Are inhaled steroids safe?
Many asthmatics worry about taking steroids because they have heard that they have side effects. Inhaled steroids are generally SAFE. Whilst steroids taken as tablets can have side effects including bone thinning (osteoporosis), diabetes, high blood pressure and cataracts, their use in inhalers and the type of steroid used minimises the amount of drug that affects the body outside the lungs. These drugs have been used for over 30 years. At recommended doses risk of bone changes or other side effects from inhaled steroids are minimal and less than the risk of uncontrolled asthma. Having said that, it is wise to minimise the dose of inhaled steroid to control asthma. Side effects in the throat may occur including hoarseness of the voice. These may be reduced by adding a spacer device. Tablets for asthma A variety of other drugs are available in tablet form for asthma treatment: generally these are added if symptoms persist despite inhaled steroids. Antileukotriens These drugs block one o
Many asthmatics worry about taking steroids because they have heard that they have side effects. Inhaled steroids are generally SAFE. Whilst steroids taken as tablets can have side effects including bone thinning (osteoporosis), diabetes, high blood pressure and cataracts, their use in inhalers and the type of steroid used minimises the amount of drug that affects the body outside the lungs. These drugs have been used for over 30 years. At recommended doses risk of bone changes or other side effects from inhaled steroids are minimal and less than the risk of uncontrolled asthma. Having said that, it is wise to minimise the dose of inhaled steroid to control asthma. Side effects in the throat may occur including hoarseness of the voice. These may be reduced by adding a spacer device. Tablets for asthma A variety of other drugs are available in tablet form for asthma treatment: generally these are added if symptoms persist despite inhaled steroids. Antileukotrienes These drugs block one
