Suggest Treatment For Flare Up Of COPD

Posted on Tue, 1 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 1 Apr 2014 Answered on

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have COPD and am on a concentrator. starting to get wheezing, green flem and not walking well. I have azithromycin 250 mg's . I just took the fist 2 for today. I also haveMethylprednisolone 4 MG should I also start on that at the same time?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Antibiotics, steroids, bronchodilator inhaler. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. The symptoms you describe suggest you are having a flare up of your COPD. You are correct to start your azithromycin and a short course of your steroids would be advisable. In addition, you may benefit from a bronchodilator inhaler. If this is not effective then a nebulized form of the drug may help. I suggest you see your doctor for these drugs as soon as is possible. If you are a smoker then a reduction would help you. I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB FRCA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)

My specific question is. Is it ok to take the methylprednisolone 4mg at the same time as the anti-biotics?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (8 hours later)

Brief Answer: Yes. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for the further question. Yes, it is OK to start the methylpredisolone at the same time as the antibiotic. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar