Steroids are anti-inflammatory medications used for the treatment of asthma and other lung illnesses. They are available in oral form, injections, and even in the form of inhalers, which relieve the inflammation in the airways. Steroids are given in high doses intravenously in healthcare centers or hospitals to patients with a severe asthma attack. Ventolin evohaler is the inhaled steroid used by people to ease asthma symptoms in case of emergency.
When are steroids prescribed?
Oral steroid medicine includes Prednisone. Doctors prescribe them to the patients when their symptoms are rapidly worsening; however, they do not need hospitalization. They are generally given in a short course.
The inhaled steroids are the most preferred controller asthma treatment. The need for Prednisone may reduce if your doctor prescribes the inhaled steroids.
How do the steroids medications work for asthma?
Oral, inhaled, and injection steroids help decrease the inflammation of the airways. They can prevent worsening the asthma condition or control the worsened symptoms. These steroids can be taken along with asthma medications to manage the severe asthma attack. Moreover, they can also treat durable or severe asthma conditions.
Oral steroids are taken by mouth and then engrossed in the body. They cut off the reaction of the immune system to decrease symptoms of allergic reactions like swelling.
Ventolin evohaler or other inhaled steroids directly reaches the lungs and eases the swelling of bronchial tubes.
What are the side effects of asthma steroids?
Asthma steroids can have various side effects, particularly when you take them orally and for a long time. The potential side effects of steroids used for durable time are-
- Eye cataracts
- Weakness in the muscles
- Growth inhibition
- Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
- Diabetes
The side effects of temporary steroids like injections are fewer as compared to those, which are used for a long duration. Some of them are as follows-
- Hypertension
- Weight gain
- Increased blood sugar
- Fluid retention
Ventolin evohaler or other inhaled asthma steroids can result in causing oral thrush and roughness. They are common in elderly people; however, you should wash your mouth or gargle with water after using the inhaler to avoid oral thrush.
What if my condition urges me to use asthma steroids recurrently?
If you are using asthma steroids very often to ease your condition, this may indicate that the airway inflammation is not being controlled properly or in an influential way. Moreover, this may also reflect that you come in contact with an undetected irritant or allergen frequently. You should consult with your doctor in such cases. He or she may tell you what to do to manage your condition.
