Corticosteroids and asthma: what should you know?

Asthma causes sensitive, inflamed airways that can narrow and produce wheezing, cough or chest tightness. Inhaled corticosteroids act mainly in the lungs to reduce this inflammation and lower the chance of symptoms. They are controller medicines, not a substitute for an urgent-relief plan during a severe attack.

Some people need a short course of oral corticosteroids during a significant flare. The choice depends on symptom pattern, lung function, triggers, age, other conditions and the treatments already used. Allergic Rhinitis or House Dust Mite Allergy can aggravate airway symptoms in some people.

Use the inhaled corticosteroid on the schedule prescribed, even when you feel well, and ask someone to check your technique. A spacer may improve delivery for some inhalers. Rinse your mouth and spit after use when advised, which can reduce local effects such as hoarseness or oral thrush.

Keep your reliever accessible and follow your written asthma action plan. Do not stop a regular corticosteroid suddenly or change the dose without clinical advice. Reduce avoidable triggers such as smoke and review persistent symptoms rather than repeatedly relying on rescue treatment.

Use your urgent asthma plan and seek emergency help if breathing is very difficult, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue, you become drowsy or the reliever is not helping. Arrange a prompt review for frequent night symptoms, increasing wheezing, repeated flare-ups or needing more reliever medicine than advised.

Ask which inhaler is the controller, how to use it with a spacer, when to rinse your mouth, how to recognise a flare and whether your action plan needs updating. Discuss hoarseness, thrush, repeated oral courses and any concerns about long-term treatment.