Which of the following is a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids?

Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for asthma management to reduce inflammation in the airways. One significant side effect associated with their use is oral thrush, also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis. This condition arises mainly because inhaled corticosteroids can alter the normal flora of the mouth and throat, leading to an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast.

Oral thrush manifests as white patches in the mouth, a sore throat, or difficulty swallowing, and occurs particularly in patients who do not rinse their mouths after using their inhalers. This is why it is strongly recommended that individuals using inhaled corticosteroids perform good oral hygiene practices, such as rinsing their mouths or brushing their teeth after each use, to mitigate the risk of developing oral thrush.

While nausea, dizziness, and constipation can occur with various medications, they are not commonly linked to inhaled corticosteroid use. This differentiation helps in understanding the specific adverse effects associated with asthma treatments and reinforces the importance of education on proper inhaler technique and oral care among patients using these medications.