Inhaled corticosteroids, also called inhaled steroids, are medications used for long-term management ofasthma.
They typically are the preferred treatment for people with asthma who need more than a rescue inhaler can offer.
These inhalers are not effective for treating an acute asthma attack.
Laura Porter / Verywell
Instead, they are to be used dailysymptoms or notto control asthma over time.
Known ascombination therapies, these inhalers typically are prescribed for people with poorly controlled asthma symptoms.
When prescribed and taken as directed, corticosteroids are perfectly safe.
), your immune system releases cells that causeinflammationin your bronchial tubes (airways).
This narrows them and makes it hard to breathe.
Inhaled corticosteroids reduce this inflammation.
They also reduce the amount of mucus in your bronchial tubes.
The result is clear and open airways that allow you to breathe normally.
Corticosteroid drugs reduce inflammation in a couple of ways.
The first is by getting the immune system to halt its attack.
This anti-inflammatory response is central to achieving long-term control of your asthma.
Anticholinergics, also used in long-term inhalers, block the action of neurotransmitters associated with bronchial spasms and constriction.
It may only pose a problem if a spacer is used.
By comparison, nebulizers can sometimes deliver results that are superior to either key in of inhaler.
However, their use is limited by the fact that the machine is costly and not portable.
Moreover, some corticosteroids, including Alvesco and Asmanex cannot be delivered by nebulizer.
Also, taking more medication than directed can cause you to have unpleasant side effects.
Inhaled corticosteroids are intended to be used regularly, likely over the course of many years.
Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping your medication for any reason.
The most common ones affect fewer than 5% of people who use them.
Some side effects result when the medication and/or propellant comes in contact with tissues in the mouth and throat.
Others are systemic, meaning they stem from the medication circulating through your body.
Systemic
Systemic side effects are possible but uncommon with inhaled steroids.
The risk generally is higher with a higher dose.
Poor growthis a concern for children with asthma who use inhaled corticosteroids.
When growth is impaired, it’s usually by less than half an inch.
While noteworthy, this is especially rare at normal doses.
Children who go off of the drug generally catch up in height.
Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s growth.
It’s also important to consider, though, that poorly controlled asthma can also impair growth.
Other systemic side effects can include:
Again, these are less common at typical dosages.
Your practitioner may recommend one drug over another based on absorption levels.
The right inhaler is the one that works for you.
It’s often necessary to try several to see how they work or if you experience any side effects.
While your first instinct may be to choose the latest drug, remember new doesn’t always mean best.
Opt for the drug that controls your symptoms with the lowest dose and fewest side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flonase and Flovent contain the same active ingredient, fluticasone.
The brand name Flovent is no longer available, but authorized generics identical to Flovent are available.
Pulmicort and Symbicort are two inhaled medications used to treat asthma.
Pulmicort contains budesonide, a corticosteroid.
Symbicort combines budesonide with formoterol, a long-term beta-agonist (LABA).
Pulmicort (budesonide) comes in both an inhaler and a nebulizer solution.
Pulmicort Flexhaler is a portable inhaler.
Pulmicort Respules is the nebulizer solution.
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