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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Necessary To Take Steroids During Asthma Attack?

I have recently been diagnosed with asthma and have had two attacks since January. It is not related to allergies according to tests. Is it necessary or take steroids every time I have an attack or can I heal it with my normal meds plus nebulizers?
Thu, 3 Jul 2014
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Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello.

Thank you for asking at HCM.

Necessity of steroids during an attack of asthma depends on severity of the attack; a severe exacerbation needs a short course of steroids. At time of an attack, your physician is the best judge whether you need steroids.

However, if you are having frequent attacks, you may have to take controller medicines regularly (they are many - inhaled corticosteroids, montelukast, & others), which will prevent attacks and therefore reduce your requirements for oral steroids (inhaled steroids are safer than oral steroids).

Apart from this, daily breathing exercises, an healthy diet & avoidance of smoke-dust-air pollution will help you on a long run.

Hope this will help you.

Wish you the best of the health.

Regards.

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Is It Necessary To Take Steroids During Asthma Attack?

Hello. Thank you for asking at HCM. Necessity of steroids during an attack of asthma depends on severity of the attack; a severe exacerbation needs a short course of steroids. At time of an attack, your physician is the best judge whether you need steroids. However, if you are having frequent attacks, you may have to take controller medicines regularly (they are many - inhaled corticosteroids, montelukast, & others), which will prevent attacks and therefore reduce your requirements for oral steroids (inhaled steroids are safer than oral steroids). Apart from this, daily breathing exercises, an healthy diet & avoidance of smoke-dust-air pollution will help you on a long run. Hope this will help you. Wish you the best of the health. Regards.