What are "corticosteroids"?

What are "corticosteroids"?

William Berger (Allergist and Immunologist) gives expert video advice on: How is asthma treated?; How important is it to identify my asthma triggers?; What side effects should I expect from my asthma medication? and more...

Corticosteroids are very commonly used to treat asthma. In the majority of cases, the corticosteroids are given in an inhaled form, which have minimal side effects. There are corticosteroids that are given orally, or by syrup, tablet or injection, that are systemic, and do have side effects. Corticosteroids are very effective in decreasing inflammation. They're not only used in asthma, but in other diseases where inflammation is a major problem.