Asthma In Children - Asthma In Children Is Common And Inhaled Steroids Are Not The Cure For It

A chronic respiratory disease, asthma is caused mostly by inflammation of the airways, increased sensitivity of the airways to a number of things worsening the condition, and obstruction of airflow. Asthma is, however, different in children and adults due to various factors. For instance, asthma in children is usually more difficult to diagnose and they may not be have the capacity to use some drugs that can be used by adults. Recent studies suggest that inhaled steroids are not as effective for treatment of asthma in children as believed earlier.

These studies have revealed that inhaled steroids can check the symptoms of asthma in children, but fail to alter the natural course of the disease. Millions of school-going children are attacked by asthma every year in the United States. Most children are compelled to miss school because of asthma. Even though there is no “cure" for asthma as such, it can be treated.

A recent study involved 285 preschool children, age 2 to 3, suffering from asthma for two years. Researchers observed that after two years of treatment with inhaled steroid (corticosteroid) therapy, asthma symptoms or lung function during the third, treatment-free year remained unchanged. They came to the conclusion that treatment with inhaled corticosteroids fails to have any impact asthma in later years once the treatment is discontinued. As many physicians are used to recommending long-term treatment with inhaled steroids to reduce asthma in children, the new findings may now change the way young children are treated.

An inhaled steroid is normally used on a daily basis to keep control over asthma in children and prevent the symptoms of the disease. The steroid prevents and reduces airways inflammation which renders them less sensitive. It may also affect the production of mucus. An inhaled steroid is not likely to give asthmatic children fast relief for asthma symptoms. Doctors mostly recommend a starting dose of steroid to control symptoms but may change the dosage depending on the child's symptoms.

Inhaled steroids produce a number of side effects in children suffering from asthma. The most common among them are thrush (a yeast infection of the mouth or throat that leads to a white discoloration of the tongue), cough, and hoarseness. It is better to remember that the child should rinse his/her mouth and spit out the water after he/she inhales the steroid. It is also advised to use a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer that can reduce the risk of thrush. When a higher-than-the-normal dose is prescribed, there are possibilities of occurrence of some systemic side effects. These side effects can be in the form of reddening of the cheeks, irritability, and sleep disorders.

Children who use a higher dose of steroid can have their growth affected. This is the most important side effect in children, and those using inhaled steroids must be kept under the close observation of a doctor to monitor the situation. An inhaled steroid though has much less potential for side effects than steroid pills or syrups.

In any case, studies have now shown that treatment with inhaled steroids cannot guarantee a cure of asthma in children. It is time scientists look for new ways to treat this chronic disease.

• Felicia Byrnes
• 14/02/2009, 2:59 PM
• 0 Comments