These medications can have side effects, however.
Some of these may be serious.
This article will explain the four most common side effects of inhaled corticosteroids.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
It will also discuss ways they can be treated or prevented.
Corticosteroids should not be confused withanabolic steroids, which are used to stimulate muscle growth.
This is referred to asdysphonia.
This can occur due to the drug’s effect on the muscles of the vocal cords.
Rarely, high-dose oral steroids and not usually inhaled steroids may cause laryngopharyngeal reflux.
With this, stomach acids back up into the throat, causing pain, vocal cord inflammation, andlaryngitis.
In such cases, the dose may need to be reduced, or the formulation switched.
Oral Thrush
People who take inhaled steroids areat risk for oral thrush.
This fungal infection of the mouth is also known asoral candidiasis.
Oral thrush affects roughly 3% of users of inhaled corticosteroids.
If these are scraped off they may reveal inflamed and bleeding tissue underneath.
Instead of water, some people prefer an alcohol-based mouthwash.
The tubular extender allows you to deliver the inhaled drug into your throat instead of the mouth.
(Spacers do not work in DPIs, which have an opening rather than a tube-like mouthpiece.)
Though osteoporosis is far more likely when taking oral steroids, high-dose inhalants can also contribute to bone brittleness.
Weight-bearing exercises (such as walking and lifting weights) can help prevent osteoporosis.
If bone loss is severe, it may be necessary for your healthcare provider to adjust your steroid dose.
Surgical intervention may also be considered.
Surgical options include laser trabeculectomy for glaucoma andextracapsular surgeryfor cataracts.
Summary
Inhaled corticosteroids are an effective way to treat symptoms of asthma and COPD.
They work by reducing inflammation.
This relieves narrowing and constriction of the airways.
Inhaled steroids can have side effects, however.
Some of these are mild and easily treated, such as hoarseness and oral thrush.
More serious side effects include osteoporosis and vision problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
But never stop treatment without their approval.
Doing so can lead tosteroid withdrawaland a return of symptoms.
2017;4:63. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2017.00063
Galvan CA, Guarderas JC.Practical considerations for dysphonia sparked by inhaled corticosteroids.Mayo Clin Proc.
