What is a key adverse effect of inhaled corticosteroids?

Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly used in the management of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. One of the key adverse effects associated with their use is oral thrush, also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis. This condition arises due to the immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroids, which can promote the overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast, in the oral cavity.

The risk of developing oral thrush is particularly heightened because inhaled corticosteroids can deposit in the mouth and throat during administration. If patients do not rinse their mouth and throat after using their inhaler, it can lead to an environment conducive to yeast infection, resulting in the development of oral thrush.

This emphasizes the importance of patient education on proper inhaler technique, including the recommendation to rinse the mouth after each use to minimize the risk of this and other potential local side effects. Although dry mouth, headache, and nausea can occur as side effects from various medications, they are not the principal adverse effects specifically linked to inhaled corticosteroids in the same way that oral thrush is.