Treating allergies and asthma with Prednisone

In many cases, the trigger for an asthma attack can be an allergic reaction. So it is reasonably convenient to deal with the conditions together. One way of describing an allergic response to a stimulus is to think of the body as poisoned by chemicals in the immediate environment. It can affect the eyes, nose, the musculature of the throat, the lungs, cause eczema and other skin conditions The corticosteroids including Prednisone, can be dispensed in a number of different formats:

• as tablets, capsules or liquids taken by mouth;
• intranasal spray and inhaler;
• creams and ointments to treat skin conditions; and
• as an injection.

The problem with oral administration is that it delivers the drug to the body as a whole, whereas the other delivery methods directly target the affected part of the body. Because of the side effects caused by corticosteroids, particularly if taken over any significant period of time, it is better to avoid pills and syrups except for short-term relief. Although there are some problems when inhaling corticosteroids because not all the drug will stay in the nose or reach into the lungs, these problems can be kept under control by gargling. This means you should always discuss the use of these medications with your doctor to find the best solution to your immediate problems.

In the short-term, Prednisone will work as an anti-inflammatory to:

• reduce the swelling in the nasal passages and sinus;
• slow the production of mucus;
• relieve itchiness in the eyes;
• open the airways by reducing the constriction in the throat and lungs.

It is far more effective than any of the antihistamines currently on the market. But, to avoid the risk of side effects, you should only take this drug for very short periods of time, i.e. as a quick burst. Further, once you stop, the symptoms are likely to recur unless you have other treatments in place. Prednisone is available both as tablets and a syrup, and it is particularly effective in reducing inflammation of the airways. When taken with antihistamines, the combination often produces very rapid relief. Thus, used as needed in short bursts, Prednisone will bring severe attacks of asthma under control and control the worst excesses of an allergic reaction.

There is, however, a further issue. The resort to short bursts cannot become a routine. If you have a chronic problem, the use of inhaled corticosteroids is a safer way of delivering the treatment. Once the musculature of the lungs has improved, infrequent use of Prednisone will maintain the strength and reduce the risk of asthma attacks and keep any other symptoms of an allergic reaction under control.

What do people with allergies/asthma say about prednisone?

Sheila:

With my doctor’s help I have been on and off Prednisone for the last year with inhalers and antihistamines to keep me going in between. It’s great when I’m on because all my symptoms disappear but since I don’t want to move to another state with less grass, I’m stuck with the treatment.

Mark:

I registered off the scale with an allergy to dust mites so took prednisone to get things under control, threw out my carpets, clean bed linen everyday and vacuum the sofa before I sit down. Life’s under control again with Prednisone in reserve when I get lazy with the cleaning routine.

Julius:

I’ve got real problems. Lung capacity way down and asthma could kill me. I’ve been taking Prednisone in short bursts and using an inhaler. It’s keeping me alive.