Question:

What are the effects of asthma on other organs?

Answer:

Asthma does not usually affect other organs. Treatments for asthma can result in problems for other organs, however.

Because asthma is triggered by allergy and inflammation in the lungs, asthma is commonly treated with steroid medicines such as oral prednisone. Prednisone may elevate blood sugar levels and can cause or aggravate diabetes. Long-term prednisone use can thin your bones, increasing your risk for fracture.

Prednisone can weaken your muscles and can cause fat to accumulate in certain areas of the body. Prednisone makes the skin more likely to bruise after a minor injury. In higher doses, it also affects your immune system.

Inhaled corticosteroids don't enter the bloodstream in large amounts, so they cause fewer distant side effects. They can cause local side effects. Inhaled steroids may stick to the lining of the mouth and throat, leading to yeast infection or hoarseness.

Regular long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may be associated with a higher risk of glaucoma and cataracts. One theory is that the corticosteroids from the inhaler enter the tear ducts that drain from the lower eyelids to the back of the throat.