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Treating flareups with prednisone and azithromycin
Hello.
I have broncheictasis (newly-diagnosed) and asthma. I have a local pulmonologist whom I see regularly (though newly) who has some background with CF and Bronchiectasis, though not a ton. And a more specialized pulmonologist in Boston, who I will see for clinic maybe 2x per year. He said to try and avoid prednisone when I can with flareups but to treat with azithromycin (5 days on; 5 days off; another 5 days on if needed). Whereas the local pulmonologist said she would treat with both prednisone and azithromycin (no MAC now).
I am wondering if there is a "standard" for Bronchiectasis flareups and are both meds usually prescribed?
Thanks.
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May I know the dose for Doxy. What bacteria did you grow?
I was taking 100mg twice a day for 14 days. It was never determined what bacterial infection (if any) I had.
I think RUL means right upper lobe
@rstel7272 Sorry to hear you are dealing with these complications. Hope you continue to get better.
Thank you. So, it was not for 30 days?
No I was prescribed 28 pills taking two pills daily.
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1 ReactionThank you. Have you done any sputum culture yet?
Yes, back in January at Mayo Jax and most tests they said came back negative.
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1 ReactionOh. That is such a good news. I have Burkholderia cepecia colonized which is hard to treat. 🙁 sometimes, if I take Doxy, the symptoms better for a month and after that coughing and producing mucus again. 🙁 Stay well.
@wsbme74 Hello - I was out of touch for a few days visiting family, and just saw your post - yes, according to both my pulmonologist and my recently retired PCP whose practice included many lung patients, the Zithro/Prednisone route can be the best for some of us. I also have asthma with bronchiectasis, and was previously treated for MAC.
I actually use Symbicort (which contains a tiny steroid dose with a long-acting beta agonist) as my daily inhaler. It has reduced my exacerbations over the past year from every 4-5 months to ZERO. It has reduced my Levalbuterol nebs for asthma attacks from at least once a week to TWO in a year. It has reduces my Levalbuterol rescue inhaler use from multiple times a day to once or twice a month.
For 2 1/2 years before that, I had on hand a 7 day steroid packs plus a 5 day Azithromycin pack. I was using them 2-3 times a year.
When I see my Pulmonologist next month, she will need to renew these because they have expired.
Full disclosure - I have also needed to use steroids for 10-30 days to calm inflammatory flares in my body several times as well.
I guess my point is that different things work for different people. This regimen has worked for me for almost 4 years without causing MAC to flare up. And my Dexa says it hasn't affected my bones either.
Sue
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