Topic: Why are steriods so bad for Lymies and what are the consequences?
gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
What if the person has lyme antibodies (Pos IGG) but no symptoms and they are using adavair (inhalent) for a lung inflammation?
Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
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klutzo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5701
posted
I can't answer your specific question about inhalers, but I am also in a "Catch-22" situation like you are regarding steroids.
Lyme has altered my immunity so much that I am allergic to all stinging insects, fire ants, and even regular ants. I live in a place that is loaded with them.
This sounds paranoid, but they chase me too....they seem to be trying to take me out, like lions will cull the weak zebra from the herd. I've been stung 8 times in the past 3 years, despite following all the proper avoidance procedures.
Steroids suppress your immune system. With Lyme, we already have a supressed TH1 (inate) immune system, and need all the immune power we can get to fight the Lyme, so supressing it further is like throwing a party for the bugs.
I often must get cortisone injected to keep my throat and lungs from closing when I get stung. It always causes a Lyme flare up, and usually gives me thrush as well. In recent years, it has also caused me to go into a three week long Lyme rage after the injection, which is terrifying, esp. for my husband, who has to live with it.
As a result, I now have our local paramedics trained to give me 75 mgs. of Benadryl IV push and rush me to the ER and put me on a heart monitor instead. They will only go along with that as long as my throat and chest are not already starting to close up when they arrive. Lucky for me the firehouse is only 2 blocks from us.
I am not sure there are any alternatives to steroids in inhalers. Hopefully, someone with asthma or other similar problems will come along and help you out on that.
It's a heck of a position to be in, and I really empathize with you and hope your lung condition is temporary.
Good luck, klutzo
Posts: 1269 | From Clearwater, Florida, USA | Registered: May 2004
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gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
Thanks Klutz,
It actually my husband. His IGG is positive and he has NO symptoms.
Recently he had a cold and cough lingered. After an examination, the doctor gave him advair inhaler instead of antibiotics.
Said he didnt have any fluid and his lungs were aggravated, especially going out in the cold makes him cough even though he doesnt have a cold.
Thanks a bunch for all the good information! Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
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adamm
Unregistered
posted
Who's to say the lung inflammation's not from Lyme?
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Steroids are immuno suppressants. So they knock down the body's natural means of fighting Lyme.
I was put on prednisone, an oral steroid, by my PCP who didn't think that I had Lyme. I had a very good reaction at first. That's because steroids are also powerful anti inflammatory agents. But the relief was short lived, and in the long run, it made me get more sick.
Posts: 455 | From Was in PA, then MD, now in the Midwest | Registered: Nov 2008
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I used to take advair for cough-variant asthma. Advair is a combo of a steroid and something else (I think a bronciodialator...but don't quote me). I would take 2 puffs a day for 2 weeks and was fine until the next attack years later...same protocol.
The way my son's pulmonologist explained inhaled steroids to me was that yes they do have side effects, but are minimal compared to that of oral steroids.
I was concerned because the oral steroids can stunt growth in children so he did explain that the inhaled steroids are going to the lungs and airways first, as opposed to the oral which get absorbed into the body faster in higher concentration.
So if i am remembering his explanation correctly (again this was about 4 years ago so the memory is not so good now) the inhaled steroids were not as strong as the orals.
Hope that makes sense to you...I'm not sure it does to me.
Posts: 193 | From New Jersey | Registered: Oct 2008
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quote:Originally posted by gemofnj: What if the person has lyme antibodies (Pos IGG) but no symptoms and they are using adavair (inhalent) for a lung inflammation?
no symptoms??? Lung inflammation usually involves symptoms....??
I've taken Advair when I had to. I have asthma too. Right now I'm off all inhalers. Thank goodness. I don't take them unless I have symptoms.
A steroid shot could drive the Lyme deeper and take someone out of remission. Inhalers and nasal sprays are another issue and not as bad as long as the person is on abx.
I just read your second response. A short time on them should be fine.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96237 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
I have asthma and use a non steroid inhaler. It is very commonly used for asthma, called albuterol.
It is possible that my symptoms are not really asthma, but Babesia, that is my guess anyway, since I normally only get asthma in the summer months, still my LLMD gave me this inhaler.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
I took prednisone while on abx with lyme and I am not worse.
Just thought I would share.
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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