Does prednisone treat bronchitis? Symptoms, causes, home remedies and treatment for bronchitis.

Oral Prednisone Ineffective for Bronchitis Symptoms

A new study from the United Kingdom has found that oral prednisone has no effect on the severity and duration of symptoms in adult patients suffering from bronchitis. Bronchitis is a respiratory infection caused by inflammation of the airways that carry air to the lungs, known as the bronchial tubes. Since bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, antibiotics should not be prescribed as treatment. Instead, medications to help manage the symptoms, such as Tylenol for pain or fever, are typically recommended. Doctors may also prescribe a steroid to help decrease the inflammation, but this new study suggests this may be unnecessary and ineffective.

Study Methodology and Findings

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was a multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized trial conducted by researchers from the University of Bristol in England. The trial involved nearly 400 adults with acute (short-term) lower respiratory tract infections, and was conducted in 54 family practices in England from July 2013 to October 2014.

Half of the patients received 40 mg/d of oral prednisolone for 5 days, while the other half received a placebo, also for 5 days. None of the patients suffered from asthma or had a history of chronic pulmonary disease or use of asthma medication in the past 5 years, and none had a bacterial infection that would require antibiotics.

The results showed that there were no significant differences in the duration of cough or the severity of other symptoms between the two groups. Specifically, the median cough duration was 5 days in both the prednisolone and placebo groups, and the mean symptom severity was 1.99 points in the prednisolone group and 2.16 points in the placebo group. There were also no significant differences in the duration of other acute lower respiratory tract infection symptoms, duration of abnormal peak flow, antibiotic use, or nonserious adverse events. No serious adverse events were reported.

Implications and Recommendations

Given the lack of any reductions in the severity or duration of cough or other symptoms with the use of steroids, the authors of the study do not recommend the use of steroids for treating the symptoms of bronchitis in patients without asthma.

As lead study researcher Alastair Hay, MD, primary care professor at the University of Bristol, stated: “Our study does not support the continued use of steroids as they do not have a clinically useful effect on symptom duration or severity. We would not recommend their use for this group of patients.”

However, it’s important to note that steroids can be used successfully to relieve asthma symptoms. As Len Horovitz, MD, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, explained: “In adults with asthma, any infection may cause a flare of asthma, and steroids might be indicated in this population of patients, depending on the severity of the asthma symptoms.”

Symptoms of Bronchitis

What are the common symptoms of bronchitis? The main symptom is a persistent cough, often accompanied by phlegm or mucus production. Other common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fever
• Fatigue

Causes of Bronchitis

Bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection, such as the flu or common cold. However, it can also be caused by exposure to irritants like air pollution, smoke, or dust. Some potential causes of bronchitis include:

1. Viruses (e.g., influenza, rhinovirus)
2. Bacterial infections
3. Exposure to irritants (e.g., smoke, air pollution, dust)
4. Weakened immune system
5. Chronic conditions (e.g., COPD, heart disease)

Home Remedies for Bronchitis

While bronchitis often resolves on its own with time, there are some home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms:

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of fluids, especially warm liquids like tea or soup
• Use a humidifier or take steamy showers to loosen mucus
• Avoid irritants like smoke and air pollution
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers or cough suppressants

When to Seek Medical Treatment for Bronchitis

Most cases of bronchitis will improve within a week or two without the need for medical treatment. However, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent or worsening cough
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Coughing up large amounts of mucus or blood

In these cases, your doctor may prescribe medication or other treatments to help manage your symptoms and prevent complications.

Oral Prednisone Found to be Ineffective Against Bronchitis Symptoms

Aug 30, 2017

Contagion Editorial Staff

The results of a new study from the United Kingdom reveal that oral prednisone had no effect on the severity and duration of symptoms in adult patients suffering from bronchitis.

Bronchitis is a respiratory infection caused by inflammation of the pathways that carry air to an individual’s lungs, the bronchial tubes. Because the infection is usually caused by a virus, antibiotics should not be prescribed as treatment and instead, medications to help deal with the symptoms, such as Tylenol for pain or fever, are prescribed. Sometimes, doctors will also prescribe a steroid to help decrease the inflammation; however, the results of a new study have found that this may be both unnecessary and ineffective.

For the multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers from the University of Bristol in England, “tracked outcomes for nearly 400 adults with acute (short-term) lower respiratory tract infections,” according to a press release on the study. The trial was conducted in 54 family practices in England from July 2013 to October 2014 (month of final follow-up).

Half of the patients received 40 mg/d of oral prednisolone for 5 days, while the other half received a placebo, also for 5 days. None of patients suffered from asthma, or had a history of “chronic pulmonary disease or use of asthma medication in the past 5 years,” according to the study. In addition, none of the patients had a bacterial infection that would require antibiotics.

The results showed that, “Among the 398 patients with baseline data (mean age, 47 [SD, 16.0] years; 63% women; 17% smokers; 77% phlegm; 70% shortness of breath; 47% wheezing; 46% chest pain; 42% abnormal peak flow), 334 (84%) provided cough duration and 369 (93%) symptom severity data. Median cough duration was 5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3-8 days) in the prednisolone group and 5 days (IQR, 3-10 days) in the placebo group (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.89-1.39; P = . 36 at an α = .05). Mean symptom severity was 1.99 points in the prednisolone group and 2.16 points in the placebo group (adjusted difference, −0.20; 95% CI, −0.40 to 0.00; P = .05 at an α = .001). No significant treatment effects were observed for duration or severity of other acute lower respiratory tract infection symptoms, duration of abnormal peak flow, antibiotic use, or nonserious adverse events. There were no serious adverse events.”

Because there were no reductions in the severity or duration of cough or other symptoms as a result of the steroid (when compared with the placebo group), the authors do not recommend the use of steroids for treating the symptoms of bronchitis in patients without asthma. To this end, lead study researcher, Alastair Hay, MD, primary care professor at the University of Bristol, stated in the press release, “Our study does not support the continued use of steroids as they do not have a clinically useful effect on symptom duration or severity. We would not recommend their use for this group of patients.”

Steroid medications can be used to successfully relieve asthma symptoms; and so, although he is heartened to hear that doctors have more evidence to support not prescribing steroids for these infections, Len Horovitz, MD, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, New York, stated in the press release, “In adults with asthma, any infection may cause a flare of asthma, and steroids might be indicated in this population of patients, depending on the severity of the asthma symptoms.”

Steroids not effective for chest infections in adults who don’t have asthma or other chronic lung disease

Published: 22 August 2017

Steroids not effective for chest infections in adults who don’t have asthma

Oral steroids should not be used for treating acute lower respiratory tract infection (or ‘chest infections’) in adults who don’t have asthma or other chronic lung disease, as they do not reduce the duration or severity of symptoms, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA.

In the study, carried out by researchers at the Universities of Southampton, Bristol, Nottingham and Oxford, 398 non-asthmatic adults with acute chest infections − but no evidence of pneumonia and not requiring immediate antibiotic treatment − were randomly split into two groups, one receiving 40mg of the oral steroid ‘prednisolone’ for five days and one receiving a placebo over the same time period.

The team found there was no reduction in the duration of cough, the main symptom of chest infections, or the severity of the accompanying symptoms between two and four days after treatment (when symptoms are usually at their most severe) in the prednisolone group compared with the placebo group. The results suggest that steroids are not effective in the treatment of chest infections in non-asthmatic adult patients.

Professor Michael Moore, a study co-author from the University of Southampton, said: “Oral and inhaled steroids are known to be highly effective in treating acute asthma as well as infective flares of other long-term lung conditions but need to be used carefully because of the risk of unwanted side effects. We chose to test the effect of steroids for chest infections as some of the symptoms of chest infections, such as shortness of breath, wheeze and cough with phlegm, overlap with acute asthma. However, we have conclusively demonstrated they are not effective in this group of patients.”

Professor Moore said that alternative methods of treating chest infections should be found to reduce the amount of antibiotics being used to combat anti-microbial resistance, which is considered a global health crisis. It does not look as if steroids are the answer, he said.

A recent study, led by the University of Southampton, showed that Andrographis Paniculata (A. Paniculata, Chuān Xīn Lián), a Chinese herbal medicine, appears beneficial and safe for relieving chest infections symptoms and results in a speedier recovery.

The systematic review, published in PLOS ONE, assessed data for 7,175 patients across 33 trials in six countries, which evaluated the effects of relieving chest infection symptoms, particularly cough and sore throat. It showed that A. Paniculata improved severity of cough and sore throat when compared with placebo and had a statistically significant effect in improving overall symptoms when compared to placebo, usual care, and other herbal therapies. Evidence also suggested that A. Paniculata (alone or plus usual care) shortened the duration of cough, sore throat and sick leave/time when compared to usual care.

Professor Moore said: “It is clear that most of the time antibiotics have very limited impact on the symptoms from chest infections, so the search is on to find alternative approaches to provide symptom relief.  Andrographis appears both safe and helpful in this area. More needs to be done to find alternative treatments to antibiotics if we are to get ahead of antibiotic resistance, which is increasing at an alarming rate. Herbal remedies could have a potential role to play.”

Bronchitis: symptoms, treatment, prevention – useful information

Contents

• 1 Bronchitis: treatment and prevention. Useful tips and tricks
  • 1.1 Bronchitis: what it is and what are the symptoms
  • 1.2 Bronchitis: symptoms, treatment, prevention – useful information
    • 1.2.1 Definition of the disease
  • 1.3 Main signs of bronchitis

  9 0005 1.4 Causes of bronchitis

  • 1.5 Treatment of bronchitis: what you need to know
  • 1.6 Diagnosis of bronchitis
  • 1.7 Treating bronchitis at home
    • 1.7.1 Drink plenty of fluids
    • 1.7.2 Apply heat
    • 1.7.3 Avoid smoking and polluted places

    90 005 1.7.4 Drink mixtures that fight well with bronchitis

    • 1.7.5 Use of inhalers
  • 1.8 Medicines for the treatment of bronchitis
    • 1.8.1 Antibiotics
    • 1.8.2 Bronchodilators
    • 1.8. 3 Glucocorticosteroids
    • 1.8.4 Mucolytics
    • 1.8.5 Antitussives
    • 1.8.6 Non-absorption therapy
  • 1.9 Prevention of bronchitis: protect yourself in time
    • 1 . 9.1 Basic principles for the prevention of bronchitis
    • 1.9.2 The importance of proper nutrition and exercise
    • 1.9.3 Prevention of bronchitis in childhood
  • 1.10 Prevention of bronchitis
  • 1.11 The effect of stress on the development of bronchitis
  • 1.12 Personal hygiene rules for the prevention of bronchitis
  • 1.13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • • 1.14.0.1 What are the symptoms of bronchitis?
      • 1.14.0.2 How quickly does bronchitis resolve?
      • 1.14.0.3 Should I take antibiotics for bronchitis?
      • 1.14.0.4 Can bronchitis be treated with folk remedies?
      • 1.14.0.5 What measures can be taken to prevent bronchitis?
      • 1.14.0.6 What to do with chronic bronchitis?

Learn everything you need to know about bronchitis – symptoms, treatment and prevention. On our website you will find useful tips and recommendations in order to avoid this disease and quickly recover if necessary.

Bronchitis is a common respiratory disease that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It is characterized by cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain and other symptoms. It can be acute or chronic. The relevance of the topic is due to the fact that bronchitis can become complicated and develop into more serious health problems.

The purpose of this article is to provide comprehensive information about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of bronchitis. We will consider the causes of the disease, methods of diagnosis, effective methods of treatment and preventive measures to prevent recurrence of the disease. If you want to know more about bronchitis and its effects, then this article is for you.

At the end of the article you will find useful tips for those who have already suffered from bronchitis, as well as for those who are prone to respiratory diseases. We hope that this information will be useful and help you stay healthy and alert.

Bronchitis: what is it and what are the symptoms?

Symptoms of bronchitis may include:

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Yellow or green sputum

900 02 Common causes of bronchitis :

1. Infections (viruses and bacteria)
2. Smoking and vaping
3. Polluted air
4. Allergens
5. Damage to the respiratory system

Bronchitis: symptoms, treatment, prevention – useful information

Disease definition

Bronchitis is an inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes that connect the trachea and lungs. It can have a different etiology: infectious, allergic, toxic, mechanical.

To establish an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to examine the patient, analyze the symptoms and exclude other diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Laboratory and instrumental studies may also be prescribed – blood for analysis, chest x-ray, bronchoscopy.

It is important to remember that if you have symptoms of bronchitis, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary treatment. Self-medication can worsen the condition and lead to complications.

Signs of bronchitis

The bronchi are air tubes that carry air to the lungs. When the bronchi become inflamed and irritated, it can lead to bronchitis. Bronchitis in the early stages may be a simple cold, but in a more serious form, it can become a chronic disease that requires more serious intervention.

The main symptoms of bronchitis are cough, which may worsen at night, weakness, fatigue and difficulty breathing. Some people may also experience chest pain and scant amounts of phlegm. As a rule, the symptoms worsen during the cold season, when it is cold and humid outside.

• Cough . In bronchitis, the body often reacts with a strong cough that can last for several weeks.
• Weakness and fatigue. These symptoms may occur because the body expends a lot of energy fighting infection.
• Difficulty breathing. This symptom is often associated with constriction of the bronchi, which makes it difficult for air to pass to the lungs. You need to be extra careful here as it can get very serious.
• Chest pain. Occasionally, people suffering from bronchitis may experience chest pain that is aggravated by coughing or breathing.
• Phlegm. It is often thick and yellow, but may be clear or white.

Causes of bronchitis

Bronchitis is a disease in which inflammation affects the bronchi and causes unpleasant symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and chest pain.

The main causes of bronchitis are infections, primarily viruses. Also, the risk of the disease increases with prolonged contact with toxic substances, such as cigarette smoke or chemical mechanisms at work. Separately, it is worth mentioning that susceptibility to bronchitis increases in people with immunodeficiency and allergic reactions, as well as in people suffering from respiratory diseases.

It is important to understand that bronchitis can take many forms and come from different causes. Therefore, in order to determine the correct treatment, it is necessary to accurately establish the diagnosis and identify the cause of the disease by seeking medical help.

The main recommendation of for the prevention of bronchitis is to strengthen the immune system, create favorable conditions for the respiratory system and take care of your health in general.

• Emphasize proper nutrition rich in vitamins and microelements;
• Get regular exercise;
• Avoid contact with respiratory pathogens;
• Avoid smoking and exposure to polluted air;
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, maintain respiratory hygiene and follow the advice of experts.

Treatment of bronchitis: what you need to know

Bronchitis is a disease that occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed. This is usually due to exposure to viruses or bacteria.

The main goal of treating bronchitis is to reduce inflammation, reduce coughing and make breathing easier. Several methods can be used to achieve this goal, including the use of drugs and natural remedies.

• Drugs commonly prescribed to treat bronchitis include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, mucolytics, and bronchodilators.
• Natural remedies such as herbs, honey, and lime tea can help relieve coughs and promote healing.

It is important to remember that self-treatment of bronchitis can be hazardous to health. The best choice is to consult a doctor and use only the medicines and methods recommended by him.

Diagnosis of bronchitis

Bronchitis is one of the common diseases of the respiratory system. Diagnosis of this disease involves a number of medical procedures aimed at identifying the presence of inflammation in the bronchi and determining its characteristics.

• Physical examination is the first step in the diagnosis of bronchitis. The doctor examines the patient, reveals the presence of symptoms of the disease, such as cough, sputum production, shortness of breath and others.
• Lung exam – Your doctor may do lung tests, such as auscultation, which looks for breath sounds and lung murmurs. This method allows you to identify the presence of inflammation in the lungs and assess its degree.
• Sputum analysis – if the patient has a cough with sputum, the doctor may refer him for sputum analysis. This analysis allows you to identify the presence and type of pathogenic microorganism that caused inflammation of the bronchi.
• Spirometry procedure – This procedure measures lung volume and ventilation rate. Spirometry is carried out using a special device – a spirometer.

Signs of bronchitis are not always characterized by bright symptoms, so it is important to pay attention to any changes in the functioning of the respiratory system and consult a doctor in a timely manner to diagnose and treat the disease.

Treating bronchitis at home

Drink plenty of fluids

One of the important elements of treating bronchitis at home is to drink plenty of fluids. It helps to shed mucus that builds up in the airways and also moisturizes the mucous membranes of the lungs.

Application of heat

Heat may be useful for treating bronchitis at home, especially if a symptom of the disease is detected in the early stages. Applying hot compresses, hot drinks, or hot baths raises core body temperature, stimulating the bronchial immune system and supporting blood flow.

Avoid smoking and polluted places

One of the main risk factors for developing bronchitis is smoking. People suffering from bronchitis should avoid smoking and places with polluted air.

Drink mixtures that fight bronchitis well

There are numerous mixtures that can improve bronchitis. Some of them include a mixture of eucalyptus oil or thyme oil with warm milk or a spoonful of honey. It is important to choose the right ingredient and follow the correct dosage.

Use of inhalers

Inhalers can be used to treat bronchitis at home. They can help in relieving coughs and improving breathing. It is important to check the correct use and follow the instructions.

Bronchitis medicines

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines that fight the infection that causes bronchitis. They are usually prescribed only for a bacterial infection. Some of the most common antibiotics that may be used to treat bronchitis include azithromycin, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. However, you should not self-medicate, only a doctor can choose the right drug treatment.

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are medicines that widen the airways, reduce bronchospasm and make breathing easier. These drugs are usually prescribed for obstructive bronchitis, such as obstructive bronchitis or asthmatic bronchitis. The best known bronchodilators are sympathomimetics such as salibutamol and fenoterol.

Glucocorticosteroids

Glucocorticosteroids are the standard treatment for anti-inflammatory bronchitis. These medicines are taken as inhalers and can help reduce inflammation in the lungs. Some examples of this type of drug include prednisolone, beclomethasone, and fluticasone.

Mucolytics

Mucolytics are medicines that help clear mucus from the lungs. They are used most often to treat bronchitis with viscous sputum. Some of the more common mucolytics include bromhexine, acetylcysteine, and carbocysteine.

Antitussives

Antitussives relieve coughing and may help reduce airway irritability. Although coughing is a common symptom of bronchitis, drugs are not always effective for some forms of bronchitis (for example, for obstructive bronchitis). Some common forms of antitussives that can be used for bronchitis are dextmethorphan and guaifenesin.

Non-ablative therapies

These are complementary therapies that are used to relieve the symptoms of bronchitis, but are not drugs. These include cold compresses on the chest, inhalations, squeezing of the legs, external application of warming ointments, chest massage.

Bronchitis prevention: let’s protect ourselves in time

Basic principles of bronchitis prevention

Bronchitis prevention is one of the ways to fight the disease, which includes a set of measures. The main principles of prevention are:

• Maintain good hygiene
• Quit smoking and stay indoors with tobacco smoke
• Regularly ventilate and humidify the room
• Strengthen the immune system

The importance of proper nutrition and exercise

90 002 Getting enough vitamins and minerals through diet as well as Regular exercise will also help keep your immune system strong. It is also important to monitor your health and consult a doctor on time if necessary.

Prevention of bronchitis in children

Particular attention should be paid to the prevention of bronchitis in children. Parents should ensure that the child does not become cold, avoid the child’s stay in rooms with a large number of people, and also take a course of vitamin therapy and immunization on time.

Prevention of bronchitis at homePrevention measure How to do it

Prevention of bronchitis

The key to preventing bronchitis is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity strengthens the immune system and promotes more efficient lung function. It is also worth paying attention to proper nutrition, avoiding fatty and heavy foods.

In the absence of contracts with infected people, but living in ecologically unfavorable areas or hazardous working conditions, special protective equipment should be used, such as masks or respirators.

• Do not smoke or drink alcohol, as this affects the functioning of the lungs.
• Regular manual hygiene and brushing of teeth to avoid infection of the nasopharynx and lungs with infectious diseases.
• Monitor pets to avoid contact with bronchitis pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

It is also important to take care of one’s own health and treat respiratory diseases in a timely manner, in order to avoid complications such as chronic bronchitis.

The effect of stress on the development of bronchitis

Stress is one of the main causes of the development of bronchitis. Under the influence of stress, the body releases hormones that increase the amount of mucus in the airways, which creates favorable conditions for the development of inflammatory processes.

Immunity is weakened in a stressful situation, which increases the likelihood of illness. A person begins to get sick often, and colds and flu can easily turn into bronchitis. This is especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or people with chronic diseases.

Reducing the body’s adaptive capacity is another negative effect of stress that can lead to bronchitis. In conditions of lack of oxygen (for example, during acute bronchitis), the body must mobilize all its reserves in order to ensure proper breathing. However, with an increased level of stress in a person, this mechanism can be disrupted, which increases the risk of disease progression.

How to reduce the effect of stress on bronchitis:

• Try to eliminate the need to constantly be in tension and possible stressful situations from your life, find time for rest and entertainment;
• Set a daily routine and keep it;
• A positive person who sleeps well and eats well is less prone to emotional breakdowns and illnesses.

Important to know!

Personal hygiene rules for the prevention of bronchitis

Bronchitis is a serious condition that causes inflammation of the bronchi and makes breathing difficult. To protect your health, you must follow some rules of personal hygiene.

• Wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses and infections.
• Do not touch your face with your hands – this can lead to the transfer of bacteria and other dangerous microorganisms into the body through the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.
• Watch your teeth and gums – caries and other diseases of the oral cavity can cause bronchitis.
• Avoid smoking – even passive smoking can worsen the respiratory system and cause bronchitis.
• Wet clean indoors to avoid build-up of dust and allergens that can cause asthma and bronchitis.

Following these personal hygiene rules will not only help you avoid bronchitis, but also improve your overall health.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

The main symptoms of bronchitis include cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, fever, headache and general weakness.

How quickly does bronchitis go away?

Recovery time from bronchitis depends on the type and severity of bronchitis, but usually symptoms begin to decrease by day 3-4 of treatment and full recovery takes about 2-3 weeks.

Do I need to take antibiotics for bronchitis?

If bronchitis is not caused by a bacterial but by a viral infection, then antibiotics are not indicated and may even worsen the condition. Also, you can not take antibiotics on your own without a doctor’s prescription.

Is it possible to treat bronchitis with folk remedies?

Folk remedies can help relieve symptoms and strengthen the immune system, but cannot replace full medical treatment. Before using herbs and recipes, you should consult a specialist.

What measures can be taken to prevent bronchitis?

To prevent bronchitis, avoid contact with sick people, do not smoke, take regular strengthening procedures, maintain a healthy lifestyle and get vaccinated against infections if necessary.

What to do with chronic bronchitis?

People with chronic bronchitis need to maintain their health and manage symptoms, monitor indoor air quality, avoid contact with sources of infection, and consult with a specialist regularly to adjust treatment. Habits that promote lung health, such as exercise and proper breathing, are also needed.

Prednisolone for bronchitis and bronchial asthma pulmono.ru

Prednisolone is a drug from the group of glucocorticoids, an analogue of hydrocortisone. Influences at the system level. It is prescribed for bronchial asthma and other diseases that require a rapid increase in the level of adrenal hormones in the blood.

The action of the drug in allergy and inflammation

Works in the following ways:

1. Prevents the destruction of lysosome membranes and the release of proteolytic enzymes. Thus, when tissues are damaged, pro-inflammatory proteolytic enzymes remain in lysosomes.
2. Reduces vascular permeability, prevents outflow of blood plasma into tissues. The drug prevents the development of edema .
3. Inhibits the migration of leukocytes to the focus of inflammation and phagocytosis of damaged cells.
4. Has an immunosuppressive effect, reducing the formation of lymphocytes and eosinophils. Large doses cause involution of lymphoid tissue.
5. Reduces fever by inhibiting the release of interleukin-1 from leukocytes, which activates the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center.
6. Suppresses the formation of antibodies.
7. Inhibits the reaction of the interaction of foreign proteins with antibodies.
8. Inhibits the release of allergy mediators from basophils and mast cells.
9. Reduces the sensitivity of tissues to histamine and other biologically active substances that have a pro-inflammatory effect.
10. Suppresses the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor.
11. Reduces the viscosity of mucus in the bronchi.
12. Increases the affinity of beta-adrenergic receptors of the bronchial tree to catecholamines, resulting in increased blood pressure.

Prednisolone suppresses allergic reactions and inflammation.

Under its influence scarring of the connective tissue slows down. Glucocorticoids stimulate the formation of red blood cells in the red bone marrow. Their long-term use can cause polycythemia.

Influence on metabolism

At the systemic level, the drug affects the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. In liver cells, the number of enzymes necessary for the formation of glucose from amino acids and other substances increases. Due to the stimulation of gluconeogenesis in the liver, a store of glycogen is formed. The level of glucose in the blood rises, while the consumption of carbohydrates by cells decreases. An increase in blood sugar concentration triggers the synthesis of insulin by pancreatic cells. Tissue susceptibility to insulin decreases under the action of glucocorticoids.

Hormones of the adrenal cortex reduce the concentration of amino acids in all cells of the body, except for hepatocytes. At the same time, the level of globulin proteins and amino acids in the blood plasma increases, the level of albumins falls. In tissues, there is an intensive breakdown of proteins. The released amino acids go to the liver, where they are used to synthesize glucose.

Prednisolone stimulates lipid catabolism. The concentration of free fatty acids in the blood plasma increases, they are used as an energy source. The drug reduces the excretion of water and sodium from the body, increases the excretion of potassium . Reduces calcium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and bone mineralization.

Long-term use of prednisolone reduces the synthesis of corticotropin by the adenohypophysis, resulting in a decrease in the formation of endogenous glucocorticoids by the adrenal cortex.

Formulations

Produced as:

• tablets of 1 and 5 mg,
• injection solution containing 15 and 3 mg active ingredient,
• ointment for external use,
• eye drops.

The drug has a systemic effect only when injected or orally. Injections can be either intravenous or intramuscular.

Prednisolone for bronchial asthma

When choosing a baseline drug, the doctor should take into account the severity of asthma and the presence of complications. The age and body weight of the patient also matters. Prednisolone is prescribed for severe forms of the disease, when inhaled corticosteroids do not have a therapeutic effect.

In the first days of treatment, it is recommended to take up to 60 mg of the drug per day, gradually reducing the dose of the drug . The duration of the course varies from 3 to 16 days. Cancellation of systemic glucocorticoids should be gradual in order to avoid the development of hypofunction of the adrenal cortex.

The optimal time for taking is in the morning, which is associated with the natural rhythms of the functioning of the endocrine system. Tablets should be drunk once a day, but when prescribing very large doses, fractional intake is possible. Some doctors believe that the maximum effect of Prednisolone is achieved with the introduction of the drug in the middle of the day. The maintenance dose of the medicine can be taken every other day.

Prednisolone in asthma is combined with β ₂ long-acting adrenomimetics, bronchodilators, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. To mitigate side effects, it is recommended to increase the intake of potassium from food or medicine while taking Prednisolone.

For other diseases of the respiratory system

Prednisolone is used not only for the treatment of bronchial asthma, but also for the following diseases of the respiratory system:

• acute alveolitis,
• sarcoidosis,
• tuberculosis,
• aspiration pneumonia,
• lung cancer,
• purulent tonsillitis,
• allergic bronchitis.

In cancer, Prednisolone supplements surgical removal of the tumor, cytostatics and radiation. For the treatment of tuberculosis, glucocorticoids are prescribed in conjunction with chemotherapy. With angina, the use of Prednisolone and other hormonal drugs is indicated only in combination with antibiotics. Glucocorticoids reduce inflammation and reduce fever, but do not suppress the activity of pathogenic microflora.

Prednisolone for bronchitis is used if the disease has an allergic etiology and is complicated by obstruction.

Contraindications

An absolute contraindication for taking the drug is an individual intolerance to the active substance or auxiliary components. With caution, the medicine is used for:

• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract,
• viral, bacterial and fungal infections,
• parasitic diseases,
• immunodeficiencies;
• endocrine disorders;

Taking corticosteroids by a pregnant woman can cause hypofunction of the adrenal cortex and growth failure in the fetus. It is undesirable to use Prednisolone before and after vaccination, as the drug suppresses the immune response.

Side effects

Most common treatment side effects:

• obesity with excess fat deposition on the face and in the cervical-collar zone,
• increased blood glucose,
• arterial hypertension,
• arrhythmias,
• bradycardia,

9 0005 thrombosis,

• disorders of the digestive system,
• neuroses,
• mental disorders,
• edema,
• delayed scar formation,
• manifestations of allergies,
• exacerbation of chronic infectious diseases.

Compared to other systemic hormonal drugs, Prednisolone has a weak mineralocorticoid effect and a mild effect on skeletal muscles.

Which drugs can be substituted

The following systemic glucocorticoids can be used in bronchial asthma:

• methylprednisolone,
• dexamethasone, nolon.

Despite the similarity of effects on the body, the listed drugs cannot be considered complete analogues.