How often should patients on long-term steroids for asthma be monitored for side effects?

Patients on long-term steroids for asthma should be monitored for side effects every three to six months because this frequency allows healthcare providers to effectively assess any potential complications arising from steroid use. Long-term corticosteroid therapy can lead to various side effects, including osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, and increased risk of infections, among others.

Regular monitoring is essential to identify these side effects early and manage them appropriately. Monitoring every three to six months strikes a balance between being frequent enough to catch any emerging issues, while not being so frequent that it becomes burdensome for the patient.

Other options suggest either an annual or biannual monitoring schedule, which may not be sufficient to catch side effects that can develop or worsen over such longer intervals. Monthly monitoring could be excessive for many patients unless they are experiencing specific complications or are in a transitional phase of their treatment.