This page contains useful information and resources for anybody wondering about steroid tablets and asthma, including what they are and why they’re prescribed, the difference between steroid tablets and inhaled steroids, side effects, asthma control, and when and how to seek help if you’re concerned.
What are steroid tablets and why are they prescribed?
Steroid tablets (also known as oral corticosteroids) are an anti-inflammatory medicine prescribed for a wide range of conditions, including asthma and COPD. They are mainly used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
For asthma, steroid tablets treat the chronic inflammation of the airways that can cause a sudden flare-up. This inflammation is a swelling and irritation of the airways causing commonly known symptoms of asthma – coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Steroid tablets are an effective and inexpensive treatment for asthma and short courses are commonly used to treat asthma attacks. They are also sometimes prescribed as part of daily maintenance therapy for patients with severe asthma. However, they can be associated with significant side effects.
Steroid tablets should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Unnecessary use or over-use of the treatment can cause more harm to the patient than good.
Dr. Dermot Nolan (Tramore Medical Practice) gives an overview of steroid tablets in this short video:
Steroid tablets vs steroid inhalers
Oral corticosteroids (steroid tablets) are different to the inhaled corticosteroids (steroid inhalers) prescribed by your physician for regular use to keep your asthma under control. Oral corticosteroids come in tablet form and contain a different steroid to those in inhaled corticosteroids.
Steroid inhalers are an essential cornerstone of asthma maintenance therapy. They deliver the steroid directly to the breathing system of a person with asthma. They do not involve the risks associated with steroid tablets.
Steroid inhalers reduce the risk of asthma deaths, hospitalisation and asthma attacks requiring steroid tablets and usually have little or no side effects, if used correctly and as prescribed.
Potential side effects
There are potential adverse effects are associated with both short-term use and long-term use of steroid tablets.
Potential harmful side effects from short term use include:
- Sleep disturbance
- GORD (gastric reflux/heartburn)
- Appetite increase
- Hyperglycaemia
- Sepsis and increased risk of infection
- Mood changes
- A large population-based study has been associated with increased rates of thromboembolism and fracture within 30 days of oral corticosteroid initiation
Potential harmful side effects from prolonged or frequent use include:
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Adrenal suppression
- Osteoporosis
Colet Murphy tells us about her experience with steroid tablets (direct link):
Uncontrolled asthma
For most people, the prolonged use of steroid tablets can be a sign of uncontrolled asthma. Our recent survey of people with asthma in Ireland has shown worrying signs of potentially high levels of uncontrolled asthma. Take the one-minute quiz below to check your symptoms and whether you may need an asthma review.
Top tips
- Take your controller (or combined) inhaler medication every day - even when you feel well – and your reliever inhaler (if you have a separate one) when your symptoms flare.
- Try to maintain good hygiene habits in your household – regular handwashing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, disinfecting surfaces regularly and controlling the spread of cold and flus.
- Get the flu COVID-19 vaccines every year as advised.
- If you have needed even one course of steroid tablets two years in a row (or more) for your asthma, you could benefit from a review with your GP to update your Asthma Action Plan.
- Do not stop taking steroid tablets without talking to your doctor first as doing so could be dangerous.
Speak to an expert
We have a team of expert nurses ready to provide free advice and support if you have any questions or worries about your or your loved one’s asthma. The team can be contacted in the following ways:
- Asthma Adviceline: 1800 44 54 64
- WhatsApp message: 086 059 0132
- Request a call using this online form
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