This list may not include all brand names. Inflammation in the lungs is the major cause of asthma .
Inhaled corticosteroids can prevent and reverse damage to the lungs from inflammation.
But, they cannot treat an asthma attack once it has started. They are not bronchodilators. Inhaled corticosteroids get right down into the lungs where they are needed and very little goes to the rest of the body. This limits the risk of serious side effect in other parts of the body. Inhaled corticosteroids are used in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma that does not respond to a bronchodilator alone.