PROS
Corticosteroids, or more correctly “inhaled corticosteroids, reduce inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or “airways”, of the lungs. Thus they control the narrowing down of the bronchial tubes, aiding in breathing and making it easier for air to flow through.

Since these corticosteroids are taken through inhalers, most of the corticosteroids reach the airways directly, where they reduce the inflammation. That’s why only tiny amounts of them are left for absorption by other body organs, muscles or bones. Hence, side effects, such as weakness of the bones, are not associated with their use.

CONS
Inhaled corticosteroids are used for long-term management of asthma symptoms. This means they are used daily and for several years. All these lead to side-effects, especially if the corticosteroids are used in high doses:

1. Soreness in mouth
2. Soreness in throat.
3. Hoarseness of voice
4. Infection in the mouth. The infection is a fungal infection called “thrush”
5. Temporary delay in growth. This especially occurs in children who have been using corticosteroids from an early age.
6. Reduced thickness of bones in adults. This is due to the corticosteroids which are absorbed by the bones.
7. Clouded eye lens.
8. Huge pressure of blood or fluid in the eye. This is severe since it leads to glaucoma.