Many of our inhalers are steroid based. Advair being the one I take. If you think you need additional steroids, talk to your doctor. You don't want to damage your body further.

Sometimes doc will prescribe prednisone on its own when there's no infection; some docs always prescribe the antibiotic because they figure the infection just isn't showing up yet. A lot depends on how well your doc knows you and what's happened in the past.

You're probably like me. I never throw away meds. You never know when the doc stops prescribing them or insurance cuts you off. Ouch! But I always tell my doctor when I've used an old med, so she can shake her head Yes or No.

not me

I always have prednisone and antibiotics in the cupboard for emergencies. For example, if I have a flare up of COPD on the weekend or on vacation I am able to start them right away. My doctor makes sure I fill a prescription for this reason.