This article explains about using Prednisone steroid to treat asthma, how does prednisone work, how long does it take to take prednisone, are prednisone and other oral steroids safe, what are the side effects of prednisone and other steroids and much more.
Prednisone and Asthma
Steroids (anti-inflammatory medications), such as prednisone, can be used to treat asthma and other lung diseases. Prednisone and other steroids (inhalation, oral, injection) reduce inflammation.
If at least once you have had a serious asthma attack, you may need a large dose of steroids injected into the body through an injection in the hospital. In severe asthma attacks, the benefits of steroids are greater than their side effects.
What is Prednisone?
Prednisone is an oral steroid drug. If you have a severe exacerbation of asthma symptoms (asthma attack), your doctor may prescribe a small course of oral steroids, such as prednisone.
How does prednisone work?
Oral prednisone is a systemic steroid. This means that after taking prednisone through the mouth (orally), it enters directly into the bloodstream, in contrast to inhalation steroids (anti-inflammatory inhalers) that enter immediately into the lungs.
Prednisone and other systemic steroids can be used to treat asthma attacks and restore control of the disease. Steroids are used together with other drugs to stop a sudden asthma attack, and for long-term treatment of difficult-controlled asthma.
How long does it take to take prednisone?
[caption id="attachment_372" align="aligncenter" width="366"]
Prednisone and Asthma[/caption]Sometimes systemic steroids, such as prednisone, are taken in large doses for several days. This is called a "steroid splash". In addition, steroids can be taken in small doses daily or every other day for a long time.
Prednisone is the only systemic steroid used to treat asthma?
Systemic steroids that are used in the treatment of asthma include:
- Medrol, Methylpred, Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone)
- Deltasone (prednisone)
- Prelone, Pediapred, Orapred (prednisolone)
- Decadron (dexamethasone)
Are prednisone and other oral steroids safe?
A two-week course of "steroid splash" of oral steroids is relatively safe, but it is very important to avoid long-term steroid treatment since they have serious side effects. Taking calcium during this period will help prevent osteoporosis or loss of bone mass, which is a side effect of long-term use of steroids.
What if I need to take prednisone often?
If you need to take steroids often as a "rescue therapy", this indicates uncontrolled inflammatory processes in the airways or continued contact with the allergen. In this case, consult with your doctor about the possible use of inhaled anti-inflammatory drugs.
What are the side effects of prednisone and other steroids?
Steroids have many potential side effects, especially when taken orally for a long time. Side effects with a short course of taking steroids include:
- Set of excess weight
- High blood pressure
- Increased blood sugar
Side effects with long-term use of steroids include:
- Diabetes
- Cataract of the eye
- Osteoporosis
- Weakness of muscles
When does asthma use inhaled steroids?
It has been proven that anti-inflammatory inhalers are the best way to treat asthma. Recent studies have confirmed the need to use anti-inflammatory inhalers in the early stages of the disease. Having started using inhaled steroids, the need for oral steroids, such as prednisone, decreases with time.
Unlike the serious side effects of oral steroids, the most common side effects of inhaled steroids are hoarseness and mycosis of the oral cavity, especially characteristic of the elderly. After using an inhaled steroid, do not forget to rinse your mouth thoroughly. Rinsing with water after inhalation will help to avoid mycosis of the oral cavity.