Inhaled corticosteroids
Reduce inflammation in the airways, making them less reactive over time.
Why it gets prescribed
The maintenance part of asthma treatment and some lung conditions — the effect builds rather than being immediate.
What to watch for
Hoarseness or oral thrush are common; rinsing the mouth after use reduces the chance.
Stopping — read this before you stop anything
The most commonly abandoned group, because there is no immediate effect. Stopping it is a common reason severe attacks return — any reduction is a conversation with whoever follows you.
Tell the prescriber and the pharmacist
Mention this when asked whether you take steroids — many people say no because they do not count an inhaler.
Worth asking
- How long must I use it regularly
- What should I do after each dose
- When will this be reviewed