Steroids for COPD

Steroids for COPD

Oral steroids

You’ll typically use steroids in pill or liquid form for a moderate or serious flare-up, also known as an Acute Exacerbation.

These fast-acting oral medications are usually prescribed for short-term use, often five to seven days. Your dose will depend on the severity of your symptoms, the strength of the particular medicine, and other factors.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of conditions that affect how well a person breathes. Doctors usually treat the condition with bronchodilators but may also prescribe steroids.

Risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include cigarette smoking or exposure to irritants, such as chemicals or pollution. These factors can damage the air sacs and airways in the lungs.

There is no cure for COPD, so treatments typically aim to improve a person's quality of life and prevent the condition from getting worse.

When bronchodilators cannot control the condition, a doctor may prescribe steroid, or corticosteroid, treatments. These are medications that can reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

While steroids are available as tablets, inhaled steroids are also available. This article will explore the research behind using steroids as a treatment for COPD, including how they work and the possible risks.

For example, the adult dose of prednisone may be anywhere from 5 to 60 milligrams (mg) daily.

Prescription medication and other treatment decisions should always be made on an individual basis.

Among the more commonly prescribed oral steroids for COPD are:

• Prednisone (Prednisone Intensol, Rayos)
• Hydrocortisone (Cortef)
• Prednisolone (Prelone)
• Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
• Dexamethasone (Dexamethasone Intensol)

Prednisone and prednisolone are considered off-label drugs for treating COPD.

Benefits

Studies show oral steroids often help you start to breathe easier very quickly.

They’re also usually prescribed for short-term use. This makes you less likely to experience complications associated with long-term use of the medication.

Side effects

Side effects from short-term use of steroids are usually minor, if they occur at all. They include:

• Water retention
• Swelling, usually in your hands and feet
• Increase in blood pressure
• Mood swings

Prolonged use of these medications may raise your risk of:

• Diabetes
• Cataracts
• Osteoporosis, or bone density loss
• Infection