Side effects of steroids in children

Asthma Treatment with Steroids

Steroids are often used drug for the treatment of asthma in children. Currently, they are one of the most effective drugs used for treating asthma.

Common types of steroids used in the treatment of asthma and asthma attacks are: prednisolone, budesonide, Hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone and methylprednisolone. These steroids are known as corticosteroids.

Inhaled Steroids

For the treatment of asthma, inhaled corticosteroids are often given to children for whom bronchodilators are not sufficient. In the past, injected or oral corticosteroids in heavy doses were used but they also included severe adverse effects. These inhaled steroids may come in powdered forms, packaged into inhalers that dose the medication and are easy to use.

Inhaled steroids reduce airway inflammation and mucus production, making it easier for the patient to breathe. The use of inhaled steroids provides better asthma control and reduces the need for hospitalization significantly. Even though inhaled steroids prevent asthma symptoms, they don’t relieve the existing symptoms. Some steroid inhalers, however, combine multiple medications to serve as both short and long acting medications at the same time.

Asthma inhalers that contain steroids include: advair, Aerobid, Asmanex, Azmacort, Flovent, pulmicort, Symbicort and Qvar.

Three forms of inhaled steroids are available: the meter dose inhaler (MDI), dry powder inhaler (DPI) and nebulizer solutions.

Side effects of steroids are frequently seen in children. They can affect adults as well, but children are more prone to such adverse effects. These effects are usually only temporary and stop when therapy is finished.

Side effects of steroids in children can include oral thrush and yeast infection. This side effect is more common in adults due to higher doses. To prevent this, children should rinse the mouth with antifungal mouthwash after using their asthma inhaler.

The prolonged used of steroids can also affect growth and lead to thinner bones. This may happen if steroids are taken over a long period of time and in high doses. Some studies indicate that delayed growth will occur only in the first year of treatment. The exact reason for thinning of bones is unknown since the bone density isn’t affected in adults.

Adrenal suppression is one of the main side effects of corticosteroids in children. Steroids are naturally produced in the body by the adrenal glands. The body’s ability to produce steroids is significantly impaired when it receives steroids from other sources. This may cause some health problems in children.

Weight gain is another concern when children are prescribed steroids. Children may gain weight due to increased appetite.

Stomach irritation can occur as well, and to reduce this side effect, steroids should be taken with meals.

Changes in behavior can occur; they are usually a temporary effect of steroids, and mainly include mood swings. A child can also become irritable.

Another potential side effect of steroids in children would be high blood pressure. A child may experience a headache and dizziness if their blood pressure is on the high side. Raised blood sugar level can also be seen, but can be only temporary. Signs of increased blood sugar level are unusual thirst and frequent urination. All in all, corticosteroids have more benefits than negative effects in children with severe asthma. They prevent the symptoms and lethal outcome in children suffering from asthma.