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Updated: May 6, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 5, 2010
Side effects of inhaled corticosteroids
1London Health Sciences Centre, University Of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4G5.
Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy is safer than other asthma drugs, but high doses can cause side effects. Use the lowest effective dose to minimize risks like eye problems and bone density loss.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a cornerstone of asthma management.
- Comparing ICS risks to other antiasthmatic medications is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety profile of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy in asthma patients.
- To identify potential risks associated with different doses of ICS and other asthma medications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical data on ICS and alternative asthma treatments.
- Analysis of reported side effects, including ocular, growth, and bone metabolism changes.
Main Results:
- ICS therapy demonstrates a lower risk of morbidity and mortality compared to prednisone, theophylline, and beta2-agonist bronchodilators.
- Serious side effects from ICS are rare but increase with higher daily doses.
- Ocular symptoms, reduced growth velocity, and potential bone metabolism changes (especially with high doses) require monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Minimizing ICS risk involves using the lowest effective daily dose for optimal asthma control.
- Prompt evaluation by an eye specialist is recommended for ocular symptoms during ICS therapy.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact of ICS on pediatric growth and bone density, and to develop specific guidelines for preventing bone loss.
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