Steroid Treatment for Asthma

Corticosteroids, the sort that are used to treat asthma, are made artificially by the big pharmaceutical companies. They reduce the amount of inflammation, swelling and mucus in the airways and thereby help prevent breathing difficulties. There are three ways in which you can take them:

- To prevent asthma - by inhaling them direct into the lungs.
- To relieve acute attacks and control severe asthma - by swallowing them in the form of steroid tablets.
- To treat acute, severe attacks - by a doctor or nurse injecting them.

Inhaled steroids
These are the most common preventer for adults, although not for children for whom steroids are prescribed only if sodium cromoglycate is not effective. When inhaled, steroids do not relieve an asthma attack. They need to be taken over a period of time to slowly reduce inflammation and mucus in the airways and it may take up to two weeks before you notice the benefits. It is important to take them every day whether you are getting asthma symptoms or not. If you catch a cold, your doctor may recommend that you increase the amount of inhaled steroid for added protection.

Side effects: there are very few although you may become hoarse or get the odd minor mouth and throat infection. Using a spacer device reduces the risk of side effects.

Steroid tablets
These are prescribed either as short courses to relieve severe, acute athma, or as long courses to control chronic asthma on a day-to-day basis. Steroid tablets work quickly - after a few hours - and may be needed if your asthma worsens.

Short courses: these may last up to two weeks for adults; three to four days for a child. They have few side effects, although some people report a temporary increase in appetite and small weight gain. Children may become more excitable than usual. It is advisable not to take more than two or three courses a year.

Long courses: few people need to take long courses of steroid tablets to control their asthma. In these cases, only the smallest possible dose is prescribed. If taken over a period of months, they can have serious side effects, including weight gain, thinning of the bones(osteoporosis) and increased blood pressure. A long course is rarely given to children and then only every other day to minimize unpleasant side effects. On a dose of 5mg per day or less, side effects are minimal.

Injecting steroids
Injections are used only to treat acute, severe asthma and are performed by a doctor or nurse. However, they do not work faster than tablets and are usually used only if the patient is unwell or sick.