Steroid Inhaler - Long-term Respiratory Care

A steroid inhaler is a type of inhaler that delivers corticosteroids directly to the lungs to reduce inflammation and swelling. It is used long-term to control and prevent symptoms of asthma and COPD.
Category
Device
Where to get
Prescription required, available at pharmacies
Corticosteroids
Anti-inflammatory medication
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Steroid Inhaler FAQ


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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:

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.

Do steroid inhalers help with asthma?

Steroid inhalers are usually prescribed to people with asthma. They’re also prescribed to some people with COPD who get regular flare-ups, particularly when COPD has asthma-like features, or if they have asthma alongside their COPD. They help by preventing your symptoms.

Do all inhaled medications contain steroids?

Not all inhaled medications contain steroids. They’re used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These steroids are hormones that are produced naturally in the body. They’re not the same as anabolic steroids, which some people use to build muscle.

What are inhaled steroids?

Inhaled steroids are treatments for breathing disorders. There are several advantages to inhaling steroids, rather than taking them by mouth. Inhalation allows high levels of the drugs to reach the airways and low levels to reach the rest of the body. Taken orally, steroids have more wide-ranging effects.

Steroid Inhaler References

If you want to know more about Steroid Inhaler, consider exploring links below:

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