Previous studies have suggested that asthma can impair lung growth during childhood, leading to reduced pulmonary function in adulthood. The researchers recruited 1,041 children with mild asthma, ages 5 to 12 years, and randomly assigned them to be treated with either the inhaled steroid budesonide, the non-steroid nedocomil or a placebo. They also provided each patient with bronchodilator asthma medicines as needed. Neither medication improved lung growth. The doctors also discovered that the steroidal drugs provided better treatment than the non-steroidal drugs or placebo in terms of significantly reducing the number of hospitalizations and urgent care visits, as well as the need for additional asthma medications.
Parents are understandably cautious about treatments for their children that are in any way risky.
This study provides some reassurance about the safety of this most effective class of asthma drugs. Hopefully, it will also change prescribing habits of physicians who have been reluctant to use inhaled steroids in milder asthmatic children. By clicking the 'Search' button, you agree to the terms and conditions under Disclaimer . Who is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services, and the materials, information, and answers provided by and through the Website are for information purposes only and not intended to replace the services of a trained health care professional or to be a substitute for medical advice provided by a qualified health care professional. You should consult the appropriate health care professional on specific medical questions, including matters requiring diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.