Are steroid tablets safe?

[freezingspark]

My doctor has given me tablet steroids to take becuase I had a really bad asthma attack but i don't like the idea of taking steroids in this form. Is it safer than inhalers?

[SuperSnapper]

Doctors usually give me steroids when I have a chest infection - combined with asthma that's not good. The steroids are given in this case for a few days and the dosage tapered off. Combined with antibiotics , they are very effective and certainly my inhalers do not work as well when I have an infection. After a few days of steroids, I feel much better and can revert back to my normal inhalers. Hope you feel better soon.

[freezingspark in reply to SuperSnapper]

Thanks, i feel better already! I think it was the change in weather that was a bit of a shock to the system

[EmmaF91]

In the short term steroids are quite safe - most of the bad side effect only affect those on them frequently or long term.

The idea behind steroids is that it lowers the overactive immune response/swelling that occurs in asthma (among other conditions).

If you’ve had an attack your are more likely to have another within the next 2 weeks, and taking a short course of steroids drastically reduces this possibility, hence why they are prescribed after attacks, or during bad flare ups caused by illness etc.

Inhalers are technically safer, however the steroid in them is less effective than in tablets, because of the quantity in them and because of how it’s absorbed (through the lungs vs the stomach).

I hope that helps and that you start to feel better soon x

[Putnam Asthma Captain in reply to EmmaF91]

Perfect.

[freezingspark in reply to EmmaF91]

Thanks for all the info, that makes so much sense. I think i was worrying about the strength of the tablets but it is only a short length of time so guess it is fine. And it has really helped

[EmmaF91 in reply to freezingspark]

I’m glad that their helping and that hopefully you’re starting to feel better x

[Minushabens Asthma Captain]

As others have said, if it's just a short course then you should have minimal trouble with them. They are a proven tool for bringing asthma attacks under control & although they aren't free of side-effects over a short period, you will probably gain far more benefit from them I'd imagine.

Longer-term, they can be more problematic. I have been on them permanently for a while now, & get side-effects such as swelling, bruising, etc. However, they improve my breathing without a doubt, so it's a trade-off that I accept I have to make.

Good luck & I'm sure you'll be well & off them soon.

[freezingspark in reply to Minushabens]

Thanks for replying, its defintely helping so far

[rvstitcher]

They work better than inhaled. I call them my miracle pills. Yes they can have side effects but so can not breathing. Short term is usually just fine. You say you're having a really bad attack. So you must need them. Once under control you can be weaned off (don't stop taking them suddenly) & go back to inhaled steroids. Best wishes for easy breathing.☺

[freezingspark in reply to rvstitcher]

Haha definitely understand the side effects of not breathing thanks for replyinh

[Wheezy29]

Steroids are diffinately safe. They are used to reduce inflammation. They are used only when needed. Be sure to follow instructions