HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Can Prednisone Cause Dry Cough?

Posted on Sat, 23 Sep 2017

Question: I have just finished taking Prednisone for the last two months but have developed a chronic dry cough. Is this related to the Prednisone and will it go away?

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Prednisone related cough is unheard

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

What was your Prednisone dose? Was it tappered properly by the physician? If tapered the cough may not be related to Prednisone.
You say you have chronic cough. How long do you have this dry cough?
Prednisone can increase acid reflux which can cause dry cough.

So my suggestion is to get an examination by local doctor as present dry cough may not be completely related to Prednisone.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (1 hour later)

My dose started at 40 mg and was tapered down by a doctor. Ive had the cough for approx. 2 months but we have had a lot of smoke here from forest fires as well. I cough even when its not smokey. I don't know if it's related, but every morning I wake up with a very sore back approximately in the center on the right and left side

Why haven't I got a reply

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (41 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be prednisone related

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I suppose this is not related to prednisone.
The smoke and fumes could be the reason. Though there is no smoke it leaves a unsuspended particulate matter to get into the airways and cause reactionary cough.
For now you can use a mask to avoid the particles get into the nostrils, mouth and airways. Also increase water intake that moisturizes the airways and fights the particles. Along you can take a cough syrup that has Dextromethorphan in it like ROBUTUSSIN D.
See if it helps, else please see the doctor for evaluation further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar