Pulmicort, or budesonide, is an inhaled corticosteroid medication used to treat children with chronic asthma. Pulmicort targets the swelling in the airways by decreasing the inflammation of the bronchial tubes associated with asthma. The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program, under the direction of the National Institutes of Health, issued updated guidelines for the treatment of asthma in children in 2007. These guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids such as Pulmicort as the first-line treatment for children with chronic asthma. It's important to be aware of potential side effects of Pulmicort before a child begins taking it.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory tract infections, or colds, might occur more frequently in children with asthma who take Pulmicort. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and cough. Pulmicort mildly suppresses the immune system, making children more susceptible to cold viruses.
Mouth Sores and Sore Throat
Since Pulmicort is an inhaled medicine, given to children in either an inhaler or a nebulizer machine, some of the medicine lingers in the mouth and might stick to the inside of the mouth and throat. When this happens, painful yeast infections can occur in the mouth and throat. To avoid this, children should be taught to rinse their mouths with water after taking Pulmicort. Parents of younger children should wipe their child's tongue and mouth with a wet washcloth after giving their child a Pulmicort dose.
Slowed Growth
Corticosteroids such as Pulmicort might affect the production of certain growth hormones produced in the brain. A study published in the February 2007 issue of Pediatric Pulmonology found that children taking a daily dose of Pulmicort did have a temporary slowing of their growth that lasts for about 12 months. Several other studies, including a 2000 article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have found similar results. Although Pulmicort can temporarily slow down children's rate of growth, they still have normal adult height.
Allergic Reactions
Even though Pulmicort is inhaled and not swallowed, it still has the potential to cause allergic reactions in children. Severe allergic reactions can cause hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat, and difficulty breathing.
Other Side Effects
The FDA reports other side effects sometimes seen in children taking Pulmicort include stomach upset and ear aches. As with any medication, there might be some side effects not commonly reported, so if a child taking Pulmicort is experiencing any unusual symptoms, it's important to report them to a doctor immediately.
References
- National Institutes of Health: The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program
- "Pediatric Pulmonology"; Growth Deceleration of Children on Inhaled Corticosteroids is Compensated for After the First 12 Months of Treatment; MB Antrhacopoulos et al; May 2007
- New England Journal of Medicine"; Effect of Long-Term Treatment with Inhaled Budesonide on Adult Height in Children with Asthma; L Agertoft et al; October 2000
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