In a recent study, it was remarked that older asthmatic women who are on inhaled steroids are less likely to die from any ailment over five years when compared to women not using any kinds of inhaled steroids.

Two recent studies from Canada suggested that inhaled steroid therapy has benefits beyond the lungs, as per Dr. Carlos A. Camargo Jr., from Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and colleagues.

From Reuter.com:

Their findings stem from 2,671 women with persistent asthma participating in the Nurses’ Health Study who responded to a 1998 supplementary asthma questionnaire. Fifty-four percent of these women reported inhaled steroid use in 1998.

Over the next five years, 87 women (3.3 percent) died. Twenty two women died of cardiovascular causes, 31 from cancer, and 34 died from “other” causes (including 4 from asthma).

According to Camargo and colleagues, use of inhaled steroid therapy at the outset, relative to non-use, was associated with a significant 42 percent reduced likelihood of dying from any cause and a 65 percent reduced likelihood of dying from a heart-related cause.

During the study, it was remarked that the apparent non-pulmonary benefits of inhaled steroids remained continue to stay strong after the researchers controlled for different factors that had the abilities to possibly influence the research results.

The above findings clearly suggested that benefits of an early inhaled steroid therapy in the long run have the unique ability to go much beyond asthma management in an effective manner.

Corticosteroids are known for its ability to reduce lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis. In fact, it treats many kinds of inflammation. These drugs help treat patients with fungus infection in the lungs by reducing the mucus and allowing them to breathe easier.

Corticosteroids can be given as a pill or liquid, as an injection, or with an inhaler. Oral corticosteroids are usually used for short periods of time because of its potential side effects, while inhaled forms can be used for long periods of time.

From WebMD:

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the lungs. They also decrease mucus and make it easier for the person to breathe. Corticosteroids can be given as a pill or liquid, as an injection, or with an inhaler. The kind of corticosteroid that will be prescribed depends on what symptoms are being treated.

They have been tested for use in treating lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis. At this time, they are recommended only for people who have significant shortness of breath and wheezing or an infection caused by a fungus (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis).

Corticosteroids are the most powerful medicines for reducing inflammation in the lungs. More research is needed to find out the specific benefits and potential harmful side effects for people who have cystic fibrosis.

Using a spacer can help you avoid the side effects of inhaled steroids. After using an inhaler, it is also important to rinse your mouth out with water and then to spit out the water. Swallowing the water will increase the chance that the medicine will get into your bloodstream, which may increase the side effects of the medicine.

Since inhaled corticosteroids are prescribed for prolonged medications, doctors advise patients to rinse their mouths after using the inhaler to avoid the medicine to get into the blood vessels and reduce side effects.