Long-term Benefits of Daily Inhaled Corticosteroid Use

April 16, 2025/Andrew Le

Inhaled corticosteroids help control asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you skip treatment, your lungs work harder. You may notice frequent flare-ups and sudden breathlessness. 

Daily inhaled corticosteroids can improve lung function and lower your risk of flare-ups. They also help you breathe without sudden interruptions. About 28 million people in the US have asthma, which means 1 in 12 people face this problem.

In this article, you will learn about the benefits of daily inhaled corticosteroid use. You will also learn how inhaled corticosteroids enhance lung function, reduce flare-ups, and improve long-term respiratory health.

🔑Key Takeaways

➤ Long-term use slows the decline in ventilatory function. Patients who use inhaled corticosteroids lose lung function at a slower rate than those who do not.

➤ Even in mild intermittent asthma, inhaled corticosteroids improve lung function and reduce inflammation, though they may not change how you feel daily.

➤ Children born preterm see slight improvements in lung function with inhaled corticosteroids, but the benefit is modest, highlighting the need for better treatments.

➤ Regular inhaled corticosteroids use lowers the risk of emergency visits and hospital admissions, making it the FDA-recommended treatment for preventing asthma flare-ups.

➤ In COPD, inhaled corticosteroids reduce flare-ups and improve symptoms, especially for patients with higher blood eosinophil levels, but they do not stop lung function decline.

➤ Sticking with inhaled corticosteroids therapy is key for children with asthma, but poor adherence limits its effectiveness despite its proven ability to reduce airway inflammation.

1. Improved Lung Function


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Inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation, improve lung function, and decrease bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Inhaled corticosteroids help lung function in both asthma and COPD.

Impact on Ventilatory Function

One study found that inhaled corticosteroids slow the decline in ventilatory function. 

Over ten years, patients using inhaled corticosteroids lost 25 mL of FEV1 each year, while those not using inhaled corticosteroids lost 51 mL a year. FEV1 stands for forced expiratory volume in one second, which tells you how much air you can force out quickly. This is a standard measure for airway resistance in asthma management.

Benefits for Mild Intermittent Asthma

Another meta-analysis showed that inhaled corticosteroids improve lung function and ease airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in mild intermittent asthma. The study found that FEV1 increased and markers of inflammation dropped. However, it did not change how patients felt day to day.

Effects on Preterm Children

In children born very premature, inhaled corticosteroids show modest benefits for lung function. 

One trial found that after 12 weeks, lung function improved slightly in children who used inhaled corticosteroids compared to those who received a placebo. Although the gain was small, the study highlights the need for more research to improve treatments for lung disease after preterm birth.

🤔Did You Know? 

A meta-analysis found that inhaled corticosteroids slowed the decline in lung function for COPD patients. Non-smokers who used inhaled corticosteroids for at least two years experienced a 26–33% slower decline, while smokers saw a 13–17% reduction. These findings show that inhaled corticosteroids can help preserve lung function and slow disease progression, especially in COPD patients.

2. Reduce Flare-Ups and Emergency Visits

Using inhaled corticosteroids regularly lowers the risk of emergency visits, and it is also the FDA-recommended treatment to prevent asthma flare-ups in patients with persistent asthma. 

Fewer Hospital Admissions

A study conducted of 20 trials with 1,403 patients in the emergency department revealed that patients on inhaled corticosteroids had fewer hospital admissions. Admissions dropped from 32 to 17 per 100 patients compared with those on a placebo. 

They also saw clear improvements in breathing tests a few hours after treatment. Although inhaled corticosteroids did not replace systemic corticosteroids, the results show that they have a role in reducing acute flare-ups and hospital stays.

Reduced Relapse Visits After Emergency Care

Another study looked at 1,293 asthma patients in Alberta, Canada. The study showed that patients who used inhaled corticosteroids after leaving the emergency department had 45% fewer relapse visits than those who did not. 

Moreover, low-dose inhaled corticosteroids worked as well as higher doses. This means that sticking with inhaled corticosteroids over time, even at lower doses, offers steady protection.

Effectiveness in COPD with Elevated Eosinophils

Another review of studies on blood eosinophil counts and inhaled corticosteroids effectiveness in COPD was conducted. They discovered that inhaled corticosteroids reduced flare-up risks, and the benefit was stronger for patients with higher blood eosinophil levels. 

This means that patients with higher counts may gain more from inhaled corticosteroids therapy.

3. Better Symptom Control

Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids provides better symptom control for asthma patients. It reduces airway inflammation and prevents exacerbations. Inhaled corticosteroids suppresses airway inflammation and improves lung function. 

As a result, airway hyperresponsiveness decreases and asthma symptoms come under control. Consequently, inhaled corticosteroids are the first-line therapy for all patients with persistent asthma. Specifically, here are some of it benefits:

Comparison with Other Treatments

Research shows that use pf long-term inhaled corticosteroids controls asthma more effectively than β-agonists or leukotriene antagonists (LTAs). Regular low-dose inhaled corticosteroids use in patients with persistent asthma prevents death and keeps symptoms stable over time. 

Clinical trials reveal that combining inhaled corticosteroids with long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) works well for patients who do not respond to low doses of inhaled corticosteroids, especially when it comes to reducing exacerbations.

Broad Effectiveness Across Age and Severity

Studies document that inhaled corticosteroids control asthma symptoms in patients of all ages and severity. They improve lung function and quality of life, reduce the frequency of exacerbations, and may prevent irreversible airway changes. 

They even reverse parts of the asthma-induced structural changes, such as the increased vascularity of the bronchial wall.

Importance in Pediatric Asthma

For children, sticking to inhaled corticosteroids therapy is key for asthma control and for preventing exacerbations. Although many inhaled corticosteroids formulations exist, childhood asthma control still falls short because of poor daily adherence and a lack of proper asthma education. 

When used correctly, inhaled corticosteroids significantly reduce inflammatory cells in the airways, including eosinophils, T lymphocytes, mast cells, and dendritic cells.

Wrap Up

Long-term benefits of daily inhaled corticosteroid use include better lung function, fewer flare-ups, and improved symptom control for asthma and COPD. 

Skipping treatment makes breathing harder and increases hospital visits. Regular use reduces airway inflammation.

Inhaled corticosteroids are vital in maintaining healthy lungs and controlling respiratory issues. They are a key part of long-term management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will stopping them suddenly cause problems?

Yes, stopping inhaled corticosteroids suddenly can cause problems. You should not stop using your inhaler unless advised by a doctor. Typically, the dose needs to be reduced gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms like severe tiredness, joint pain, nausea, and dizziness.

Can inhaled corticosteroids help with allergies?

Yes, inhaled corticosteroids can help with allergies, specifically allergic rhinitis. They are the most effective treatments available for managing allergic rhinitis symptoms by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages.

Can inhaled corticosteroids reduce mucus buildup? 

Yes, inhaled corticosteroids can reduce mucus buildup. They decrease airway mucus production, which helps improve airway clearance. 

Sources

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  • Urs, R. C., Evans, D. J., Bradshaw, T. K., Gibbons, J. T. D., Smith, E. F., Foong, R. E., et al. (2023). Inhaled corticosteroids to improve lung function in children (aged 6–12 years) who were born very preterm (PICSI): A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 7(8), 567-576. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(23)00123-4
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