Asthma

Taking Prednisone on and off since 5 years

04/14/2005 04:17PM

Question:

Hi Doctor I have Asthma and Sinus Pplyps, when i get wrost Asthma attach or nose block my doctor used to give Prednisone with regular dosage.Now my doctor saying my blood sugar crossed above 200 and now got diabates due to side effect of Prednisone. Is it ture ? How are can i avoid Prednisone to when i have sevear attack of astham using Prednisone ? bcoz i become normal if i use Prednisone and cant live with out that. I still take maintaince drugs like cingular, Advir to control asthma. Can u plz advise whats the side effects we get with Prednisone ? thank u in advance

Answer:

Prednisone is a very powerful anti inflammatory medication. Prednisone is most often used for a short period of time to help treat an asthma attack. Some asthma patients require chronic use of prednisone to control their asthma. Prednisone that is taken for a prolonged period of time has a number of significant side effects which include increase in the blood glucose level, high blood pressure and weight gain. Due to the potential side effects of prednisone therapy, patients with asthma should have a complete and thorough evaluation by an asthma specialist to determine if there are any alternative therapies.

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Response by:

John G. Mastronarde, MD
Assistant Professor, Co-Director
OSU Asthma Center
Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University