Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid used in the treatment of asthma. It may be sold under the brand name Deltasone. As a corticosteroid, Prednisone suppresses the immune system response that causes asthma symptoms. It is a synthetic, meaning man-made, medication. Corticosteroids are man-made versions of cortisol, which is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids reduce the inflammation that the immune system can cause when affected by an allergen.

In addition to asthma, prednisone is used to treat other disorders that involve the immune system, such as eczema and allergies. The patient is often prescribed low doses of prednisone first. The dose is then gradually increases as necessary.

Prednisone may cross the placenta in pregnant women. It may also pose a risk to infants who are nursing if the mother is taking prednisone. Other corticosteroids are riskier to infants, but prednisone still carries a risk.

The prednisone asthmas side effects are more severe and frequent with the high doses or with prolonged use of prednisone. Because prednisone suppresses the immune system, it may make it difficult for individuals taking prednisone to fight infection. It can also decrease the effectiveness of vaccinations.

Some children experience nausea after taking a dose of prednisone. Taking the medication with milk or a snack can help decrease the chance of having an upset stomach. Some side effects of prednisone include weight gain, water retention, acne, dizziness, puffiness of the face, an increase in facial hair growth, headache, and muscle weakness. Some potentially serious prednisone asthmas side effects include high blood pressure, impaired healing of wounds, stunted growth in children, worsening of diabetes, ulcers, cataracts, glaucoma, convulsions, and psychiatric disturbances.

Because prednisone mimics the body’s natural cortisol, people taking prednisone for a significant amount of time may lose the ability to produce natural cortisol. If prednisone is reduced gradually, the body’s production of cortisol may increase and compensate. However, if prednisone is abruptly stopped, it can cause severe problems.

Prolonged use of prednisone can also cause a condition called aseptic necrosis. The aseptic necrosis affects the hip joints. It can cause a depletion and death of the bone tissue of the hip joint.
Prednisone is sometimes used for childhood asthma if other medications are not preventing asthma attacks. But, other medications may be tried periodically to replace the use of prednisone. Finding a daily preventative asthma medication that effectively controls the symptoms often helps to reduce or eliminate the need for prednisone.