Corticosteriods

Question 1

What can corticosteriods determine?

Answer 1

If a patient is given corticosteriods for 3-4 weeks and patient is getting better, this is an indication of asthma.
If a patient is taking corticosteriods but they’re not getting better, this indicates COPD

Question 2

How will corticosteriods improve someones asthma and COPD?

Answer 2

Reduce airway inflammation and used as a prophylaxis of asthma.

COPD: it may reduce exacerbations in combo with LABA

Question 3

Whats something important to note about beclometasone?

Answer 3

The brand name must be written on the prescription (CLENII MODULITE OR QVAR) because the two shouldn’t be interchanged as QVAR contains finer particles
so must ask patient which one they use if its not written

Question 4

What are other corticosteriods used in COPD?

Answer 4

mometasone, budesonide, fluticasone

Question 5

If a patient is on steriods for a long-term what is something they need to carry with them?

Answer 5

A steroid card

Question 6

What’s a main side effect of corticosteriods?

Answer 6

Oral candidiasis (oral thrush) 
so tell patient to wash out mouth with corticosteroid to reduce candidiasis