ORAL and INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS
What is a steroid?
A steroid is a chemical produced by a specific organ or gland and carried to another part of the body to
perform a specific function. For example, certain steroids produced near the kidneys help the body transform
the food you eat to build up cells, while other steroids build tissues. In fact, there are many different types of
naturally occurring steroids produced in the human body.
Why are inhaled corticosteroid medications often prescribed for people with asthma?
During an asthma attack, the airways become narrowed. For years, doctors have known that tightening of
muscles around the airway walls occurs. But recently it has been recognized that swelling and inflammation
occur inside the airways as well. Even patients with mild to moderate asthma will often benefit from the
regular use of anti-inflammatory medicine. Inhaled steroids are the most effective long-term therapy available
for mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma for both children and adults. They lead to improvement in
asthma symptoms, fewer asthma attacks, and fewer courses of oral steroids. These medicines work by
reducing airway inflammation, allowing air to move more normally out of the lungs.
Corticosteroid medications may be taken by tablet, capsule, syrup, injection or they may be inhaled through
the mouth. Doctors usually prefer to give the inhaled form because it travels directly to the airway, while
other forms first enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body before reaching the airways. In
addition, delivering medication by inhalation reduces the amount of medication that is needed and also helps
reduce the frequency of side effects. It may take weeks to show maximum effects, and medication must be
taken on a regular basis to provide consistent control of airway inflammation and irritability. Inhaled steroids
are not to be used as RESCUE medications to treat acute asthma symptoms. Common brand names available
today are Alvesco, Asmanex, Flovent, Pulmicort and QVAR.
Are inhaled corticosteroids safe?
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that when inhaled steroids are used at the recommended
dosage, they are considered safe and effective. Side effects such as hoarseness, occasional coughing, and an
overgrowth of yeast in the mouth called “thrush” may occur while taking inhaled steroids. Using a "spacer
device" while taking the medication, and rinsing the mouth with water or mouthwash after each use can help
prevent these side effects.
Effects on growth in children: a reduction in growth velocity may occur in children as a result of poorly
controlled asthma or from the use of steroids for treatment. Overall, however, the data suggests that although
low or medium doses of inhaled steroids may have the potential of decreasing growth velocity, the effects are
small, do not progress, and may be reversible. Despite the fact that inhaled steroids are recognized as safe, the
decision to use inhaled steroids to treat your asthma can only be made in cooperation with your physician.
Can asthmatics feel comfortable taking inhaled corticosteroids?
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has stated that its overall goal of asthma therapy is "to provide
symptomatic control of asthma with normalization of lifestyle and to return pulmonary function to as close to
normal as possible." Medications containing inhaled corticosteroids are valuable tools in attaining this goal.
When used at the dosage recommended by your physician, inhaled corticosteroid therapy can be used with
confidence. Its safety and effectiveness has been shown in many studies of people with asthma. It is
important that you read the instructions before using your inhaler. Correct and regular use of the inhaler can
prevent or lessen the severity of attacks.