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Should steroids be taken for COPD exacerbation?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with moderate bronchospastic COPD. I am presently two weeks off of a two-week course of Prednisone for an exacerbation (extended period of chest tightness). Would it be okay to restart Prednisone now for a 5 to 7-day burst (no taper) at 20 milligrams per day for another exacerbation? I am currently beginning NSAIDs instead. I experienced no substantial withdrawal side effects from the previous two-week course with taper other than some irritability and emotional episodes that were short-lived.

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Yes, you can take a course of steroids for the dosage and duration you mentioned. Tapering is not needed if one is taking steroids for up to two weeks. I suggest you start taking an oral COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) medicine like Acebrophylline (bronchodilator) 200 milligrams once daily. Also, get yourself vaccinated for pneumococcus.

Kindly consult a specialist doctor, talk with them, and take medicines with their concern.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At June 11, 2023
Reviewed AtNovember 9, 2023

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