I read something where an asthma doctor boasted that he has no patients on oral steroids. Is this possible?
It is true that since inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) have been made available, the need for long-term use of oral corticosteroids has dramatically decreased. In addition to the ICS, other medications in combination have further allowed decreasing dependency on long-term oral corticosteroids. Combinations such as a long-acting bronchodilator (Serevent) and/or a leukotriene modifier (Accolate, Singulair or Zyflo), or theophylline added to an ICS, can sometimes allow one to avoid oral corticosteroids.
If you require corticosteroids to maintain asthma control, it is appropriate that you request a consultation from an asthma specialist. The specialist will confirm the diagnosis of asthma, assess the severity, define the cause of the asthma and the reasons for continued difficulty and evaluate the medications needed.