Asthma inhaler side effects

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Current asthma treatment is primarily directed at airway inflammation, and the use of topical inhaled steroids in the airways is a very effective method for controlling the chronic symptoms of asthma. However, if taken in large doses, unwanted side effects can still occur.

1. Asthma Treatment Methods

The main treatments for asthma are steroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs. These asthma medicines work to control asthma attacks and prevent them from coming back. Steroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs work by reducing inflammation, swelling, and mucus production in the airways of people with asthma, making the airways less inflamed and less likely to react to triggers. asthma and allows people to better control their condition. The main anti-inflammatory drugs for common asthma control are steroids or corticosteroids. Other anti-inflammatory treatments include leukotriene modifiers, anticholinergics, and immunomodulators.

2. Inhaled Corticosteroids

Inhaled steroids are the mainstay of treatment for controlling asthma attacks. The use of inhaled steroids is effective in reducing symptoms and reducing the likelihood of patients being hospitalized due to recurrence of the disease. Steroids can also help relieve asthma symptoms during pain, but are slow-acting and can take several hours to work. The dosage of inhaled steroids in asthma inhalers is not the same. Inhaled steroids need to be taken daily for best results. The effect of the drug can be demonstrated after 1 to 3 weeks of inhaled steroids and best results after 3 months of daily use.
Inhaled corticosteroids include:
Fluticasone (Flovent HFA). Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler). Mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler). Beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler). Ciclesonide (Alvesco).

In children, long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may slow a child's growth. However, the benefits of using these medicines to maintain good asthma control outweigh the risks.

3. Are asthma inhalers safe?

There are many types of inhaled steroids available by prescription. All of these steroids work similarly to oral steroids but with fewer side effects. However, the possibility of some of the more serious steroid-induced complications can occur when the dosage is increased. Among them, the steroid fluoride fluticasone (Flovent) and budesonide (Pulmicort) are the most powerful. It is important that it should be used at the lowest dose to optimize lung function and minimize symptoms.
Most steroid inhalers when prescribed in normal doses have unpredictable effects on the body. Some potential effects include suppression of the hypothalamus of the brain and adrenal glands. These glands are involved in the body's response to stress. To determine the effects of inhaled steroids on the body, we can measure the function of these glands. When their function is inhibited, many side effects from taking steroids can also occur. Inhaled steroids are a great medicine to treat asthma. However, it should be used sensibly and properly.

4. What are the side effects of inhaled steroids?

Inhaled steroids have few side effects, especially at low doses. However, some side effects can occur such as thrush, i.e. a yeast infection in the mouth, and hoarseness. Gargling after using an asthma inhaler and using a spacer device with a metering inhaler can help prevent these side effects. Thrush can be easily treated with prescription antifungal lozenges or mouthwash.
Inhaled steroids are safe for adults and children. It usually causes little or no side effects if used correctly and in normal doses. Some unwanted side effects may occur, including
Soreness of mouth or throat. Hoarseness or dry cough. Thrush - a fungal infection that causes white patches, redness, and pain in the mouth. Epistaxis. If we take high doses for a long time, we are also likely to get some of the side effects of steroid pills such as increased appetite, mood swings and trouble sleeping.

5. Coping with steroid inhaler side effects

The following tips can help reduce the side effects of steroid inhalers:
Use your inhaler exactly as directed or perhaps ask your doctor for further instructions on how to use it. Use an inhaler with a spacer, an empty plastic tube, or a container with a mouthpiece on one end and a hole for the inhaler on the other. Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out or brush your teeth after using the inhaler. The type and dose of asthma medication needed depends on your age, symptoms, severity of asthma, and side effects. Because asthma can change over time, work closely with your doctor to monitor your symptoms and adjust your asthma medication as needed.

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References: nhs.uk, webmd.com, asthma, mayoclinic.org