Prednisone is an effective drug called corticosteroid which can be administered to the patient either orally, intravenously or intramuscularly. Prednisone is used to treat many illnesses such as bronchial asthma, skin allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis and difficult breathing. Prednisone reduces the inflammation that makes it impossible to breathe for people suffering from bronchial asthma. When the inflammation is reduced, the oxygen flow increases hence easier to breathe.
Benefits of prednisone
The benefits of prednisone are numerous and here are a few most important benefits of using this medication for treating bronchial asthma, they are – normalizes the function of whole immune system, reduces inflammation and swelling, diminishes flare-ups, soothes blood electrolyte levels, improved pulmonary function, heighten the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. There are many more benefits of prednisone for treating bronchial asthma and likewise there are quite a few side effects as well, so here is an overview of how to get the best out of prednisone and at the same time not being affected by the side effects of the effective medication.
Stabilizes whole immune system
The people suffering from bronchial asthma have a hard time getting back to normal, the constant coughing, the burning sensation and the lack of sleep puts a person in dilemma. Prednisone brings back the disturbed immune system back to normal but if you are just on the first stage of taking this medication then you should do take in small quantity as prescribed by the doctor, which will be not more than 10 mg for every 12 hours. Taking prednisone consistently helps in reducing the inflammation and swelling which hinder normal breathing, among other benefits alleviate restlessness as well.
Other kinds of health problem. If you have a history of liver disease, TB, diabetics, malaria fever, osteoporosis, stomach ulcer, High BP, and if you are allergic to prednisone and have fungal infection on any part of your body, you should not take this medicine. Besides, before you take prednisone, you should confide all your medical details to your doctor, any operation that you had or if you are breastfeeding or planning to have a baby.
Side effects. if you face difficulty in breathing, abnormal swelling on your face, tongue, cheek, neck, lip and esophagus, contact your doctor. However, the serious side effects of taking prednisone are infection in eye, rapid increase in weight mass, depression, blood coughing and lots more.
Reduced inflammation and swelling
Prednisone prevents the inflammation that may occur due the over-activity of immune system and hence regulates the immune system and reduces the swelling and inflammation. You should follow the doctors’ prescription and take prednisone exactly the same quantity, anything more or less than that would result in adverse effects. Besides, if you have missed to take dose, take it if there is still time but if it is time for the next dose, just take the next dose and do not add the quantity of the dose since you have missed one.
Other kinds of health issues. Aside the aforementioned other health problems, you should refrain from taking prednisone, if you are suffering from congestive heart failure, cataracts, myasthenia gravis – a muscle chaos and glaucoma.
Normal and severe side effects. Mood swings, sleeplessness, parched skin, easy bruising, increase in sweating and so whilst some of the serious side effects are blurry vision, increased heart rate, chest pain, seizure and so.
Diminishes flare-ups
This is one of the most important reasons why doctor prescribes prednisone since it controls the sudden flare-ups which, if properly not cared of, results in suffocation and death. Doctors recommend short period usage of this drug because, if the drug is taken for a long period of time, severe side effects will occur and the patient will get attached to the drug and once quit might develop some withdrawal symptoms but to avoid all these complications, follow doctor’s instructions and self-care measures to get the best out of the drug.
Normal and severe side effects. To avoid any kind of side effects, take in the recommended dosage and stop the dosage, if the doctor asks you because prednisone is good for acute asthma and if the condition improves, the prescription will be stopped. Since prolonged usage of the drug results in fatigue, thinned out bones, rapid weight gain, insomnia, might develop poor skin condition, pale skin, false sense of self-importance, dizziness, and severe side effects being severe leg and headache, unusual behavior and so.
Soothes blood electrolyte levels
Prednisone in general is very effective for severe bronchial asthma and doctors prescribe prednisone when all other medications prove futile, so they are well aware of the limitations and usage of this drug. Prednisone brings a drastic change to the patient when the drug is taken as recommended by doctor. So before you take starting the drugs, inform all your health problems, minor or likewise to your doctor. This will be of assistance to give you the proper dosage of the drug or whether to give at all.
The side effects are bloating, change in shape of body, and so, if you are planning to have a baby or is breastfeeding, then it should be informed to doctor.
Heighten the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins
Prednisone boosts up the immune system and gets the immune running normally without any problem which increases the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. The dosage needs to be taken as per the instructions given by the doctor and any side effects should be immediately notified to the general practitioner.
Self-care measures. Although prednisone passes into breastfeeding baby, it does not affect the unborn or feeding baby but all the same, do not take the dosage without getting an affirmation from doctor. The recommended quantity of the drug should be taken and not more than that since it will result in adverse side effects.
Developed pulmonary function
Patients with severe asthma will have poor pulmonary function but prednisone improves the function and it is quick to respond to patients who are reactive to oral corticosteroid which is evaluated by forced expiratory degree.
Prednisone has its own benefits and side effects, so the best way to get bronchial asthma under control and to ensure the safe usage of the dosage is by following the instructions of doctor and also by following some safety measures. Moreover, stay away from people who suffer from chickenpox, TB and other serious diseases since it will harm people suffering from asthma drastically. Take appropriate measures by consulting your doctor and stay safe.
