Abstract
ABSTRACT
Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective long-term treatment currently available for persistent asthma. Despite compelling evidence of their effectiveness, inhaled corticosteroids often are underused. One reason for "steroid phobia" is concern over possible systemic side effects, including growth suppression in children, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal–axis suppression, abnormal bone metabolism, and cataracts and glaucoma. Compared with orally administered corticosteroids, however, inhaled corticosteroids have a more favorable safety profile at the low or moderate doses needed to control airway inflammation in most patients. When symptoms are not adequately responsive to low or moderate doses, several key management strategies can help improve control, without increasing the dose of inhaled corticosteroid.
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