Distinguish inhaled corticosteroids from systemic steroids in asthma management and a key patient education point.

• A. Inhaled corticosteroids for long-term control with fewer systemic effects; rinse mouth after use to prevent candidiasis
• B. Inhaled corticosteroids have more systemic effects; avoid rinsing mouth
• C. Systemic steroids are preferred for daily control; there is no need to rinse mouth
• D. Inhaled corticosteroids cure asthma; no further treatment needed

Answer: (A)

Inhaled corticosteroids are used for long-term control because they deliver the anti-inflammatory effect directly to the airways, reducing airway inflammation with far fewer systemic (body-wide) side effects than systemic steroids. A key patient education point is to rinse the mouth after inhaled steroid use and spit out the rinse to prevent oral candidiasis, since the medication is deposited in the mouth and throat as well as the lungs. Systemic steroids affect the whole body and carry more systemic risks, so they’re typically reserved for short courses during exacerbations or in more severe cases rather than for daily control. Inhaled steroids do not cure asthma; they require ongoing therapy to maintain control.