The effect of inhaled steroids on the incidence of respiratory infections in patients with asthma and COPD

Abstract Background Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most effective controllers of asthma. They primarily suppress inflammation by inhibiting several activated inflammatory genes by reversing histone acetylation via histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2). There has been significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms whereby ICS suppress inflammation in asthma. Progress has also been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of corticosteroid resistance in severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is no doubt that the early use of ICS revolutionized the management of asthma, with a marked reduction in asthma morbidity and improvement in health status. The efficacy of ICS has now been emphasized in short- and long-term studies in adults and children, but there are still concerns about side effects, especially in children and when high doses of inhalation are used. Methods and materials An observational study of the type of cross-sectional study. This study targeted the patients of Damascus Hospital. The sample was randomly selected, and about (100) patients were selected who met specific acceptance criteria, the most important of which is the presence of adequate information in the file, while all patients were excluded according to specific criteria. Results In our study, the results indicated differently from previous studies in that the difference between patients who used inhalers and those who did not use inhalers is not statistically significant in either asthma or COPD patients. This is when looking at cases of developing pulmonary infections of all kinds. Our study also has several limitations related to the study pattern, small sample size, and relatively short follow-up period. It is important to note that the risks associated with the use of inhalers must be weighed against the benefits of managing asthma and COPD symptoms. Proper inhalation technique and adherence to treatment regimens can help reduce the risk of developing lung infections. Conclusion and Recommendations Inhalers are commonly used by patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to control their symptoms. There is some concern that use of inhalers may be associated with an increased risk of lung infections in these patients. Studies have found that use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) may be associated with a small but statistically significant increase in the risk of developing pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but not in patients with asthma. While in the study the women from us there is no significant association. The risks associated with the use of inhalers must be weighed against the benefits of symptomatic management of asthma and COPD. Proper inhalation technique and adherence to treatment regimens can help reduce the risk of developing lung infections.