General information
Cortisone sprays are among the most frequently used and well-tolerated drugs, which can be used in a wide range of diseases. They contain inhaled glucocorticoids which have local anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immunosuppressive effects, making them suitable for the treatment of diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. Cortisone sprays are among the most frequently used and well-tolerated drugs, which can be used in a wide range of diseases.
There are nasal sprays, which are often recommended for allergy sufferers, inhalative sprays, which are used mainly for asthma, and sprays which are applied to the skin. The term cortisone spray does not only mean sprays containing the active substance cortisone but also other so-called glucocorticoids. These include for example the active agents budesonide or fluticasone.
What glucocorticoids have in common is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect. For many people, the latter sounds rather negative at first, but this effect is often desired, for example in allergic reactions or in an autoimmune disease. Nevertheless, it is recommended to eat something or to rinse the mouth with water after the application of the spray, otherwise oral thrush or irritation in the mouth area can occur. This may also be of interest to you: Effect of cortisone This may also be of interest to you: Effect of cortisone
Mode of action of cortisone
Glucocorticoids combine common principles of action, of which the most prominent are inflammation inhibition and immunosuppression. Immunosuppression” refers to an inhibitory effect on the body’s own immune system, which is particularly desirable in the case of a hypersensitive immune system or an autoimmune disease. Anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial in many diseases and can improve both acute symptoms and chronic consequences.
In the case of asthma, for example, they not only improve the breathing and well-being of the person affected, but also prevent long-term negative remodelling processes in the lung tissue. The effects are sometimes complicated and affect different levels in the organism. Glucocorticoids bind to receptors inside the cells, which cause altered gene expression (formation of proteins using DNA).
For this they must have lipophilic (fat-soluble) properties in order to be able to cross the cell membrane easily. This altered gene expression then leads to the anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immunosuppressive properties of the glucocorticoids. Basically, all glucocorticoids have similar effects.
However, they differ in their potency. The potency is indicated in comparison to cortisol, the hormone that occurs naturally in the body. Frequently used active ingredients, such as budesonide and fluticasone, are more effective than cortisol. This effect is desirable, as higher efficacy is necessary for the treatment of diseases.
Fields of application of cortisone
The areas of application for cortisone sprays are very diverse. Both skin and lung diseases and allergies are treated with cortisone sprays. The following section clearly presents the most important indications for a cortisone spray.
For long-term treatment of childhood asthma or recurrent (spastic) obstructive bronchitis, inhaled glucocorticoids are the first choice. A cough that occurs due to flu or a cold is not treated with cortisone sprays. However, coughing can also occur as part of an asthma illness or recurrent obstructive bronchitis.
In this case, cortisone sprays are used in long-term therapy and provide lasting relief from the symptoms. A very frequently used active substance is budesonide. There are not only inhalers but also cortisone nasal sprays which can be used to treat asthma.
When used early and with consistent therapy, these improve the prognosis, lung function values and reduce the frequency of severe asthma attacks. However, they are not suitable for the acute treatment of an asthma attack or obstructive bronchitis. Colds are not treated with cortisone sprays, including cortisone nasal sprays.
A cold can neither be improved nor cured by the use of cortisone sprays. A distinction is made between different types of bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and heals by itself.
Cortisone sprays are not indicated in this case. A special case is bronchiolitis (RSV infection), which often occurs in infants and small children. This disease can also be treated with cortisone sprays.
However, in cases of obstructive bronchitis, bronchial asthma or COPD, cortisone sprays are regularly used therapeutically. Cortisone sprays can also be used for inhalation in cases of childhood pseudocroup, which is mainly associated with nocturnal, barking coughing and breathing difficulties. ;The abbreviation COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Inhaled cortisone sprays are also used for the widespread COPD. These are used in advanced stages of the disease. Common active ingredients are budesonide, fluticasone and beclometasone.
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