Steroids in Asthma Medicine

Inhaled corticosteroids remain an effective treatment for gaining and maintaining control of asthma. These are not the same as anabolic steroids misused by some sportspeople.

The use of inhaled corticosteroids has been associated with lower asthma mortality rates and a reduced need for hospitalisation, as well as an improvement in quality of life for children and adults with asthma.

The key goal of asthma management with inhaled corticosteroids is to achieve the best possible level of asthma control with the lowest effective dose. The dose needed to gain control of asthma should be dependent on the severity of the underlying disease. Importantly, the dose should then be reduced as necessary to maintain symptom control.

Regular review with your doctor is important to ensure the effective management of your asthma symptoms.

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