Q: I am an asthmatic for last 18 years. I have taken vaccination in 2004 after having an allergy test but it did not improve. I am taking Wysolone (prednisolone) for last 3.5 years, every day. Is Wysolone safe for long-term use?

A:As per evidence-based globally accepted clinical guidelines for the treatment of asthma, the first line therapy should be salmeterol via inhalation such as Salmeter. If this is not fully effective, then a steroid should be added but to be taken by inhalational route (such as Beclate inhaler). If three drugs are required, then montelukast (sold as Montair) by mouth should be added. Only as a last resort should one prescribe oral steroids such as Wysolone. Prolonged use of steroids by oral ingestion can lead to serious side effects such as fluid retention, high blood pressure, diabetes, increased risk of infection, osteoporosis, increased pressure in the brain etc.