What is the onset of action of intravenous steroid therapy in asthma?
Answer:
Parenteral steroids remain a mainstay of the treatment of acute asthma. Although the bronchial effects of intravenous steroids are not immediate and are typically seen 4 to 6 hours after initial administration, their administration is nonetheless indicated with severe bronchospasm that has not resolved despite intense optimal bronchodilator therapy.
Reference(s):
- Hines RL, Marschall KE, eds. Stoelting’s Anesthesia and Co-existing Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:19.
- Woods BD, Sladen RN. Perioperative considerations for the patient with asthma and bronchospasm. Br J Anaesth. 2009;103(suppl 1):i57-i65.