Steroid Facts

• Your body makes and uses steroids everyday.
  
  
• Steroid medicines (corticosteroids) are like the body's steroids.
  
  
• They are NOT like the steroids that athletes may abuse.
  
  
• Inhaled steroid medicines are allowed for use in sports, even in the Olympics.
  
  
• Steroids can be pills, syrups, injections, creams or inhaled medicines.
  
  
• Steroids are used for conditions like asthma, rhinitis* and eczema**. They prevent or heal airway swelling and irritation.
  
  
• Oral steroids (pills or liquid) may be needed to treat asthma attacks.
  
  
• Oral steroids are much stronger and work faster than inhaled steroids.
  
  * Rhinitis is inflammation in the nose.
  ** Eczema is a skin rash.
  
  

Benefits of Inhaled Steroids

• For asthma, steroids prevent or decrease swelling and extra mucous in the airways. They keep the airways open and less "twitchy".
  
  
• Because they are inhaled into the lungs, only small doses of steroids are needed.
  
  
• Inhaled steroids take a few days to begin working but can be used safely for years, if needed.
  
  
• Using inhaled steroids may prevent permanent airway damage.
  
  

Risks of Inhaled Steroids

• Rarely, children on steroids get a hoarse voice, or a yeast infection in the throat called "thrush".
  
  
• In some children there may be a small short-term effect on growth.
  
  
• Final adult growth is not affected by inhaled steroids but, poor asthma control can affect growth.
  
  

Examples of Inhaled Steroids

• beclomethasone:
  
  Vanceril ®
  QVAR ® (3M)
  
  
• budesonide:
  
  Pulmicort ®
  
  
• fluticasone:
  
  FloVent ®
  Advair ® / Seritide ® (contains FloVent ® and Serevent ®)
  
  

Instructions for Use of Inhaled Steroids for Asthma

• If using a metered dose inhaler (MDI or puffer) always use a spacer device.
  
  
• Gargle with water and spit or take a drink after inhaling the steroids.
  
  
• Do not stop inhaled steroids without your doctor's advice. Follow your Asthma Action Plan.
  
  
• At least twice a year, review how to use your inhaler with your doctor, pharmacist or asthma educator.
  
  
• Review your Action Plan with your doctor at each office visit.
  
  
• Talk with your doctor about any concerns.