Mr. Asthma

Question:

Hi, One of the old Doctors from the University of Colorado Medical Center, Dr. Tom Petty was fond of saying: " the use of steroids is usually TOO LONG, TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE "  So although it seems that they are NEW guidelines, they are just going back to old way of treatment.  However, each person needs to find out what works best for them.  This can only be done with the co-operation of your doctor.  My doctor and I have gotten prednisone bursts fined tuned and this has worked well for about two years. We use divided doses of 40mg for a couple of days then just then stop the afternoon dose then a quick taper of the A.M. dose that does not go over 10 days.  I have very few of the side effects of withdrawal and fewer side effects of the burst.  Happy breathing, PAM.

Response:

Hi, That is a good plan.  I use almost similar plan for my pediatric patients.  I usually give 2 to 4 days of liquid steroids at 1-2 mg/ day  then stop it if my patients are doing fine.  I teach the parents how and when to give liquid or tablet steroids. The clue to aborting asthma attacks is the early use of oral steroids with beta 2 agonist. then if they have moderate to severe asthma, daily inhaled corticosteroids for several weeks or months. Have you visited our website:  www.e-asthma.com I have discussed the use of corticosteroids and other new research in asthma. Dr. Leo

Response: