight off or keep away any infections,you can get sick easily and you should steer clear of anyone who even has a cold.
2006-07-19 04:05:02 · answer #1 · answered by hotmama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible to take steroids everyday, but it is very hard on the body. Possible side effects include weight gain, lowered immune system, osteoporosis, and even diabetes. If your lung disease is severe, however, the benefits may outweigh the risks. You should talk to your doctor to see what he thinks. My little daughter has been on steroids since she was a few weeks old (we had no other choice), but we have been able to decrease her dosage to every other day. From what I understand, this decreases the risk of developing the side effects, and for her, so far, so good. Best of luck.
2006-07-20 02:43:02 · answer #2 · answered by chILD Mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im guessing you have asthma, since this is categorized as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and yes, steroids are usually prescribed by the doctor to asthma patients, whose allergic reactions are worse that the others. the downside, is that it can make you gain weight, or retain water -- that's probably why you mentioned "moon" shaped face... but if taken as directed, (and not overdose on it) then i would say it's pretty safe -- steroids for asthma attacks has been around and are quite effective. they do NOT cure the asthma, but they help you tolerate the allergens that trigger the attack. just be extra careful with your salt intake to avoid water retention. otherwise, i don't think you should worry about the steroids, especially if it's working for you -- this can be both short-term and long-term therapy.
2006-07-19 05:02:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use singulair, and advair for my asthma, and it seems to help. I also have copd and at times have to use a nebulizer. Steroids put way too much weight on you, and once on it is very hard to get off, believe me, I went from 156 to 250 within a year and been battling being overweight ever since.
2006-07-19 16:56:57 · answer #4 · answered by debbysue2u2002 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get real medical advice on this issue. Steroids have their side affects and are not good for you in general. For free advice on drug use talk to a pharmacist - they know everything about medications.
2006-07-19 03:59:13 · answer #5 · answered by Gone fishin' 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot take steroids every day. It is too hard on your body to do that. If you are no longer smoking. Congratulations. If you are still smoking, I hope you can find the courage to quit.
2006-07-19 04:04:11 · answer #6 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
steroids do cause weight gain,but they also will cause heart problems,i recently had aheart attack and it could have been from to many steroids, they also breakdown your immune system if you have hiv etc...
2006-07-19 04:59:51 · answer #7 · answered by stephenie a 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋