Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat conditions ranging from asthma to lupus. Patients may take these drugs for a few weeks or for their entire lives. These medications can carry serious side effects and children are more susceptible to these effects than adults. With proper dosage and ongoing medical care, children taking corticosteroids can minimize the negative effects while treating their medical condition.
Usage
Corticosteroids act by reducing inflammation in the body. They are commonly found in asthma inhalers for ongoing treatment of the inflammatory effects of asthma. Corticosteroids are also prescribed for use in other inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases. In a study cited in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology it is estimated one in 10 children will take these types of medications during their childhood.
Side Effects
Inhaled corticosteroids can leave traces of the medication in the mouth and throat and cause irritation. Patients are advised to gargle and rinse after use. Steroid use in the short term can lead to symptoms including fluid retention, headache, mood swings and glaucoma. Longer term use can increase the chance of infection because of suppressed immune response, raise cholesterol levels and thinning of skin. The likelihood and severity of side effects is directly related to the dosage taken.
Growth Rate
Corticosteroids can stunt a patient's growth, which is a major concern in developing children. This can cause doctors to be reluctant to prescribe the medications for children with asthma. However a study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reviewed studies done during the 1980s and 1990s and found the cases of reduced growth with inhaled corticosteroids were rare, typically cases where children were overmedicated. Untreated asthma also inhibits growth and a proper dose of corticosteroids for asthma gives the child the best chance at normal development.
Monitoring
Anyone taking corticosteroids should see a doctor regularly to monitor the possible side effects of the drug as well as its efficacy in treating the underlying condition. Talk to your doctor about how often your child should be seen. The schedule will depend on the dosage, with children receiving high doses being seen more often. Monitoring may include weight checks, glaucoma exams and blood tests.
Asthma
Asthma and other inflammatory diseases are sometimes caused by allergies and avoiding the sources of allergy reduces symptoms and may allow a doctor to reduce the dosage of corticosteroids. For non-allergic conditions, other medications may be available but carry their own risks and side effects. Some patients are helped by herbal medications or dietary supplements, but these seldom have medical evidence backing up their use. These therapies should be used under a doctor's care to complement medical treatment, not to replace it.
References
- Indian J Dermatol Venereol Lepro: Minimizing side effects of systemic corticosteroids in children
- The New England Journal Of Medicine: Long-Term Inhaled Corticosteroids in Preschool Children at High Risk for Asthma
- Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med.: Do Inhaled Corticosteroids Inhibit Growth in Children?
- Everyday Health: Corticosteroid Alternatives
