Ep. 172: Why Needing Systemic Steroids for Asthma Is a Warning Sign
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank AstraZeneca for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
Needing oral steroids for your asthma is a signal, not just a setback. It could be a sign that your asthma is not actually under control, even if you feel like you're managing it day to day.
Dr. Wes Sublett joins us to talk about why relying on steroid bursts is a warning sign, not a solution. Dr. Sublett breaks down what actually counts as an asthma exacerbation, the real risks of frequent oral steroid use, and the treatment options available so patients can avoid repeat trips to the ER.
What we cover in our episode about oral steroids and asthma control
Steroid bursts as a warning sign. Needing oral steroids for asthma is a signal that your maintenance treatment may not be working.
What actually counts as an exacerbation. Dr. Sublett explains the difference between a flare and a true asthma exacerbation, and why that distinction matters.
The real risks of oral steroids. Repeated courses are linked to bone loss, diabetes, cataracts, and other long-term health risks.
Why your specialist doesn't automatically know. ERs and urgent cares don't notify your asthma specialist when you're treated, so you have to share that history.
Treatment options beyond steroid bursts. Triple therapy and biologics can reduce or eliminate the need for oral steroids for many patients.
About our guest
Dr. Wes Sublett is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with Family Allergy & Asthma in Louisville, Kentucky, where he also serves as Medical Director of the Family Allergy & Asthma Research Institute. He is board-certified in both pediatrics and allergy and immunology, and currently chairs the Advocacy Council for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. In this episode, he draws on his clinical experience with asthma patients of all ages to help listeners recognize when oral steroids are signaling a bigger problem.
More resources about air quality and asthma
More resources
Oral Corticosteroids (OCS) for Asthma, a deeper explainer from Allergy & Asthma Network
What if I Can't Afford My Asthma Medication?, practical help for the cost barrier that keeps some patients cycling through steroids instead of getting onto controller therapy
Episodes referenced during the podcast:
More asthma episodes
Timestamps
Our episode about systemic steoird use for asthma
02:45 What is asthma
05:25 What is risk in asthma
07:18 Difference between an asthma flare and an exacerbation
14:39 When does a patient get systemic steroids
17:10 When are asthma patients most at risk
20:10 Impact of systemic steroids and ER visits
28:08 What medications are available for asthma
30:50 What is triple therapy
34:50 Is using systemic steroids a sign you need to see a specialist
