Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are often used by people with more severe COPD as anti-inflammatories reduce coughing by minimizing swelling in the airways and decreasing mucus production. It may take several days or weeks to notice the benefit, but regular treatment with inhaled corticosteroids has been shown to reduce the frequency of exacerbations.

Example of inhaled corticosteroids:

-Flulticasone (Flovent)
-Budesonide (Pulmicort)
-Beclomethasone (Qvar)

Corticosteroids are also available in pill form (e.g. prednisone). Corticosteroid pills are sometimes prescribed for a short period of time to treat exacerbations, lung infections, or COPD that is getting worse.
Not all people with COPD benefit from treatment with corticosteroids. Your doctor may put you on a trial period for a few weeks to determine whether this treatment is right for you.

Possible side Effects:

Side effects depend largely on the dose of the medication. Inhaled corticosteroids can be given in lower doses because most of the medication goes straight to your lungs. Lower doses are associated with fewer side effects. The most common side effects of inhaled corticosteroids include infections of the throat and mouth (e.g. thrush), hoarse voice, and sore mouth. These side effects can often be avoided or reduced by rinsing your mouth after inhaling the medication, or by using a spacer attached to a metered-dose inhaler.
A higher dose of medication is required if you are taking corticosteroid pills resulting in more potential side effects than with inhaled corticosteroids. Possible side effects of corticosteroid pills include, skin bruising, bone weakening, increased blood sugar levels, weight gain, cataracts, and swelling in the feet or ankles. Due to the amount of side effects, long-term use of corticosteroid pills is typically not recommended. Be sure to discuss the benefits versus the risks with your healthcare provider.
Combination inhaled corticosteroid with a long-acting beta-agonist in one inhaler.

In some cases, therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid combined with a long-acting beta-agonist (ICS/LABA) has been shown more effective in improving lung function and decreasing the frequency of exacerbations than taking each medication alone.

Examples of inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist combinations:

-Fluticasone and Salmeterol (Advair)
-Budesonide and Formoterol (Symbicort)