Steroids are known as corticosteroids and anabolic steroids. There is a difference between corticosteroids and anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids decrease the amount of mucus produced within the lungs and also cause a reduction of swelling in the airway. Anabolic steroids are similar to the male hormone testosterone in that they are used illegally by athletes to produce a larger muscle mass and increase endurance along with strength. Corticosteroids often are used in the treatment of asthma, but they can cause problems if taken for long periods.
Prednisone
Prednisone is a corticosteroid in tablet form---sold as Deltasone---that aids in treating the inflammation within the lining of the lungs. When an asthma attack is severe, a high dose of prednisone can be started that gradually will be decreased over the course of treatment. For example, prednisone may start at 60 mg and then go down to 40 mg, then 20mg. When an asthma attack is not severe but wheezing is not controlled by an inhaler, then 20 mg to 30 mg may be used. According to RxList.com, dosing can range from 5 mg to 60 mg but should be based on the person and the specific condition being treated. Prednisone is tapered, which means the dose is decreased over a period of days decided by your physician.
Prednisone may produce such side effects as decreases in vision or blurry vision, mental confusion, restlessness, auditory hallucinations, excitement, visual hallucinations, severe mood swings, sensory hallucinations, an irregular heartbeat, depression, nausea, insomnia and bodily weakness.
Dexamethasone
Decadron is a brand name for dexamethasone, another corticosteroid that may be used to treat asthma. It may be prescribed in doses from 0.75 mg to 9 mg per day, according to RxList.com. It is used to control asthma when more traditional medications, such as inhalers, aren't as effective as needed.
It may cause side effects that include slowed heartbeat, acne, cardiac arrest, increased sweating, hair or skin thinning, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, circulatory collapse, inflammation of the blood vessels, weakness in the muscles, depression and convulsions.
Medrol
Medrol is the brand name for methylprednisolone, another corticosteroid that may be prescribed to treat asthma. Medrol may be prescribed in doses of 4 mg to 48 mg per day, depending on the condition being treated, according to RxList.com. Like Decadron, Medrol generally is prescribed when other asthma medications are not sufficient to control attacks.
It may cause such side effects as congestive heart failure, weakness in the muscles, a decrease in muscle mass, osteoporosis, vertigo, convulsions, high blood pressure or hypertension, impairment of the healing of wounds and glaucoma.
