[The endocrinologist's viewpoint on the long-term treatment of asthma with steroids]

The function of the pituitary-adrenal axis and the pathophysiology of iatrogenic hypercorticism with its clinical manifestations are described. The pathophysiology and clinical presentation of acute adrenal failure after withdrawal of steroid medication are also described. What the attitude of the physician confronted with the decision of giving steroids to an asthmatic patient should be is analysed, as well as the ways to administer steroid drugs in order to avoid as much as possible unwanted secondary effects.