Steroid Facts

· Steroids are hormones that your body makes and uses every day. 

· Steroids used to treat asthma are called corticosteroids. 

· These steroids are not the same as those banned for athletes.  

· The International Olympic Committee approves the use of corticosteriods when prescribed by a doctor to treat asthma. 

· Corticosteroids can be pills, syrups, creams, or can be given by  needle.  Most often they are inhaled into the lungs.

· Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are used for asthma and allergic rhinitis*.  Corticosteroid creams are used to treat eczema**.      

· Oral corticosteroids (eg. Pediapred,^® Prednisone^®) may be needed to treat severe asthma attacks. 

· If needed, oral corticosteroids should only be used for a few days.

*     Rhinitis is inflammation in the nose.                

**    Eczema is a skin rash. 

Benefits of Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)

· Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) used to treat asthma are called Controller medicine. 

· For asthma, ICS work on the inside of the airways to decrease swelling and mucous. 

· ICS are usually the best medicine to control asthma long term. 

· ICS go directly to the lungs, so only small doses of steroids are needed. 

· ICS take a few days to start working. It may take a few weeks before the airway swelling is decreased.

· If needed ICS can be used safely for years.         

Risks of Inhaled Corticosteroids

· At low doses, side effects are rare. 

· In a few children ICS may cause a hoarse voice or yeast infection in the mouth or throat called "thrush".

· In some children, there may be a short term effect on growth (height).

· For most children, height is not affected by normal doses of ICS.

· Poor asthma control will also affect growth.

Examples of Inhaled Steroids       

fluticasone:

·    FloVent ^®                                     

·    Advair^®  (contains Flovent^® & Serevent^® )          

budesonide:

·   Pulmicort^®

·   Symbicort^®  (contains Pulmicort^® & Oxeze^® )          

beclomethasone:

·  QVAR^®  

ciclesonide:

·  Alvesco^®  

Instruction for Use of Inhaled Steroids for Asthma 

· It is important to know how to use your inhaler properly.  Every chance review how to use your inhaler with your doctor, asthma educator or pharmacist. 

· Always use a spacer device with a puffer to prevent thrush and allow more medicine to reach the lungs.

· Gargle with water and spit or take a drink after inhaling the corticosteroids to prevent thrush.  

· Do not stop inhaled corticosteroids without your doctor’s advice. 

· Follow your Asthma Action Plan.  Review your plan with your doctor at least twice a year. 

Asthma Allie Says:  "Follow Your Asthma Action Plan!"