The influence of corticosteroids on the perception of dyspnea in asthma.
Corticosteroids are effective anti-inflammatory medications that are recommended for the control of persistent asthma. Little, however, is known about their influence on the perception of dyspnea, which, in turn, is important to the successful self-management of asthma. This paper provides a synopsis of available studies examining the impact of corticosteroids on the sensitivity to perceive dyspnea and presents possible mechanisms underlying this relationship. The results of these investigations are conflicting with some studies showing improved perception and other studies showing worsened perception of dyspnea after corticosteroid treatment. Thus, firm conclusions cannot be derived from the currently available data. Implications for future research, which is required to increase our understanding of potential influences of corticosteroids on the perception of dyspnea, are provided.
von Leupoldt
Andreas
A
Department of Psychology, University of Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 5, 20146 Hamburg, Germany. andreas.vonleupoldt@uni-hamburg.de
Kanniess
Frank
F
Dahme
Bernhard
B
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D035843:Biomedical Research; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception / Q000187:drug effects*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids