Inhaled steroids can lead to reduced mortality risk in patients afflicted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Use of steroids by COPD patients keep them better protected than those not making use of them, according to Christine Macie, MD, FCCP, Cambridge Hospital, Ontario, Canada and author of the study.

From Bio-medicine.org:

“Our results indicate that the effect of inhaled corticosteroids is relatively short-term and that those currently using it are relatively better protected, ” said Dr. Macie. “Inhaled corticosteroids should be prescribed as soon as clinically indicated. By treating COPD with inhaled corticosteroids, we have the potential to reduce the effect and prolong life.”

“The findings from this study are intriguing for clinicians and point to the need for further research to define the role and mechanisms of the effect of inhaled corticosteroids on both cardiovascular and respiratory mortality,” said W. Michael Alberts, MD, FCCP, President of the ACCP.

It was also said by Dr. Macie that inhaled corticosteroids could be second to none when it comes to prolonging lives of patients with COPD.