Side effects of Prednisone?

My son was diagnosed with croup last night. He doesn't too sound bad during the day -just a cough here and there and a cold. He sounds much worse when he gets aggitated and at night. He sounded like he was snoring but it was from his throat and he woke up quite often with the cough. He also has over 103 temp. DH wants to put him on prednisone (dr told us to go through the night to see how he does and call him in the am) but I'm undecided. DH thinks why let him cough like that through the night if it can be stopped with meds.

Those of you with experience with this how many nights does this usually last? If you used prednisone did it really help and most importantly what were the side effects?

Thanks so much!

Re: Side effects of Prednisone?

orapred isn't necesarrily going to stop the cough, if the cough is from the cold. it would open up the airways to eliminate the croup cough sounds.

i have a friend that uses orapred for her DD when she gets croup. it clears up the croup by opening the airways. but she can still have a regular cough from the cold she has.

Re: Side effects of Prednisone?

imo i would avoid prednisone as much as possible just because of the side effects...