Expert: Iman Ashour - 7/18/2007

Question
QUESTION: ok i've being diagnosed with asthma since i was 15 years old.
last week my asthma went bad but is not bad like the oxigen get low.
they say my pft is not that bad.
but i was wheezing and having sob, due to a respiratory infection now i am on avelox 400mg for  10 days.
they gaveme in the office 7 pills of prednisone of 5mg.and nebulizer therapy and prescribed
36 pills of prednisone of 5mg for  eight days.
myquestion is i have primary immune deficiency what does it do the prednisone for asthma if prednisone supress the immune system. why they  prescribed it?

ANSWER: Perla,

You are receiving a short course of steroid therapy which is harmless. Steroids are excellent anti-inflammatories and asthma is a disease of airway inflammation and hyper-reactivity.

If you ever get a systemic (oral or intravenous) course of steroids for more then 7 days you are then susceptible to steroid side effects and that is when doctors usually want to pay closer attention to you if you have an element of immune deficiency.

Hope this helps

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok, thanks for that answer. also i like to know if asmanex is safe to use in pregnancy?

Answer
Perla,
 
The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established (Not enough research). It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor (obstetrician).

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution in nursing mothers, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant.

Hope this helps