Corticosteroids, or more correctly “inhaled corticosteroids”, are medications that reduce inflammation (redness and swelling) of the bronchial tubes, or “airways”, of the lungs. Thus they reduce and prevent narrowing down of the bronchial tubes, making it easier for air to flow through. Thus corticosteroids aid in breathing and are used for treatment of asthma.

Inhaled corticosteroids are used to alleviate mild, moderate and severe symptoms of asthma, such as coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing and chest tightness. They can be used by adults as well as children. As the name suggests, these corticosteroids are taken through inhalers (metered-dose or dry powder). Using an inhaler makes sure that most of the corticosteroids reach the airways directly, where they reduce the inflammation. This means that only tiny amounts of them are absorbed by other body organs, muscles or bones, curbing their side-effects.

Inhaled corticosteroids should be used daily for controlling asthma in the long run. With regular use, asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath, alleviate. The lungs also start to function well.

Here are the most common types of corticosteroids than can be used for asthma treatment:
1. beclomethasone (found in QVAR)
2. budesonide (in Pulmicort Flexhaler, Pulmicort Respules)
3. ciclesonide (in Alvesco)
4. flunisolide (in AeroBid)
5. fluticasone (in Flovent)
6. mometasone (in Asmanex Twisthaler)
7. triamcinolone (in Azmacort)