What does this mean?

[Nightwriter]

Hi Sonia,

Actually I think that you are lucky. You couldn't have asked for a better experiment on yourself. If you had any doubts whether inflammation affects you, you now know really know that it does. You were on both the antibiotic and cortisone with improvement and then removed the cortisone and your symptoms got worse. As you already said, cortisone is for inflammation and swelling. When you went off it, whatever your triggers may be -- they started to irritate your lungs again, and the cough came back.

Using cortisone is tricky. It can depress the immune system and make the bacteria grow more. So that's why doctors give it for a very short term.

For me, if I'm having a pretty bad exercerbation and the doctor has determined it is more probably inflammation not infection -- sometimes she gives me a cortisone shot if she feels my airways are very swollen and trapping mucus. If the inflammation isn't reduced, it can lead to infection. So to avoid it turning into infection I must do extra treatments plus take some protective measures and most of the time the exacerbation goes away without antibiotics. I was once one of those people who had to take continual Tobi (I couldn't even do every other month I was so sick) -- and was able to stop it by treating the inflammation/asthma component.

You asked if your experience was good or bad. Think of this way. Asthma is controllable. Reduce inflammation, open up airways, get the mucus out so it doesn't develop into an infection, less antibiotics, less drug resistance...all good.

It seems like you are becoming aware of your own possible inflammation/asthma issues. Is this being addressed on a regular basis by your doctor? Have you been tested for asthma? Do you take asthma meds other than bronchodilators: Singulair, inhaled steroids, Spiriva, etc? Do you do anything to reduce inflammation? Do you have sinus issues? If so... Nasal Rinses? Checked for allergies? Can you remove allergens/irritants from your life?

There is much you can do and you will be surprised that the more you do, the better you will feel.

 

[Nightwriter]

Hi Sonia,

Actually I think that you are lucky. You couldn't have asked for a better experiment on yourself. If you had any doubts whether inflammation affects you, you now know really know that it does. You were on both the antibiotic and cortisone with improvement and then removed the cortisone and your symptoms got worse. As you already said, cortisone is for inflammation and swelling. When you went off it, whatever your triggers may be -- they started to irritate your lungs again, and the cough came back.

Using cortisone is tricky. It can depress the immune system and make the bacteria grow more. So that's why doctors give it for a very short term.

For me, if I'm having a pretty bad exercerbation and the doctor has determined it is more probably inflammation not infection -- sometimes she gives me a cortisone shot if she feels my airways are very swollen and trapping mucus. If the inflammation isn't reduced, it can lead to infection. So to avoid it turning into infection I must do extra treatments plus take some protective measures and most of the time the exacerbation goes away without antibiotics. I was once one of those people who had to take continual Tobi (I couldn't even do every other month I was so sick) -- and was able to stop it by treating the inflammation/asthma component.

You asked if your experience was good or bad. Think of this way. Asthma is controllable. Reduce inflammation, open up airways, get the mucus out so it doesn't develop into an infection, less antibiotics, less drug resistance...all good.

It seems like you are becoming aware of your own possible inflammation/asthma issues. Is this being addressed on a regular basis by your doctor? Have you been tested for asthma? Do you take asthma meds other than bronchodilators: Singulair, inhaled steroids, Spiriva, etc? Do you do anything to reduce inflammation? Do you have sinus issues? If so... Nasal Rinses? Checked for allergies? Can you remove allergens/irritants from your life?

There is much you can do and you will be surprised that the more you do, the better you will feel.

 

[Nightwriter]

Hi Sonia,

Actually I think that you are lucky. You couldn't have asked for a better experiment on yourself. If you had any doubts whether inflammation affects you, you now know really know that it does. You were on both the antibiotic and cortisone with improvement and then removed the cortisone and your symptoms got worse. As you already said, cortisone is for inflammation and swelling. When you went off it, whatever your triggers may be -- they started to irritate your lungs again, and the cough came back.

Using cortisone is tricky. It can depress the immune system and make the bacteria grow more. So that's why doctors give it for a very short term.

For me, if I'm having a pretty bad exercerbation and the doctor has determined it is more probably inflammation not infection -- sometimes she gives me a cortisone shot if she feels my airways are very swollen and trapping mucus. If the inflammation isn't reduced, it can lead to infection. So to avoid it turning into infection I must do extra treatments plus take some protective measures and most of the time the exacerbation goes away without antibiotics. I was once one of those people who had to take continual Tobi (I couldn't even do every other month I was so sick) -- and was able to stop it by treating the inflammation/asthma component.

You asked if your experience was good or bad. Think of this way. Asthma is controllable. Reduce inflammation, open up airways, get the mucus out so it doesn't develop into an infection, less antibiotics, less drug resistance...all good.

It seems like you are becoming aware of your own possible inflammation/asthma issues. Is this being addressed on a regular basis by your doctor? Have you been tested for asthma? Do you take asthma meds other than bronchodilators: Singulair, inhaled steroids, Spiriva, etc? Do you do anything to reduce inflammation? Do you have sinus issues? If so... Nasal Rinses? Checked for allergies? Can you remove allergens/irritants from your life?

There is much you can do and you will be surprised that the more you do, the better you will feel.

 

[Nightwriter]

Hi Sonia,

Actually I think that you are lucky. You couldn't have asked for a better experiment on yourself. If you had any doubts whether inflammation affects you, you now know really know that it does. You were on both the antibiotic and cortisone with improvement and then removed the cortisone and your symptoms got worse. As you already said, cortisone is for inflammation and swelling. When you went off it, whatever your triggers may be -- they started to irritate your lungs again, and the cough came back.

Using cortisone is tricky. It can depress the immune system and make the bacteria grow more. So that's why doctors give it for a very short term.

For me, if I'm having a pretty bad exercerbation and the doctor has determined it is more probably inflammation not infection -- sometimes she gives me a cortisone shot if she feels my airways are very swollen and trapping mucus. If the inflammation isn't reduced, it can lead to infection. So to avoid it turning into infection I must do extra treatments plus take some protective measures and most of the time the exacerbation goes away without antibiotics. I was once one of those people who had to take continual Tobi (I couldn't even do every other month I was so sick) -- and was able to stop it by treating the inflammation/asthma component.

You asked if your experience was good or bad. Think of this way. Asthma is controllable. Reduce inflammation, open up airways, get the mucus out so it doesn't develop into an infection, less antibiotics, less drug resistance...all good.

It seems like you are becoming aware of your own possible inflammation/asthma issues. Is this being addressed on a regular basis by your doctor? Have you been tested for asthma? Do you take asthma meds other than bronchodilators: Singulair, inhaled steroids, Spiriva, etc? Do you do anything to reduce inflammation? Do you have sinus issues? If so... Nasal Rinses? Checked for allergies? Can you remove allergens/irritants from your life?

There is much you can do and you will be surprised that the more you do, the better you will feel.

 

[Nightwriter]

Hi Sonia,
<br />
<br />Actually I think that you are lucky. You couldn't have asked for a better experiment on yourself. If you had any doubts whether inflammation affects you, you now know really know that it does. You were on both the antibiotic and cortisone with improvement and then removed the cortisone and your symptoms got worse. As you already said, cortisone is for inflammation and swelling. When you went off it, whatever your triggers may be -- they started to irritate your lungs again, and the cough came back.
<br />
<br />Using cortisone is tricky. It can depress the immune system and make the bacteria grow more. So that's why doctors give it for a very short term.
<br />
<br />For me, if I'm having a pretty bad exercerbation and the doctor has determined it is more probably inflammation not infection -- sometimes she gives me a cortisone shot if she feels my airways are very swollen and trapping mucus. If the inflammation isn't reduced, it can lead to infection. So to avoid it turning into infection I must do extra treatments plus take some protective measures and most of the time the exacerbation goes away without antibiotics. I was once one of those people who had to take continual Tobi (I couldn't even do every other month I was so sick) -- and was able to stop it by treating the inflammation/asthma component.
<br />
<br />You asked if your experience was good or bad. Think of this way. Asthma is controllable. Reduce inflammation, open up airways, get the mucus out so it doesn't develop into an infection, less antibiotics, less drug resistance...all good.
<br />
<br />It seems like you are becoming aware of your own possible inflammation/asthma issues. Is this being addressed on a regular basis by your doctor? Have you been tested for asthma? Do you take asthma meds other than bronchodilators: Singulair, inhaled steroids, Spiriva, etc? Do you do anything to reduce inflammation? Do you have sinus issues? If so... Nasal Rinses? Checked for allergies? Can you remove allergens/irritants from your life?
<br />
<br />There is much you can do and you will be surprised that the more you do, the better you will feel.
<br />
<br />

 

[Liza]

Hi Sonia, Thanks!

To clarify what I said before, If she felt better while on pred. and it didn't come back when she was done, then most likely it was asthmatic. Most of the time, the irritant that triggered the asthmatic component will be gone and the inflamation down or gone when you are done with the course.

For Rachel, usually it was asthmatic. Her triggers are usually the change in seasons/weather. She's been quite lucky, only needing IV antibiotics three times in 18yrs.

Now, the steroid will help even when it is an exacerbation because of it's anti-inflammatory properties. They don't use it alot/often because it also suppresses the immune system. Reducing the inflammation so that you can get the junk out.

Nightwriter gave an excellent explanation. Neither of my girls ever got a cortisone shot, so I have no experience with that. Nasal rinses/irrigation is a good point if you have allergy issues. My oldest, Anna, has been doing sinus irrigation for about 7yrs now.

Did your doc have you keep an extra close eye on your glucose while you were on the prednisone? It can and usually does, cause your glucose to elevate. But again, it would depend on the dose and course you were put on.

It is all so confusing. I hope you are feeling better and back to normal.

PS. Sorry for the confusion, Rachel is not sick and is doing well. Thanks though.

 

[Liza]

Hi Sonia, Thanks!

To clarify what I said before, If she felt better while on pred. and it didn't come back when she was done, then most likely it was asthmatic. Most of the time, the irritant that triggered the asthmatic component will be gone and the inflamation down or gone when you are done with the course.

For Rachel, usually it was asthmatic. Her triggers are usually the change in seasons/weather. She's been quite lucky, only needing IV antibiotics three times in 18yrs.

Now, the steroid will help even when it is an exacerbation because of it's anti-inflammatory properties. They don't use it alot/often because it also suppresses the immune system. Reducing the inflammation so that you can get the junk out.

Nightwriter gave an excellent explanation. Neither of my girls ever got a cortisone shot, so I have no experience with that. Nasal rinses/irrigation is a good point if you have allergy issues. My oldest, Anna, has been doing sinus irrigation for about 7yrs now.

Did your doc have you keep an extra close eye on your glucose while you were on the prednisone? It can and usually does, cause your glucose to elevate. But again, it would depend on the dose and course you were put on.

It is all so confusing. I hope you are feeling better and back to normal.

PS. Sorry for the confusion, Rachel is not sick and is doing well. Thanks though.

 

[Liza]

Hi Sonia, Thanks!

To clarify what I said before, If she felt better while on pred. and it didn't come back when she was done, then most likely it was asthmatic. Most of the time, the irritant that triggered the asthmatic component will be gone and the inflamation down or gone when you are done with the course.

For Rachel, usually it was asthmatic. Her triggers are usually the change in seasons/weather. She's been quite lucky, only needing IV antibiotics three times in 18yrs.

Now, the steroid will help even when it is an exacerbation because of it's anti-inflammatory properties. They don't use it alot/often because it also suppresses the immune system. Reducing the inflammation so that you can get the junk out.

Nightwriter gave an excellent explanation. Neither of my girls ever got a cortisone shot, so I have no experience with that. Nasal rinses/irrigation is a good point if you have allergy issues. My oldest, Anna, has been doing sinus irrigation for about 7yrs now.

Did your doc have you keep an extra close eye on your glucose while you were on the prednisone? It can and usually does, cause your glucose to elevate. But again, it would depend on the dose and course you were put on.

It is all so confusing. I hope you are feeling better and back to normal.

PS. Sorry for the confusion, Rachel is not sick and is doing well. Thanks though.

 

[Liza]

Hi Sonia, Thanks!

To clarify what I said before, If she felt better while on pred. and it didn't come back when she was done, then most likely it was asthmatic. Most of the time, the irritant that triggered the asthmatic component will be gone and the inflamation down or gone when you are done with the course.

For Rachel, usually it was asthmatic. Her triggers are usually the change in seasons/weather. She's been quite lucky, only needing IV antibiotics three times in 18yrs.

Now, the steroid will help even when it is an exacerbation because of it's anti-inflammatory properties. They don't use it alot/often because it also suppresses the immune system. Reducing the inflammation so that you can get the junk out.

Nightwriter gave an excellent explanation. Neither of my girls ever got a cortisone shot, so I have no experience with that. Nasal rinses/irrigation is a good point if you have allergy issues. My oldest, Anna, has been doing sinus irrigation for about 7yrs now.

Did your doc have you keep an extra close eye on your glucose while you were on the prednisone? It can and usually does, cause your glucose to elevate. But again, it would depend on the dose and course you were put on.

It is all so confusing. I hope you are feeling better and back to normal.

PS. Sorry for the confusion, Rachel is not sick and is doing well. Thanks though.

 

[Liza]

Hi Sonia, Thanks!
<br />
<br />To clarify what I said before, If she felt better while on pred. and it didn't come back when she was done, then most likely it was asthmatic. Most of the time, the irritant that triggered the asthmatic component will be gone and the inflamation down or gone when you are done with the course.
<br />
<br />For Rachel, usually it was asthmatic. Her triggers are usually the change in seasons/weather. She's been quite lucky, only needing IV antibiotics three times in 18yrs.
<br />
<br />Now, the steroid will help even when it is an exacerbation because of it's anti-inflammatory properties. They don't use it alot/often because it also suppresses the immune system. Reducing the inflammation so that you can get the junk out.
<br />
<br />Nightwriter gave an excellent explanation. Neither of my girls ever got a cortisone shot, so I have no experience with that. Nasal rinses/irrigation is a good point if you have allergy issues. My oldest, Anna, has been doing sinus irrigation for about 7yrs now.
<br />
<br />Did your doc have you keep an extra close eye on your glucose while you were on the prednisone? It can and usually does, cause your glucose to elevate. But again, it would depend on the dose and course you were put on.
<br />
<br />It is all so confusing. I hope you are feeling better and back to normal.
<br />
<br />PS. Sorry for the confusion, Rachel is not sick and is doing well. Thanks though.
<br />
<br />