Bronchitis? Asthma? Confused and worried...

[wmaples]

About 2 weeks ago I suddenly got a somewhat infrequent cough but it was deep, felt congested deep in my chest, and had a few sort of wheezy sensations (like when I breathed in deep as if something stuck together for a sec). Was very tired, no other symptoms, not even before that. I rested, it seemed to mostly go away.

Then I awoke 2 days ago and it was back... some coughing, sticking/wheezy thing, fatigue. I already had appt. w/ new GP for suspicious mole the next day - cough was better and wheezy thing not happening, but nurse noticed temp slightly up and slight cough so she noted to GP to check it out.

The Dr. listened to my chest, had me suck in and blow out air hard, and said I had wheezing and after asking if I have ever had asthma, diagnosed me with bronchitis. She prescribed Zythromycin, an Albuterol inhaler (3x/day), and a 6-day pack of methylprednisolone.

I am one of those people who is very sensitive to meRAB and other things (1 cup of coffee gives me jitters, can't handle things like Sudafed, etc.) and am prone to palpitations. I am also on lifelong med for hypothyroid (had most of it surgically removed due to nodule). So: the inhaler really wigs me out (dizzy, jittery) and I'm not sure I need it if I'm not having that pronounced sticky/wheezy thing? And after day 1 on the steroiRAB, I'm not sure I can handle them, either. Right now I have a severe, migraine-like headache, random leg and arm muscle cramps, jitters, a flushed face, and can't sleep although I'm exhausted and know I need rest. I haven't even taken the last dose of the day today, and don't think I can manage it.

So my questions are: does anyone know why I would be given essentially what are asthma meRAB for bronchitis? The insert says the steroiRAB can suppress the immune system and result in colRAB, viruses - but if I have bronchitis due to a virus, isn't that counterproductive? I have read here that the Albuterol is a "rescue" inhaler, but I don't seem to have the sort of symptoms that require it...? Is it common to have these things prescribed for bronchitis? I have had it once before but was just treated with antibiotics and rest. Or is there maybe something more going on?

I am confused, feeling some anxiety over my symptoms, my response to the drugs (actually that's really making me anxious - I HATE feeling all amped-up and having mysterious pains and things), and what may really be going on. I am scared of the possibility of asthma or pneumonia or something.

It is hard for me to see another Dr. - we live in a somewhat isolated rural area and have only just finally got another doctor in our clinic - for past 3 years had just PAs, and had to drive an hour for a Dr. in larger town.

Help... please?? I am kind of scared and don't feel well at all. Thank you.

 

[Titchou]

Both albuterol and the steroiRAB will make you jittery. However, it will go away eventually. Granted, all are used for asthma but for other respiratory issues as well. Bronchitis causing inflammation and that's what the steroiRAB are supposed to reduce. The z pak is for the infection to cure the bronchitis. The albuterol is to dialate your airways so oyu can breathe easier while the zpak works on the infection and the steroiRAB on the inflammation. Don't cut back on or stop the steroiRAB without the doc's approval (there should be a warning about that on the package). But you could cut back on the albuterol if you don't feel the need for it. There wouldn't be any adverse side effects to quiting it like there might be for the steroiRAB.

 

[wmaples]

Thank you. I didn't manage to take the entire first day of steroiRAB, but got through yesterday ok and am starting to handle them a little better. I did cut out the inhaler mostly, which helps. I am still not feeling all that well but it helps a LOT to understand things better and also to not have quite so many nasty side-effects from the steroiRAB happening. Thank you again! I appreciate the support and information.