INHALED STEROIDS – SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Our patients are always appropriately concerned about possible side effects of medications, both known, and possibly unknown only to be discovered at a later date. The words steroid, cortisone, and corticosteroids often raise fears especially when used in children. Many of our patients are familiar with prednisone and cortisone when given by mouth and are aware of the potential of important side effects of these medications. The following information is meant to make you more comfortable with these medications:

1.      Do not confuse the “steroids” that have been illegally used by some athletes with the class of medications that we are discussing here. There is no relationship. Do not equate steroids given by mouth with the inhaled steroids. The activity in the body is very different.

2.      Sometimes side effects of medications are seen only after a medicine has been on the market for a time, and only after many patients have used it. You should know that the inhaled steroids have now been used clinically for almost 30 years, and the worldwide experience now includes 700 million years, equivalent of patients taking this group of medicines, with approximately 1/3 children. When used in recommended dosage, no significant side effects have been seen.

3.       The inhaled steroids for asthma are the safest and most effective medications used in the treatment of asthma. While there are other medications that are used, none have the proven effectiveness of inhaled steroids.

4.       Some asthma is considered to be mild – why should a patient with only mild asthma and only occasional symptoms take a medicine every day, even though they feel fine? Scientific studies demonstrate that even mild asthma results in increased nighttime awakenings, limitations in exercising, increased school absences, work absences, emergency room visits, urgent doctor visits, hospitalizations, and even mortality. Patients who take inhaled steroids, even in low doses – often one puff of medication per day will be dramatically improved in all of the above issues.

5.       Another long term consideration is long term effects of untreated asthma. The person with asthma that is untreated will have a gradual deterioration in lung function that can lead to chronic breathing problems as they age. This can be prevented with the inhaled steroids.

These are important issues. Please discuss your concerns with us!!!