The incidence of asthma is on the rise, particularly among young children. The reason for this increase in asthma cases isn’t completely clear, although it appears to be related to the fact that children are growing up in “cleaner” environments where they aren’t exposed to as many environmental challenges. Some studies show that children raised in this type of setting may have a higher risk of developing the disease. None the less, asthma exacts a toll on its victims in the form of lost hours from school and work and in, some cases, even death. One medication that’s revolutionized the treatment of asthma is the use of steroid based inhalers. What are the effects of inhaled steroids and why are they so important for the treatment of asthma?

What Are the Effects of Inhaled Steroids?

Inhaled steroids help to decrease inflammation in the airways. When this inflammation is allowed to go unchecked, the lung passages become swollen and clogged with mucous which makes breathing difficult. This can lead to the characteristic wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath so common with asthma. To get the effects of inhaled steroids, they have to be used on a daily basis. Inhaled steroids won’t stop an asthma attack that’s already in progress.

Are They Dangerous?

Many people with asthma are concerned about the effects of inhaled steroids, particularly the idea that they can get into the bloodstream and cause serious side effects. At normal conventional doses, little systemic absorption of inhaled steroids occurs, although there is a higher risk of yeast infection in the mouth. This can usually be prevented by thoroughly rinsing the mouth after each use of the inhaler. Inhaled steroids can also cause throat irritation and hoarseness in some cases.
The Positives

The good news is studies have shown that using inhaled steroids for severe asthma cuts the risk of dying of an asthma attack by half. This is of particular importance since there are around five thousand deaths each year from childhood asthma alone. Inhaled steroids are one of the only asthma treatments to show this dramatic drop in mortality.

The Bottom Line

Of course the pros and cons of using inhaled steroids should always be discussed with a doctor who’s well versed in asthma treatment. Inhaled steroids may not be needed in very mild cases of asthma. In cases where asthma symptoms are more severe, they can be a life saver. When asthma is severe, the benefits of using a steroid inhaler almost always outweigh the risks. The best solution is to discuss any concerns with your doctor.