Tinnitus and high dose inhaled steroids

[Wimple]

Does anyone know of research into high dose inhaled steroids and tinnitus. I have heard anecdotal evidence from people with asthma, but haven’t found anything online. I’d be interested because my tinnitus came on very suddenly and coincided with a change to higher dose steroid inhaler.

Thank you!

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

Used as directed, there shouldn't be major issues in taking steroid inhalers for asthma - they should help, rather than hinder, the parts of the respiratory system which may be related to tinnitus perception.

The anecdotal reports that we receive about steroids and tinnitus at the charity seem to relate exclusively to medications being used in excess of a recommended dosage or expressing a lack of knowledge about proper usage. The latter is something to pick up with a pharmacist or GP surgery, as difficult as that might be at the moment under NHS constraints.

For general advice on asthma, I would always recommend Asthma + Lung UK as a good resource: asthmaandlung.org.uk/

[Wimple in reply to TinnitusUKPat]

Thanks for your reply. Lack of understanding of correct dosage and /or technique is not an issue for me, but I appreciate your interest.

[Osiris888 in reply to Wimple]

There is definitely a relationship between an inhaler with corticosteroid and tinnitus. Corticosteroids may cause hypertension, which may lead to tinnitus. There is a lot of research on this on the web. I believe that is what is causing my tinnitus. Because of the corticosteroid, I have trouble sleeping as it causes a ‘fight or flight’ reaction in the body. I would try Montelukast for asthma, but with the advice of your doctor.

[Wimple in reply to Osiris888]

Thank you Osiris888! If you have any web links to research I’d be really grateful if you could post it here. Sorry to hear you’re having trouble sleeping and hope you find medication that works for you.