prednisone and antibiotic use for copd, how often

I have both COPD and Scleroderma. I was given a Symbacort inhaler while in the hospital for severe pneumonia and told to stay on it until empty.
After a few days without it I didn’t breathe as well. Asked my pulmonologist for a prescription but she said the steroids in it are dangerous due to the Scleroderma. She recommended Spiriva.
Haven’t tried it yet. Has anyone tried it and how did you like it?

I have been on this almost all year. Last year I went to the doctor and was tested for covid and flu. Neg. I told them I had copd and need antibiotic. no. went again to another doctor the next week. no. They had my medical records. Well I ended up in the hospital almost dead. Dr. said if I had waited another one or two days I would have been hospitalized for a few weeks or perhaps died. Be careful . Now I am unable to be well for more than 3 weeks. It has been a nightmare. I can't get into see a lung doctor. appointments are 3 months out. Stay away from sick people and be healthy. Prayers for all.

I don't understand why take an antibiotics three times a week. If you don't need it. Plus it drys you out where it's hard to breath.

I am also on the antibiotic 3 times a week. My new doctor took it down from 500mg to 250. I was on prednisone but only 10mg and tomorrow is my last dose. It was 60mg for a week. It’s a miserable drug…..

@hildacummings80
Do you get breathing problems with Azithromycin as you stated? What’s the the dry?

I'm taking 250 azithro... daily for a year or more. No noticeable side effects. I'm not happy about that, my pulmonary knows it, but says it is good for me

@anotherbill
I have been on for almost 3 years 250mg 3 times a week as well. I have been bronchitis free for 2 years and I really feel this has helped .. I was getting it religiously 2 times a year .

I take them both and believe both are necessary.

@tjphillipp I also take Azithromycin three times a week and view it as a preventative. My condition is not stable and I fear what would happen if I were not taking it,

@anabelflaherty I’ve tried cutting back on it but not a good idea at all. Exacerbations can pop up too easily!’