The Risks of Inhaled Steroids

Male Speaker: Many times we have to use an inhaled steroid for asthma, is there a real risk for developing a Cushingoid like syndrome from the inhaled steroids that are used for an asthmatic?

Dr. Henry Anhalt: Typically, inhaled steroids don't get into the blood stream with the same amount as steroids taken orally. So it's very, very unusual, although it can happen rarely to see a child develop Cushing like symptoms just from inhaled steroids alone.

Male Speaker: In inhaled steroids, there were some concerns a few years ago that maybe some of that missed steroids can get in the eye and it can cause cataracts. Is that a big concern in pediatrics?

Dr. Henry Anhalt: We really haven't seen a lot of children experiencing cataracts or other adverse effects from the inhaled steroids. They seem to work locally on the tissue in the lung and do what they need to do without causing much in the way of side effects.


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