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A spilled bottle of Rx tablets: Prednisone for bronchitis
Drug Info

Can prednisone be used to treat bronchitis?

Prednisone may be prescribed to alleviate inflammation from bronchitis
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Aug. 8, 2024

Key takeaways

  • Bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing wheezing, coughing, and chest pain.

  • Prednisone, a corticosteroid, helps reduce severe bronchitis symptoms by decreasing airway inflammation.

  • Prednisone is typically used short-term due to side effects like increased infection risk and bone density loss.

  • Dosages of prednisone for bronchitis vary, but slowly tapering off is important to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

In this article:

Imagine struggling to breathe, with each cough causing more pain in your chest. Bronchitis, often mistaken for a simple cold, can turn your days and nights into a constant battle for air. This inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs, often causes wheezing, coughing, and chest discomfort. In some cases of chronic bronchitis, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), symptoms can be debilitating and long-lasting. 

Prednisone may help alleviate some of these symptoms by reducing inflammation in the airways. While it is not typically recommended for acute cases of bronchitis, it may offer relief for severe instances of inflammation.

What is prednisone?

Prednisone is a type of medication known as a corticosteroid. It is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form, prednisolone, in the liver. Doctors or healthcare providers prescribe prednisone for various medical conditions to manage symptoms and promote healing.

Prednisone comes in different forms, including:

  • Tablets
  • Liquid solutions
  • Delayed-release tablets

In addition to some cases of bronchitis, healthcare providers may recommend prednisone to treat several conditions, such as:

It’s important to follow a healthcare provider’s instructions when taking prednisone, as it can have various effects on the body. The dosage and duration of corticosteroid therapy will depend on the condition being treated. However, it’s generally used as a short-term treatment. Long-term treatment may be recommended with close supervision from a healthcare provider. 

Does prednisone help with bronchitis?

While many healthcare professionals prescribe prednisone for bronchitis, its effectiveness is debated. As a systemic corticosteroid, it may help treat exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, which are flare-ups of symptoms. However, prednisone is usually not the best option for acute cases, such as those caused by viruses.

The research behind the use of prednisone for bronchitis

One study focused on the use of oral steroids for acute cough. The randomized controlled trial included 401 adults with symptoms of acute lower respiratory tract infections and found no significant improvements in the duration or severity of cough. Participants treated with prednisolone showed no better outcomes compared to the placebo group. The study suggests systemic corticosteroids may be ineffective for most acute bronchitis cases without underlying lung conditions.

A systematic review looked at how prednisone treats eosinophilic bronchitis, a type of bronchitis in asthma patients. The results showed that prednisone significantly reduced inflammation markers. In addition, prednisone improved lung function, as shown by an increase in FEV1 after using a bronchodilator. The study suggests that prednisone can be effective for certain types of asthma-related inflammatory bronchitis.

While prednisone can be helpful in some situations, some studies indicate it might cause more problems than it solves because of possible side effects. A study with over 24,000 patients found increased risks of serious issues like infections, blood clots, and fractures. These risks were seen even with short-term use. Therefore, healthcare providers may need to consider the benefits and risks before recommending corticosteroids. 

How does prednisone help bronchitis?

Prednisone helps alleviate symptoms of bronchitis by acting as an anti-inflammatory drug. When the bronchial tubes become inflamed, they swell and produce excess mucus known as phlegm or sputum, which can cause a persistent cough and difficulty breathing. 

Prednisone helps suppress the overactive immune system response that causes airway inflammation. As a result, prednisone may make it easier to breathe and reduce shortness of breath.

Prednisone for bronchitis dosage

The dosage of prednisone for bronchitis can vary widely, ranging from 5 to 60 mg per day. A commonly studied regimen is 50 mg, taken once daily for five to seven days.

The specific dosage is individualized based on a person’s condition, the severity of symptoms, and their response to treatment. Therefore, a healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage.

When discontinuing prednisone, it is often necessary to taper the dose gradually rather than stopping abruptly, especially after prolonged use. Tapering the dosage helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms and allows the body to adjust by resuming natural cortisol production. 

Prednisone side effects

While prednisone can be effective, it may cause side effects. Side effects of prednisone can range from mild to severe, with many side effects going away as the body adjusts to the medication. Some side effects may persist until after the drug is discontinued. Common side effects may include:

  • Increased appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Insomnia
  • Mood swings
  • Fluid retention
  • Increased blood sugar levels
  • High blood pressure
  • Indigestion
  • Sweating
  • Acne

Prednisone may also cause serious side effects that can sometimes require medical attention. These side effects may include: 

  • Increased risk of infections
  • Low potassium levels
  • Stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Severe depression or psychosis
  • Decreases in bone density
  • Slowed growth and development in children
  • Cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye problems

Side effects may vary in intensity and affect individuals differently. Always consult a healthcare provider if any concerns or unexpected side effects persist or worsen.

Drug interactions to consider when taking prednisone for bronchitis

Other medications you are using may interact with prednisone. Some interactions can increase or decrease the effects of prednisone or other drugs, leading to potential health risks. Here are a few key interactions to watch out for:

  • Anticoagulant agents: Prednisone can increase or decrease the effectiveness of blood thinners like warfarin. This means your risk of bleeding or forming clots might change.
  • Antidiabetic agents: Prednisone can raise blood sugar levels, which might require changes to your diabetes medications. If you have diabetes, your healthcare provider will likely monitor your blood sugar more closely.
  • CYP3A4 inducers: These drugs speed up the breakdown of prednisone in your liver, reducing its effectiveness. Examples include rifampin (an antibiotic), phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication), and St. John’s Wort (a herbal supplement).
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors: These drugs slow down the breakdown of prednisone, increasing the risk of side effects. Examples include ketoconazole (an antifungal medication) and erythromycin (an antibiotic).
  • Cyclosporine: When taken together, prednisone and cyclosporine can increase each other’s effects, potentially leading to serious side effects like seizures. 
  • NSAIDs: Drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and other NSAIDs may increase the risk of stomach problems, such as ulcers or bleeding when taken with prednisone. It’s important to use these medications with caution. 

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid potential interactions with prednisone.

Other treatments used for bronchitis

There are several treatment options available for bronchitis that may be recommended alongside or in place of prednisone. Depending on the severity and type of bronchitis, healthcare providers might recommend a combination of medications and therapies to help manage symptoms.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are not typically used for most cases of bronchitis because a virus, not bacteria, usually causes the condition. However, if your healthcare provider determines that a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics might be prescribed. Common antibiotics used for bronchitis include amoxicillin and azithromycin.

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are medications that help open up the airways in your lungs, making breathing easier. These are often used for people with COPD. Common bronchodilators include albuterol and ipratropium. These medications can be taken through an inhaler or a nebulizer, which turns the medication into a mist that you can inhale deeply into your lungs.

Expectorants

Expectorants are medications that help thin and loosen mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough up and clear from your lungs. Guaifenesin is a common expectorant found in many over-the-counter cough syrups. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help keep mucus thin and easier to expel.

Other corticosteroids

In addition to prednisone, other corticosteroids might be used to reduce inflammation in the airways. Inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone and budesonide may help prevent COPD flare-ups before they occur. Inhaled corticosteroids deliver the medication directly to the lungs and may have fewer side effects than oral corticosteroids.

Pain relievers and fever reducers

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help manage the discomfort and reduce fever associated with bronchitis. These medications can ease chest pain from coughing and make you feel more comfortable while you recover.

Oxygen therapy

Oxygen therapy might be necessary for those with severe chronic bronchitis or COPD. It involves using a machine to deliver extra oxygen to the lungs, helping the patient breathe more easily and maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood.

Lifestyle changes and home remedies

In addition to medications, certain lifestyle changes and home remedies may help manage bronchitis symptoms. These include:

  • Quitting smoking: If you smoke, stopping may help improve your lung health and reduce flare-ups.
  • Using a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air may help soothe irritated airways and loosen mucus.
  • Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep mucus thin and easier to cough up.
  • Resting: Getting plenty of rest allows your body to heal and recover.

The bottom line

Prednisone can be an effective treatment for bronchitis, but it should be used carefully. The medication is a type of corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, which can help alleviate symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Prednisone might be prescribed if the inflammation is severe or if other treatments haven’t worked. Long-term use of steroids like prednisone may lead to more serious problems like weakened bones and an increased risk of infection.

Doctors typically recommend prednisone for short-term use due to these potential side effects. It is important to follow the doctor’s dosage instructions closely to manage the risks.