Corticosteroids have long been the mainstay of anti-inflammatory treatment in asthma. The drugs can be administered orally or intravenously for children with very severe asthma, and they can be life-saving. However, when the drugs are administered systemically, they carry significant negative side effects. Steroids also can be delivered topically, via metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer. In contrast to oral steroids, inhaled steroids are considered safe and effective, and they are recommended as first-line therapy for chronic asthma.
Inhaled steroids are available in aerosols much like beta-agonists.
Taken properly, inhaled steroids such as Vanceril can be quite effective. They act only on the lungs and do not carry the negative side effects associated with other steroid forms. Steroids available in metered-dose inhalers include Vanceril, AeroBid, Azmacort, Beclovent, and Flovent. For very young children and for children who have very severe asthma, nebulizers are an effective drug delivery system. The development of home nebulization equipment has been one of the most important advances in the management of childhood asthma.