Dyspnoea remains a remarkable clinical problem and a therapeutic challenge, mainly in chronic respiratory conditions. This study investigated the potential effects of steroids on dyspnoea sensation regardless of their pulmonary anti-inflammatory actions. Sixteen healthy men (mean age ± SD = 22.5±1.6 years) developed uncomfortable breathing by the use of inspiratory resistors (loads of 0, 7, 14 and 21 cm H₂O/l/s) and breathholding 6 h after taking 40 mg of prednisone (Pred) or placebo (Plac). Respiratory discomfort during breathing with loads was evaluated with a 100 mm visual analog scale. The maximum voluntary apnoea time did not differ between the prednisone and placebo days (Plac= 96±11.8 s×Pred=105±12.2 s) and prednisone did not influence the dyspnoea sensation induced by different inspiratory loads (0 cm H₂O/l/s: Pred=2.8 mm×Plac=1.9 mm; 7 cm H₂O/l/s: Pred=18.3 mm×Plac=18.6 mm; 14 cm H₂O/l/s; Pred=33.0 mm×Plac=34.1 mm; 21 cm H₂O/l/s: Pred=48.1 mm×Plac=49.6 mm). Prednisone intake was associated with a significant increase in minute ventilation during breathing with no inspiratory loads (Pred=11.91±1.28 l/min×Plac=9.95±0.86 l/min). Although steroids certainly may improve respiratory conditions due to anti-inflammatory actions, available evidence does not support any specific beneficial effect of these drugs on the perception of dyspnoea itself.