I've been on 12.5 mg of prednisone now for 6 weeks. Before that, was at 15 mg for another 6 weeks. That helped my PMR symptoms wonderfully. But about 5 weeks ago I developed a severe cough -- I think it was viral. Lots of mucus, etc., runny nose, itchy eyes, etc. I ended up with laryngitis. Ever since, I've been struggling with a tickle in my throat, a very dry cough and borderline hoarseness.
Unfortunately, my job requires me to talk a lot. I'm a seminar speaker and have been especially busy these last 5 weeks. In a lot of planes for long periods of time. I've been drinking lots of water, sucking on a lot of hard candy, taking long and steamy showers -- all to no avail.
I wrote to my doc and he said it'll go away on its own, but it isn't. Is it time to go to back to the the doc, or are the tickle and hoarseness a potential side effect of taking prendisone?
I doubt it has anythig to do with the intake of prednisone, and I have been on 15 mg lately. I had a cold just recently with cough, sore throat and headache. It takes time.....about a week....normal cold medication together with Tyleno for pain should take care of it.
hello Bob,
I have been on Pred forabout a year and a half,and yes I too have a persistent sore throat.I just think its a side effect and get on with life.I don't want to be taking any more medicine.I am on enough different pills and potions for Diabetes,Glaucoma,Pacemaker,and PMR and Hiatus hernia,not to mention the usual preventatives which all seniors are prescribed in Uk,such as Ramipril and Lipitor.That is quite enough thank you.However,if it is affecting your professional life I suppose you need to pursue it.
I shouldn't think it's to do with pred. I had same symptoms as you, also viral, and it took 6 weeks to disappear. It's more likely to be your poor immune system (thanks to PMR and pred.)
I seem to suffer this sore throat/hoarseness too on prednisolone and I think it is acid reflux for me if that's any help.
Sympathies Bob as dry cough so annoying and sore throat grim but this is not a side effect I am sure even though only a 2 year PMR sufferer.
I have heard a dry persistent cough can be stress related but more likely a virus.
Try Olbas pastilies which stick on mouth roof so you can continue talking or sleeping.
Dissolvable vit. C plus zinc with Echinaecha drops, drink to start the day!
just some things that helped me. 
DJ -it is going around on this side of the pond. Not so sure it is part of PMR or Prednisone. Perhaps a viral thing. For some, it has lasted over a month. Go back to doctor since you are suffering. Maybe your strain is a bacterial problem and doc can give you some antibiotics and antihistamine to help with the drainage that is bothering your throat..