08.07.2025
If you live with asthma and experience symptoms regularly, chances are
you’ve been prescribed corticosteroids—often in the form of an
inhaler. They’re some of the most effective medications in asthma
therapy but are often misunderstood or met with concern.
In this article, we explain how corticosteroids work, when they’re
used, and how to use them safely as part of your daily asthma care.
Not sure how asthma works inside the body? Start with
What Is Asthma? Causes, Symptoms & How to Take Control. To learn more about what might be making your symptoms worse, read
What Triggers Asthma Symptoms. For an overview of all medication types, check out
Asthma Medications & Inhalers – What Really Helps.
Better asthma control starts with better awareness.
With the Breathment app, you can log your
asthma symptoms
regularly: When they happen, how intense they are, and how
they change over time. These entries help you and your
healthcare team assess whether your corticosteroid treatment
is effective—or if it needs adjusting.
What Are Corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of a hormone called cortisol,
which your body produces naturally. They have strong anti-inflammatory
effects, which is essential in asthma treatment—since asthma is a
disease based on chronic inflammation of the airways.
How Corticosteroids Help with Asthma
-
Reduce inflammation:
The lining of your airways swells less
-
Decrease mucus production:
Less sticky mucus means clearer airflow
-
Prevent future flare-ups:
With regular use, you experience fewer symptoms
Important: corticosteroids are not meant to treat sudden asthma
attacks. They are
preventive medications, which means you take
them daily—even when you feel okay.
How Are They Taken?
In asthma care, corticosteroids are most commonly used as
inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). This means they go directly into
your lungs, where they’re needed, with minimal effects on the rest of
your body.
Common ICS medications include:
- Budesonide
- Beclomethasone
- Fluticasone
They come as sprays, dry powder inhalers, or as part of a combination
therapy.
In some cases—like during severe inflammation or asthma flare-ups—your
doctor may temporarily prescribe
oral corticosteroids. These
are effective but have a higher risk of side effects and should always
be used under supervision.
Are Corticosteroids Dangerous?
Many people worry about the side effects of corticosteroids,
especially because of what they’ve heard about pills. But
inhaled corticosteroids act
locally in the lungs and are
considered safe when used correctly.
Possible side effects may include:
- Hoarseness
-
Oral thrush (yeast infection) → rinse your mouth after use
-
In rare cases with long-term high doses: systemic effects (your
doctor will monitor this)
How Do You Know If It’s working?
Signs your corticosteroid treatment is effective:
-
You experience fewer asthma symptoms like coughing or shortness of
breath
-
You rely less on your rescue inhaler
-
You sleep through the night without asthma-related interruptions
-
Your peak flow readings (if measured) improve
Tracking your symptoms regularly—e.g., with the Breathment app—can
help you notice these changes more clearly.
Be Patient: The Effects Take Time
Inhaled corticosteroids don’t work instantly. Most people begin
to feel some improvement after 1–2 weeks, but full benefits can take
3–4 weeks or more.
So even if you feel better quickly,
don’t stop taking your medication
without medical advice.
Corticosteroids Are Often Part of a Combination Therapy
Many people with asthma use corticosteroids along with
long-acting bronchodilators, especially if their symptoms are
more severe. Whether this is necessary for you depends on your
personal asthma profile.
Want to learn more about combination therapy and inhalers? Check out
What Triggers Asthma Symptoms. And if you’re wondering how to make your home less irritating to
your lungs, visit
Why Your Home Environment Matters in Asthma Management.
