The fears were supposed to be to laid to rest by two major studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine last October. Separate research teams announced that inhaled steroids seemed to have some impact on how fast kids grow, but using the drugs for up to 10 years did not affect a child's ultimate height. Actually, they end up as we would expect. Since inhaled steroids seem to affect height at first, she said there could be side effects that researchers aren't aware of yet. Based on this potential for harm, the FDA requires inhaled steroids to include warnings on their label about the possibility for slowing growth in children.
Some doctors are leery as well.
But most experts agree that going without treatment is clearly the more risky option. Not using this treatment, after all, can lead to missed school days and make it hard for kids to take part in activities they enjoy. More important is that inhaled steroids are often needed to protect against the worst. One published study found that even low doses of this treatment could significantly reduce the chance of dying from asthma. It's the best stuff we have.