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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 29 No. 3 2006
Taking corticosteroids for asthma
Asthma is a common problem in Australia. If people with asthma get symptoms every week they may be given an inhaler to prevent the symptoms.
Many preventer inhalers contain medicines called corticosteroids. They reduce inflammation inside the lung. To keep the asthma away the person takes the preventer inhaler every day.
Once the person's asthma is stable, it may be possible to slowly reduce the dose. It is important to use the lowest dose that works because corticosteroids can have side effects. To avoid side effects such as throat infections, people are advised to gargle after using their inhaler.
Corticosteroids can slow the growth rate of children. This does not mean the children will be shorter than expected, but it is another reason for using the lowest effective dose.
