Yes, steroid inhalers can potentially damage lungs when used for a long period of time. Inhaled corticosteroids act directly on the lungs to reduce inflammation, which can improve breathing for those with asthma or COPD.
However, when used for a long time there can be side effects such as increased risk of infection, increased risk of pneumonia, increased susceptibility to thrush, increased risk of glaucoma and/or cataracts, or voice hoarseness.
If any of these side effects occur, the dose may be reduced or the frequency of using the inhaler may need to be lowered. Overuse of steroid inhalers may also suppress the body’s natural production of cortisol, which can be dangerous.
Therefore, it is important to discuss with a doctor the risks and benefits of using a steroid inhaler and to schedule regular follow-up exams while using one.
Can using a steroid inhaler be harmful?
Yes, using a steroid inhaler can be harmful, as with any drug or medication. Common side effects of steroid inhalers include a sore throat, hoarseness and oral thrush, which is an infection of the mouth and throat caused by yeast.
People may also experience dry mouth, headache, fatigue, nosebleeds, dizziness, insomnia, and changes in mood or behavior. Long-term use of steroid inhalers may lead to a decreased response to the medication, as well as weakened bones, reduced muscle mass, and decreased immunity.
It is important to speak with a doctor before starting any medication to determine the best course of action.
What are the long-term effects of steroid inhaler?
Long-term effects of steroid inhaler use vary from person to person and depend on the type, dose and length of treatment. As steroids are natural, there are few of the unwanted side effects associated with long-term use that can occur with other medications.
However, some long-term effects can include the thinning of bones (osteoporosis), fluid retention, increased risk of eye infections and delayed growth in children. Additionally, some people may experience irritability, mood swings, and restlessness on long-term use of steroids.
It is also possible that the inhaler itself may cause irritation or damage to your throat, larynx, bronchi or lungs over time.
For most people, potential side effects can be limited through proper use and monitoring of the steroid inhaler. It is important to always follow the doctor’s guidelines and take regular breaks from usage to help reduce the risk of long-term side-effects.
How long can you use steroid inhaler?
The duration of using a steroid inhaler will depend on the type and strength of the inhaler prescribed by a doctor and the condition being treated. Generally, inhalers are prescribed for short courses of between 5-14 days, although some types of inhalers (such as “controller” inhalers) may be used longer-term, usually over a few weeks or months.
For more severe conditions, an inhaler may be used long-term (up to a year or more).
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and use the inhaler as prescribed, as stopping an inhaler suddenly can cause the condition to worsen. If you have any questions, it is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Do steroid inhalers weaken the immune system?
No, steroid inhalers typically do not weaken the immune system. In fact, they can actually have the opposite effect and help to improve your immune system’s response. Steroid inhalers — also known as corticosteroid inhalers — work by decreasing inflammation, which can help reduce the body’s response to allergens and other irritants that can trigger an asthma attack.
By helping to reduce the effect of allergens and irritants, steroid inhalers can help to reduce the overreaction of your immune system, allowing it to focus on pathogens and viruses that can harm your health.
While steroid inhalers can, in some cases, have a mild immunosuppressive effect, the amount of steroids used in inhalers is very low and is not believed to be associated with any significant weakening of the immune system.
However, concurrent use of high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy, like prednisone, can potentially weaken the immune system. To prevent this, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when using steroid inhalers and, in some cases, your doctor may suggest using an alternative, non-steroidal, form of asthma treatment.
What are the most common side effects of long-term inhaled steroid use?
The most common side effects of long-term inhaled steroid use include coughing, throat irritation, mouth and throat infections, hoarseness, and asthma symptoms. Other potential side effects that can occur with inhaled steroids include headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, decreased appetite, and increased risk of developing glaucoma or cataracts.
Long-term use of inhaled steroids can also affect the immunity of the user, potentially leading to a greater risk of respiratory infections. Inhaled steroids can also interact with certain other medications, increasing the risk of side effects.
In some cases, frequent use of inhaled steroids over long periods of time may lead to changes in the patient’s hormone levels, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, episodes of confusion, and menstruation irregularities.
Inhaled steroids should always be used with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.
When should I stop taking steroid inhaler?
When it comes to deciding when it is appropriate to stop taking your steroid inhaler, you should always consult with your doctor. Generally, if you are taking your steroid inhaler to treat asthma or other respiratory conditions, your doctor may advise that you continue taking it as prescribed, even if your symptoms improve.
It is often recommended that patients taper off their use rather than stopping abruptly. Furthermore, your doctor will likely emphasize the importance of continuing to take preventive medications as well as your steroid inhaler.
In addition to consulting with your doctor, other factors such as your age, the dosage of your steroid inhaler, and your activity level can all influence how often you should take your steroid inhaler.
Your doctor is the best source of advice for when it is appropriate to stop taking your steroid inhaler. Ultimately, it is important to monitor your symptoms and discuss any changes with your doctor.
Can you take steroids all the time for COPD?
No, you should not take steroids all the time for COPD. Steroids are powerful medications that can be extremely helpful in managing symptoms of COPD, but they should only be taken as needed and for a short period of time.
Taking steroids for a long period of time can cause significant side effects and weaken your body’s natural defenses, making you more vulnerable to infections and other illness. Furthermore, long-term steroid use can lead to weight gain, increased thirst and urination, difficulty sleeping, and mood changes.
COPD is a progressive disease and many people need more and more steroids over time. It is important to talk to your doctor about the best long-term treatment plan that works for you. The goal is to find the lowest possible dose while still controlling your symptoms.
Your doctor may recommend a combination of medications, such as bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, antibiotics, or other treatments to reduce your need for long-term steroid use.
Why do doctors prescribe steroids for breathing?
Doctors may prescribe steroids for breathing issues because steroids can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the airways that can lead to shortness of breath. In some cases, steroids are used to reduce the severity of an asthma attack or treat other types of respiratory illnesses.
They are often prescribed with other medications such as bronchodilators that can help to open up the airways and reduce the symptoms of breathing issues. Other types of medications may also be prescribed to treat underlying conditions such as allergies or infection that could be contributing to the breathing issues.
Steroids can also help to make breathing easier by reducing the amount of mucus that builds up in the airways. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, the steroids may be taken orally or a nebulizer can be used to deliver a mist version of the steroid for direct inhalation into the lungs.