The Allergy and Asthma Clinic
Andrew C. Engler, M.D.
Medical Director
(650)343-4597
290 Baldwin Avenue
San Mateo, California 94401

Preventative Lung Spray

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that prevent and reduce swelling inside the airways and decrease the amount of mucous in the lungs. Commonly prescribed corticosteroid inhalers include: Azmacort, Advair, Asmanex, Flovent, Pulmicort, Symbicort and Qvar.

When taken at the proper doses, they are considered safe medications that work well for patients with persistent asthma. Although no medicine is without the chance of side effects, when used as prescribed under the guidance of a trained physician or provider, these products often give asthma patients dramatic benefits which outweighs potential side effects. They can reduce the sensitivity of the airways to asthma triggers, and help to prevent swelling and inflammation in the airways.

Please Note:

Corticosteroid inhalers are NOT the same as the steroids used by some athletes. Inhaled corticosteroids can be used in children as young as 3 years of age when used with a spacing chamber.

Corticosteroids DO NOT stop an acute asthma attack. Rather they usually take several weeks to reach maximum effectiveness to help prevent acute attacks or diminish the severity of attacks.

Non-Steroidal Preventative Lung Sprays

One class of these lungs sprays, called mast cell stabilizers, helps prevent allergy cells from releasing histamine and therefore helps block asthma symptoms. Like the inhaled steroids, they can help prevent asthma before it occurs.

However, unlike the inhaled steroids, they are totally free of all steroid products. In the U.S., two products are sold - Intal & Tilade. While they don't work for everyone, for many people they help prevent asthma when taken regularly as prescribed.

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