Asthma sufferers who have been evaluated and educated by allergy and asthma specialists may safely use their medicines at school on their own with little guidance. There should, however, be a coordinated approach by the teaching staff, the parents and the physician as to what to do if the asthmatic student is having breathing difficulties. Side affects of several asthma drugs include increased heart rate and trembling hands. Asthma therapies commonly use agents which are related chemically to adrenaline, as discussed above. Trembling and an increased heart rate may occur, but are rarely troublesome enough to discontinue the medications.
Inhaled steroids have severe side effects.
Steroids are extremely safe and for many asthma patients an absolute necessity. Side effects from steroids are dose dependent. The greater the dose you take, the greater is the risk of experiencing steroid side effects. Fortunately, inhaled steroid are low enough in concentration that only rarely will an asthma patient have significant side effects. It is important to emphasize that inhaled steroids are safe in young children.