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Alternatives to Prednisone for Severe Asthma

Severe asthma is a disease characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. Prednisone is typically used to treat severe asthma attacks; however, there are other alternative long-term medicines available to maintain health in people with severe asthma.

  1. The Facts

    • The American Lung Association (ALA) classifies prednisone (corticosteroid) as the most potent anti-inflammatory used to decrease inflammation in the lungs.

    Treatment

    • The ALA says two types of medicines are used to treat severe asthma. Bronchodilators help stop asthma attacks after they have started and can help prevent attacks. Anti-inflammatories are most effective for people with severe asthma; they help control airway inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.

    Significance

    • Alternative anti-inflammatory medicines available for people with severe asthma are cromolyn and nedocromil.

    Effects

    • For people with severe asthma, controlling the symptoms before they become an attack is mportant. Anti-inflammatory drugs have fewer long-term side effects than prednisone.

    Warning

    • Severe asthma, if not properly treated, can be fatal.

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