Oral steroids for asthma

Oral steroids are used to treat severe asthma

Oral steroids such as prednisone are used to treat asthma and act much in the same way as inhaled corticosteroids. However, given its route and the strength of the dosing, oral prednisone will be absorbed systemically and will have a greater influence on the other body organs and systems than it would be with inhaled corticosteroids. Therefore, the use of prednisone and other oral steroids are limited to instances of acute and severe attacks of asthma and is given in short bursts no more than 2 weeks at a time.

 

Uses of oral steroids for asthma management

Although the oral steroids are mainly used during acute and severe attacks of asthma, it is not used alone in the treatment process. In most instances, it is combined with other asthma medications such as bronchodilators. The action of oral steroids would be to reduce the inflammation within the lungs and its airways, which will reduce the swelling, redness, excessive mucus secretion and the reactivity of the airway lining to many of the allergens that can maintain the asthmatic episode. However, the oral steroids can also be used to treat worsening asthma symptoms as well as to treat non-responsive asthma symptoms to usual long-term treatments.

Types of oral steroids used to treat asthma

There are many types of oral steroids other than prednisone, which are being used by doctors to treat asthmatic patients. Methylprednisolone (Medrol, Methylpred, Solu-Medrol), prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred, Orapred) and dexamethasone (Decadron) are some of the common oral steroids that are being used to treat asthma. 

Side effects of oral steroids

As mentioned earlier, oral steroids can lead to serious side effects if the same has been used for long-term treatment. In general, a short-course of oral steroids would not do much harm to the systems or manifest any undesirable symptoms. However, the reactions shown by each person may be different to someone else and therefore it is necessary to monitor keep a close eye on patients taking oral steroids and to make sure the drug is not being taken for more than 2 weeks without medical supervision. If side effects become apparent, it is most likely that a person taking oral steroids would suffer from excessive weight gain, fluid retention, high blood pressure or elevated blood sugar levels. However, with long-term use, side effects such as growth suppression, diabetes, bone-thinning, muscle weakness and cataract may become apparent. 

Important facts when using oral steroids

When taking oral steroids, it is necessary for you to both continue the medication as advised by a physician. You should not alter its dose or stop the medication abruptly unless advised by a physician following analyzing your condition and the presence of any side effects. You should also disclose to your physician regarding any medications that you take prior to starting oral steroids and if used for long-term treatment, it may be necessary for you to be on other supplementary drugs in order to minimize the side effects.