The potential detrimental effects of steroids on the immune system to fight viral infections had always been a concern for patients on long term steroids in chronic conditions. A recent warning from WHO on systemic corticosteroid use amid COVID-19 raised suspicion among public and healthcare professionals regarding the safety of steroid use during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The corticosteroids (inhaled and oral) are commonly prescribed in the management of asthma and COPD patients and any unsolicited changes in medications use may lead to potentially severe exacerbations and may risk patient lives. This article provides a critical review of clinical evidence and offers a detailed discussion on the safety and efficacy of corticosteroids in asthma and COPD patients, both with and without COVID-19.

类固醇对免疫系统对抗病毒感染的潜在有害影响一直是长期服用类固醇的慢性病患者所关心的问题。世卫组织最近对在 COVID-19 期间全身使用皮质类固醇的警告引起了公众和医疗保健专业人员对 SARS-CoV-2 大流行期间类固醇使用安全性的怀疑。皮质类固醇（吸入和口服）通常用于治疗哮喘和慢性阻塞性肺病患者，任何未经请求的药物使用变化都可能导致潜在的严重恶化，并可能危及患者生命。本文对临床证据进行了严格审查，并详细讨论了皮质类固醇治疗哮喘和慢性阻塞性肺病患者（无论是否患有 COVID-19）的安全性和有效性。