What is a common side effect associated with inhaled corticosteroids?

Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly used in the management of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One notable side effect associated with their use is oral candidiasis, also known as thrush. This condition arises because inhaled corticosteroids can suppress local immunity in the mouth and throat, leading to an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus. When users do not rinse their mouths after using an inhaled corticosteroid, the risk of developing oral candidiasis increases significantly.

The mechanism behind this involves the dampening of the local immune response in the mucosal lining of the oral cavity, allowing for opportunistic infections like candidiasis to occur. Proper inhalation technique and post-inhalation rinsing are essential preventive measures to help mitigate this side effect.

Inhaled corticosteroids are generally well-tolerated, but awareness of specific side effects like oral candidiasis is crucial for patients and healthcare providers to ensure appropriate management and adherence to therapy.