What role do systemic steroids play in asthma management?

Systemic steroids are used in asthma management for both long-term control and as a rescue therapy. They are classified as anti-inflammatory medications, which means their primary role is to reduce inflammation in the airways, thus improving overall asthma control over an extended period. By managing underlying inflammation, systemic steroids can prevent asthma symptoms and exacerbations associated with the disease.

In addition to their long-term benefits, systemic steroids can also provide rapid relief of severe asthma symptoms during an exacerbation. They help to quickly reduce airway inflammation, making it easier for individuals experiencing a severe asthma attack to breathe. This dual functionality positions systemic steroids as both controller medications that help maintain asthma control and as effective rescue therapies during acute exacerbations.

While systemic steroids can play a role in the prevention of exercise-induced asthma by addressing inflammation, they are not specifically designed or primarily used for preventing symptoms triggered by exercise. Rather, their broader applications in control and rescue settings highlight their importance in comprehensive asthma management.