Some people have concerns about the steroids in their asthma inhalers weakening their immune system. what should people know about inhaled corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone)?

Basics: Inhaled steroids allow the medication to reach the asthma involved tissues directly, where they can do their work & be metabolized without entering the blood in significant amounts. This minimizes any effect on the immune system. Oral steroids used in brief (week or so) bursts also have minor effect on the system. Large doses of oral/injected steroids used long term can weaken the system.