What should you know about low dose corticosteroid for asthma?

Asthma involves sensitive, inflamed airways that can narrow and produce symptoms such as wheeze, cough, chest tightness, or breathlessness. An inhaled corticosteroid delivers anti-inflammatory medicine to the airways and is commonly used as a controller treatment. It is different from a rapid-relief inhaler, which is used for sudden symptoms. A low dose does not mean treatment can be changed without advice: the right amount depends on symptoms, technique, triggers, other medicines, and the pattern of asthma over time.

Use the inhaler exactly as prescribed and ask a clinician or pharmacist to watch your technique. A spacer may be recommended for some inhalers. Rinse your mouth and spit after an inhaled corticosteroid if your clinician advises this, which can reduce local mouth and throat effects. Keep a record of symptoms, night waking, activity limitation, and reliever use so treatment can be reviewed. Do not stop a regular controller suddenly or increase it on your own. Corticosteroid information is broader than asthma care; injections such as Cortisone Injection are different treatments and should not be substituted for an asthma plan.

Arrange review if symptoms are becoming more frequent, waking you, limiting activity, or requiring more reliever medicine. Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking, blue or grey lips, confusion, exhaustion, or symptoms that rapidly worsen despite your reliever plan. Tell the clinician about repeated oral steroid courses, infections, vision changes, or unusual side effects.

Ask which inhaler is the controller, how many doses to take, how to use it, and when to review the plan. Ask what to do during a flare, whether a spacer is suitable, and which side effects should be reported.