This World Asthma Day (6 May), Asthma Australia is urging healthcare professionals and patients to consider the long-term risks associated with frequent oral steroid use in asthma care.
While oral corticosteroids play a critical role in emergency treatment during severe asthma flare-ups, Asthma Australia warns they are sometimes used in place of consistent asthma management and prevention strategies.
This can potentially lead to serious side effects, such as trouble sleeping, weight gain and osteoporosis.
According to Asthma Australia CEO Kate Miranda, the lifetime toxic threshold for oral steroids is just 1000mg – equivalent to 4 standard 5-day courses.
“The more oral steroids you have had, the more likely you are to experience some side effects,” says Ms Miranda.
“With good asthma management, you can prevent future asthma flare-ups and reduce your reliance on oral steroids.”
Asthma remains a significant public health issue in Australia, affecting 1 in 9 people.
In 2022-23, more than 31,000 Australians were hospitalised due to asthma, and 474 died from the condition in 2023.
More information and patient education resources are available at Asthma Australia’s ‘Smarter Oral Steroids’ campaign hub: asthma.org.au/smarter-oral-steroids.
