Steroid Treatment for Lung Disease
Corticosteroids, commonly called steroids, are medicines that are used for many different medical conditions to help reduce and control inflammation. Steroids are similar to cortisone, a hormone which is produced in the body by the adrenal glands and is essential to the body for fighting injury, infection and other diseases.
Steroids act against inflammation and are used to help control many different inflammatory diseases, among them asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD) and other chronic lung diseases. They may also be used to treat inflammation in the bowel (colitis), in the joints (arthritis) and in the skin (dermatitis).
Corticosteroids used to treat medical conditions are different than a class of steroids called anabolic steroids, a manufactured form of the male hormone testosterone, which have been misused and abused by athletes to enhance performance.
Your RWJBarnabas Health primary care physician or pulmonologist will determine if corticosteroids are right for you.
Types of Steroids
Steroids for lung treatment are available in many different forms. The most common type prescribed for lung conditions is in the form of a mouth or nasal spray inhaler. Other forms of corticosteroids for different conditions or an ongoing infection include:
- Tablets (oral steroids)
- Injections
- Topical steroids – lotions, gels or creams
- Steroid suppositories
Why Use Steroids for Lung Conditions?
Inhaled steroids have broad anti-inflammatory effects. They can improve lung function, treat symptoms and flare-ups, and improve quality of life by addressing inflammation in the airways and lungs. When inhaled, the medication stays within the lungs, limiting the side effects typically caused by steroids in other forms.
Lung Conditions Treated With Corticosteroids
Asthma, caused by inflammation of the air passages, is the main lung condition where steroids are used. Regular daily use of inhaled steroids is very effective for preventing asthma symptoms and flare-ups. Steroid medication eases the symptoms created by the swelling and narrowing of the airways to help you breathe better.
Inflammation is also present in the lungs of people with COPD, where it causes swelling and narrowing of the airways and increases mucus production. Inhaled steroids may be used as a regular daily treatment to help prevent flare-ups in people with severe COPD.
The inhaled medication must reach the small air passages in the lungs to be effective which requires the correct use of the inhaler. A health care professional can help and advise you on the correct method for using an inhaler. It is important to note that corticosteroids do not cure asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions, or alter the progression of disease, but can help improve lung function, limit flare-ups, and reduce respiratory symptoms.
Benefits of Using Steroids
Steroids are used to reduce swelling and mucus in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Steroids for people with asthma and COPD are most often inhaled, delivering the medicine directly to the lungs for the best effectiveness and with the least side effects. Oral steroids in pill form are also an option. Oral steroids might be prescribed for treating more severe respiratory symptoms.
Your doctor will determine the best option and dosage of steroid based on your symptoms.
Side Effects of Steroids
Steroids are powerful medications that can sometimes have side effects. The risk of experiencing side effects depends on the type of steroid, the dose, the delivery (inhaled vs. oral), length of treatment and your age.
Inhaled steroids taken with an inhaler rarely cause serious or long-term side effects. The most common side effects include:
- Thrush (a yeast infection of the mouth)
- Cough
- Hoarseness
Oral steroids tend to deliver a larger dose than inhaled corticosteroids, so the side effects can be more pronounced, including:
- Weight gain
- High blood sugar levels
- Osteoporosis (weakening of the bones)
Your primary care provider or pulmonologist should discuss any side effects that may be expected while taking steroids.
Make an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with asthma or COPD and wonder if steriods are the right choice for you, make an appointment to speak to an RJWBarnabas Health lung specialist today.