Daily use of inhaled steroids is considered much safer than ingesting the medication orally, because when inhaled correctly, the drug doesn't enter the bloodstream. It is recommended that you take the lowest dose of inhaled steroids needed to control your condition and supplement with other preventative drugs if needed. Growth of children using these medications should be monitored. Women taking these drugs should consider getting a bone mineral test as they approach menopause to see if they are at risk of osteoporosis. Unlike inhaled steroids, oral steroids are used to relieve attacks rather than to prevent them.
Oral steroids work by decreasing mucus production and reactivity and inflammation of the airways.
They also help adrenaline-like drugs take effect. Except in severe cases, oral steroids are taken only for a few days at a time because long-term use can have serious side effects. Temporary mood swings may occur when you stop taking steroids. These two types of medications are quite similar. Taken daily, both work to prevent attacks by keeping the airways from swelling.