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 corticosteroids 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:	Budesonide:	Beclomethasone	Ciclesonide
FloVent ® Advair® (contains Flovent® & Serevent® )	Pulmicort® Symbicort® (contains Pulmicort® & Oxeze® )	QVAR®	Alvesco®

 

Instruction for Use of Inhaled Steroids for Asthma

• It is important to know how to use your inhaler properly. Review how to use your inhaler with your doctor, asthma educator or pharmacist.
• Using a spacer device will help 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:

"Take your Controller medicine to keep asthma under control!"

The Children's Allergy & Asthma Education Centre © 2011