Unfortunately, there aren't alternatives; just steroids with different names, but most of the same side effects. The difficult side-effects include bone density problems and weight gain as well as the round face and fatty hump at the back of the neck. Just google steroid side effects, and you'll find them all.

Only use the tapered dose prescribed by a doctor, and for only colds and temporary lung infection. If you use it more often ,it will destroy you. Gained 40 lbs . and continued emergency visits until I said NO MORE!

I was on and off from Feb. last year till Dec.this year.About 6 or more times,I was on Prednisone 20mg.or Methylprednisone,taper off those.So far so good this tear,knock on wood.

It sounds like you are having on-going exacerbations and not really getting over one before the next one is causing problems. Being on steroids regularly like that isn't good; the potential for long-lasting side effects is definitely something to try to avoid. If you are having exacerbations every few weeks, I would suggest that you find a good pulmonologist if you don't already have one, and talk with her about what her long term treatment plan is for you. You should talk about adding daliresp or azithromycin to your meds. Both are anti-inflammatory meds (yes, azithromycin is an antibiotic, too, but the important thing here is the anti-inflammatory properties) and will reduce mucous production and therefore exacerbations. People have responded very well to either treatment, and the benefit is that it allows you to really get over an exacerbation and actually have a chance to begin to exercise and work on getting stronger.

l am told the med l put in my nebulizer has steroids in it and I use my nebulizer two or three times a day