Interesting point, Erin. I imagine Barb would be on a "short acting inhaler" though, and this is what I found on that:

"Methylprednisolone, prednisone, and dexamethasone are corticosteroids. These medications shorten multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks by reducing inflammation on the brain and spinal cord."

http://health.yahoo.com/ms-medicatio...-hw190201.html

"Medications delivered through inhalers

Inhalers are used to deliver a variety of asthma medications — some that assist with long-term control and others that provide quick relief of symptoms. Some medications may only be available in certain inhaler types. Inhaled asthma medications include:

 Short-acting bronchodilators. These medications, including albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) and pirbuterol (Maxair), provide immediate relief of asthma symptoms.

 Long-acting bronchodilators. These medications relieve asthma symptoms for longer periods of time. They include salmeterol (Serevent) and formoterol (Foradil).

 Corticosteroids. Used long term to prevent asthma attacks, these medications include beclomethasone dipropionate (Qvar), fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort), triamcinolone acetonide (Azmacort) and flunisolide (Aerobid).

 Cromolyn or nedocromil. These nonsteroidal medications are used long term to prevent inflammation.

 Corticosteroid plus long-acting bronchodilator. This medication combines a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator (Advair, Symbicort)."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ast...halers/HQ01081

Cherie