Inhaled Corticosteroids: Benefits and Risks

Abstract

Airway diseases, mainly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), are frequently treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). ICS are considered as the cornerstone of asthma management, however, in COPD the picture is different and ICS are indicated in special circumstances. The benefits of ICS are well documented in controlling disease symptomatology. But, still there are side effects of using ICS, especially the risk of pneumonia and bacterial colonization of the airways. In this chapter, I will explore the change in the use of ICS in asthma and COPD, the indications of ICS, the benefits of ICS and its drawbacks, and how we could modify our practice in order to avoid the side effects of ICS.