Corticosteroids Inhalers for Respiratory Conditions

Corticosteroid inhalers are devices used to deliver corticosteroid medication directly to the lungs to reduce inflammation and manage respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.

Corticosteroids Inhalers FAQ

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What are inhaled corticosteroids?

Widely used inhaled corticosteroids include budesonide, fluticasone, beclomethasone, flunisolide, mometasone, and triamcinolone. Local adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids include dysphonia, oral candidiasis, reflex cough, and bronchospasm.

What are steroid inhalers used for?

Steroid inhalers, also called corticosteroid inhalers, are anti-inflammatory sprays or powders that you breathe in. They're mainly used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Steroid inhalers are only available on prescription. Common types include:

Which corticosteroids are used in the treatment of asthma?

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) used in the treatment of asthma include beclometasone, budesonide, ciclesonide, fluticasone, and mometasone. Note: for detailed prescribing information on inhaled corticosteroids, see the CKS topic on Corticosteroids - inhaled. People using prolonged high doses of inhaled corticosteroids.

How do inhaled steroids work?

How do they work? Inhaled steroids, or inhaled corticosteroids, are anti-inflammatory drugs that help treat breathing disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A person may inhale steroids with an inhaler.

Are inhaled corticosteroids the same as beclometasone?

Inhaled corticosteroids are also available as compound preparations containing long-acting beta-2 agonists. The various inhaled corticosteroids are similar in efficacy and adverse effect profile — however, Qvar and Kelhale products have extrafine particles and are twice as potent as other beclometasone inhalers.

What are the different types of corticosteroids?

Inhaled corticosteroids are delivered directly into the lungs (via a number of devices), which reduces systemic absorption and the risk of adverse effects compared with oral corticosteroids. Beclometasone dipropionate (aerosol inhaler and dry powder inhaler). Budesonide (dry powder inhaler and single-dose units for nebulization).