Prednisone is a type of man-made steroid, that fall in the drug class called corticosteroids. Prednisone stops the discharge of substances within the body that may cause inflammation. It is used to treat severe allergic reactions; certain types of arthritis; multiple sclerosis (a disease that prevents the normal functioning capabilities of the nerves), and certain conditions that affect the skin, eyes, lungs, thyroid, kidneys blood, stomach, and intestines. It has been used in the treatment of cancer. It is also one of the most common treatments for asthma.

Asthma is caused by the inflammation of the lining of the airways in the lungs. Prednisone is a systemic steroid which goes straight to the bloodstream and suppresses inflammation. It can treat both sudden, severe asthma attacks as well as help manage long term asthma.

Prednisone has several side effects, ranging from mild to very severe. Some of the milder effects are weight gain, fluid retention, high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar. These effects are seen during short term use of prednisone. If prednisone is taken over a long time, the side effects can be more serious, such as suppression of growth, diabetes, bone thinning and muscle weakness.

Since it is a steroid, it is recommended that it is used for as little time as possible.