Inhaled corticosteroid

An anti-inflammatory medicine delivered into the airways as an aerosol or dry powder. It reduces airway inflammation and is used mainly for long-term control of asthma and some other lung diseases.

Glucocorticoid receptor: A cellular receptor that binds glucocorticoids and changes gene expression. Inhaled corticosteroids act through this receptor to alter inflammatory signaling in airway cells.
Asthma inhaler: A device that delivers medicine into the lungs to prevent or relieve asthma symptoms. Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly delivered through asthma inhalers for long-term control.
Short-acting beta agonist: A fast-acting bronchodilator that relaxes airway smooth muscle to relieve acute breathing symptoms. Unlike inhaled corticosteroids, it provides rapid relief without treating persistent airway inflammation.
Oral candidiasis: A fungal infection of the mouth or throat, commonly caused by Candida species. Deposited inhaled corticosteroid can promote this local infection.
Airway inflammation: Inflammation of the breathing passages that can cause swelling, mucus, and narrowed airflow. Reducing this process is the main therapeutic action of inhaled corticosteroids.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A progressive lung disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation, usually associated with smoking or harmful exposures. In selected patients, inhaled corticosteroids are added to reduce exacerbations.
Long-acting beta agonist: A bronchodilator that relaxes airway smooth muscle for an extended period. It opens airways but should not replace corticosteroid anti-inflammatory control in asthma.
Dysphonia: Impaired voice quality, often experienced as hoarseness or vocal weakness. Local steroid effects on the larynx can cause hoarseness during treatment.
Asthma: A chronic respiratory condition involving variable airway narrowing and inflammation. Inhaled corticosteroids control the persistent inflammation that contributes to asthma symptoms and attacks.
Combination therapy: Treatment that uses two or more medicines together to improve control or address different disease mechanisms. Inhaled corticosteroids are often combined with long-acting bronchodilators.

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