In contrast, asthmatics on controller medications showed a negative correlation (ρ = - 0.564) between EPO levels and reticulocyte counts, indicating a potential suppressive effect of corticosteroids on erythropoiesis.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Asthma is associated with increased erythropoietin production; it is however suppressed by inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Here, EPO is linked to asthma.