THE EFFECT OF INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS ON ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHILS COUNT

Background: Patients with respiratory diseases are frequently treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to lower the likelihood of exacerbations. Research to date indicates that ICS treatment has a significant impact on eosinophils counts, which is a phenomenon with wider consequences. Therefore, to maximize the benefits of ICS therapy, it is necessary to investigate the intricate interplay between ICS and eosinophils. Aim and Objective: Our research aimed to assess the influence of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on eosinophils counts, as well as the safety and adherence of ICS therapy. Materials and Methods: The single-centered prospective observational study was conducted over three months with 69 patients. The sociodemographic and clinical information were recorded. The ICS’s safety and adverse effects were evaluated using the Inhaled Corticosteroid Questionnaire (ICQ). The Morisky Medication-Taking Adherence Scale-MMAS (4-item) was used to evaluate the medication-taking behavior. Statistical significance was defined as a P < 0.05. Results: Of 69 patients, 42 were in the study arm (with ICS) and 27 in the control arm (without ICS). The mean age of the study arm was 55.2 years, whereas 54.6 years in the control arm. In both the study and control arms, men predominated. With 37.7% of cases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was the most prevalent diagnosis. In the study arm, there was a small but statistically insignificant decrease in eosinophils. “Poor Adherence” was visible in the ICS arm. The most prevalent side effects reported in the trial arm were hoarseness of voice and a terrible taste in the mouth. Conclusion: Our findings show that short-term ICS treatment did not result in a substantial reduction in eosinophils. Treatment adherence will be improved through effective patient education, and side effects will be reduced using multifaceted patient-specific approaches by clinicians.