Had Cough And Cold. Have Chest Congestion With Mucus. Taking Z Pack. Given Prednisone For Wheezing. What To Do?

Posted on Sat, 14 Dec 2013

Question: it all started with a head cold and allergies. it has moved into my chest with lots of mucus. at first I could cough it up easily but it seems as if it is stuck now. I am taking a Z pack. I develop some wheezing which is why I think she put me on the prednisone four milligrams. I have had adverse effects from this before so I was wondering if I could take less of it. any suggestions to break up and get rid of the mucus would be appreciated. thank you

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Need more details, Reconsider Steriods Detailed Answer: Dear Friend, Thanks for writing to us. You have not mentioned your age and any other medical history if you have. I would also like to know if you are a smoker. I need to know, since when you are having all these problems. Let me list the possibilities: 1. Allergic Bronchitis 2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 3. Bronchial Asthma. 1,2,3 are possibilities if your disease is a chronic one. But if you are having this in just recent past, it might be simply a Lower Respiratory Tract Infection , commonly known as Pneumonia. So tell me your age, occupation, duration, smoking status, age, any associated fever, cough with expectoration (sputum), colour of your sputum, any weight loss, night sweats. See, you are taking Z pack that is Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, that you may take for maximum 5 days to cover infection. I Really doubt about starting oral steroids (Prednisolone). I feel, that is the last resort to treat chronic cases , who are not responding to inhalers and other drugs. Discuss with your doctor again, your disease can be controlled by mucolytics, bronchodilators, anti -histaminics. See, steroids are life saving drugs, but should be used in selected and life saving cases only , since they have serious adverse effects. So, a re-consideration for there need is required. I also advise you to get your Chest X-Ray, Hemogram with ESR, Sputum for Gram Stain (If you have fever), Sputum for AFB (if tuberculosis is prevalent in your country). Since you are on steroids, also get your blood sugar checked. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help Stay Healthy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (56 minutes later)

55 yes old. mild smoker, (not smoking now), get thus 1x year.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Steroid is still a point to re-consider Detailed Answer: Dear Friend, Since you are a mild smoker, its unlikely to be because of smoking. But since it is an irritant, you should stop this. Get your self tested, and start on the medications i have advised under supervision of your doctor. I strongly want you to discuss with your doctor regarding steroids. I suggest you to discuss with him/her regarding steroid inhalers that have relatively less side-effects, if at all you require them. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj