were not administered and in the case where the oral corticosteroid is administered after the damage has occurred a reduction or elimination of such damage the term u201c damage u201d as used herein refers to any alteration in normal structure or function by u201c lining u201d is meant any biological material which covers a surface or lines a cavity or the like and which performs protective screening and or other functions by u201c topically active u201d or u201c locally active u201d is meant the compound has its principal pharmacological action through tissue near the site where the drug is present in the case of a topically active corticosteroid tac there is limited systemic exposure either by limited absorption first pass metabolism by the liver and or gut enterohepatic recirculation protein binding or rapid elimination from the systemic circulation and any combination thereof by u201c systemic circulation u201d it is meant that portion of the circulation which is anatomically distal to the pulmonary circulation or the circulation resulting from left ventricular outflow into the aorta arteries arterioles capillaries and venous system in which a steady state level of the drug in the circulation has been achieved by a u201c pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient u201d is meant a carrier or excipient which is compatible with the other ingredients of the composition and not injurious to the patient the term u201c effective amount u201d means.