Which of the following statements about steroids in asthma is true?
A) IV steroids are superior to PO steroids in the treatment of asthma.
B) All patients who are steroid-dependent should have additional steroids even if they have already taken their dose for the day.
C) The effective dose range for steroids in asthma is
well established.
D) Only patients requiring admission should have oral
or parenteral steroids.
A) IV steroids are superior to PO steroids in the treatment of asthma.
B) All patients who are steroid-dependent should have additional steroids even if they have already taken their dose for the day.
C) The effective dose range for steroids in asthma is
well established.
D) Only patients requiring admission should have oral
or parenteral steroids.
Discussion
The correct answer is B. All patients who are steroiddependent should get steroids if they present to the
ED with an acute exacerbation of asthma. Answer A is
incorrect. Intravenous steroids and oral steroids have
the same efficacy in acute asthma exacerbations. Thus,
the choice of route depends mostly on convenience,
cost, and physician preference. Answer C is incorrect.
Multiple steroid dosing regimens and ranges of doses
have been used in asthma with success. Answer D is
incorrect. Discharged patients who have anything
more than a minor asthma exacerbation should receive
steroids.
The correct answer is B. All patients who are steroiddependent should get steroids if they present to the
ED with an acute exacerbation of asthma. Answer A is
incorrect. Intravenous steroids and oral steroids have
the same efficacy in acute asthma exacerbations. Thus,
the choice of route depends mostly on convenience,
cost, and physician preference. Answer C is incorrect.
Multiple steroid dosing regimens and ranges of doses
have been used in asthma with success. Answer D is
incorrect. Discharged patients who have anything
more than a minor asthma exacerbation should receive
steroids.
