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prednisone and antibiotic use for copd, how often
Is it really necessary for both? I hate prednisone and the dosage is for a long time. Does anyone just take the antibiotic only? Prednisone keeps me from sleeping for one thing. Also, do you start them both or alone at first sign of a cold or wait till you get phylum and coughing. Seems like move start with sinus and then eventually turn into phylum.
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I suppose prednisone/antibiotic dosing for COPD is up to the discretion of the physician, however they should be using the Gold Standard for 2026 for their treatment guidelines..... 14, 7, or 5 days using a Prednisone 40mg to 20mg taper reportedly gives the same results. I would much rather to the 5 days. Prednisone messes with eye sight, cognitive function, over all well-being. It serves its purpose but I find it miserable to take even with the 5 day taper.
@kndaustin71 confused. I understand that a 5 day 40 mg is as good as 7 or 14 days. But, with only 5 days on 40 mg, I have not been told to do a taper, assume it not necessary with only being on it 5 days, is this what you are saying?
I go to the doctor when I start noticing problems. My doctor does not want me to wait until things get bad. My oxygen levels drop and I have coughing/phlegm issues. He prescribes both the antibiotic (Doxycycline) for possible infection and Prednisone (3 week course that decreases dose every 5 days). Prednisone is to reduce the inflammation. I was told to take in the morning due to possible sleep side effects. Previously, I only took a 1 week course of Prednisone. Since this recent flare was so close to my last one (or not recovered), the doctor thought a longer but tapering dose would work better. I take Ambien if I have too many days of sleep issues or sometimes just some Benadryl to make me sleepy. Sleep is very important for our recovery, so contact your doctor to manage the issues and questions you are having to avoid any trip the hospital. I am feeling amazingly better with this recent regimen. If I can’t stay stable then the doctor will put me on a low dose of Prednisone for maintenance. I did have some confusing issues in trying to know whether I was having a reaction to new inhalers (Bevespi and Breo) tried consecutively over several weeks. I had major coughing and didn’t know if it was my newly diagnosed COPD or side effect). I am off the inhalers and my cough is minimal now. I only added this information to show how things can get complicated when trying to sort things out. All the best with your recovery.