What should you know about oral steroids for asthma?

These medicines work throughout the body rather than only inside the airways. A clinician may prescribe a short course when asthma symptoms are worsening despite the usual inhaler plan. They are different from a preventer inhaler, which is used regularly to reduce future inflammation. Do not stop a longer course suddenly without advice, because the body may need a gradual reduction.

Follow the dose, timing and length of treatment on the prescription. Take tablets with food if advised, and tell the prescriber about diabetes, stomach problems, mood conditions, infections or other medicines. Possible short-term effects include indigestion, sleep changes, mood changes and a raised blood glucose level. Keep using your inhalers as directed unless your clinician changes the plan, and record what triggered the flare.

Seek urgent help if breathing is rapidly worsening, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue or grey, or your reliever is not helping as directed. Arrange prompt review if symptoms return after the course, night waking continues, or you need reliever treatment more often. Wheezing, cough and chest tightness can all signal active asthma, but they can have other causes too.

Ask what the course is treating, when improvement should begin, whether the dose needs tapering, and how your daily inhaler plan should change after recovery. Ask how to recognise your personal warning signs and whether a written asthma action plan would help.