A new study shows that oral and inhaled glucocorticoids, commonly used for chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma and allergies, can cause damaging changes to the white matter of the brain.
As noted by CNN Health, less white matter “can slow the brain's ability to process information, pay attention and remember.” Inhaled steroids showed less impact, study authors said.
While a neuroimmunologist not connected with the study said this doesn’t mean there is reason for alarm, another expert also not involved in the study added that it “gives us another reason to keep the dosages low.”
SOURCES:
CNN Health August 30, 2022
BMJ Open 2022