Yea I don't like them either but when things get rough I use them .I find if I do I start producing phlegm and mucus . And I've never had mucus except when having a cold . But with my alpha 1 I can't hardly tell when I have a respiratory Infection.

Steroids used to petrify me!!I was on a long term high dose to treat an autoimmune disease flare up, and I had major "roid rage"..it happened every single time and it messed with my psych. med too. I didn't have any reason for steroids for about 6 years, and then in Feb. I had a flare up.I was just going to go thru and deal with it, because of the roid rage and the time my depression and anxiety were at an all time high, so the roids would have just i don't know..and I didnt want to find out.My best friend insisted that I call my doctor. I begged him to please put me on a low dose...he said ok!! So I've been taking 10 mg. twice a day, since Feb. I know it seems like a lot but honestly I haven't had any adverse reaction..oh except I've put on a lot of weight..what else is new with that, right!?! lol Anyways Im breathing BETTER than before I had my flare up!!Im gonna talk to my dr about keeping me on this dose for a while!

It depends on how congested you feel or if mucus builds up on a regular basis. IF you understand how steroids work, your Doc may allow for a "Rescue pack" of steroids AND Antibiotics to stay ahead of a Flare-up and prevent hospitalization. He may want to put you on a low dose if you ask nicely. This is often a one-way street and the following comments usually complain about choosing this route if you later find that steroids don't agree with you. be Well