Comments for Consumers

This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.

---

Australian Prescriber Vol. 20 No. 3 1997

Childhood asthma

Asthma is very common in children. Most children will have infrequent symptoms and outgrow their asthma. Often, these children may only need occasional treatment with a relieving inhaler. Other children are persistently affected by asthma. They need regular treatment with a preventive inhaler. Some of the inhalers used to prevent asthma contain steroids. There are concerns that steroids may slow a child's growth, so the child should be regularly checked by the doctor. If inhaled steroids are used correctly, they can help to control the asthma with little risk of adverse reactions.

Signs that your child's asthma is well controlled __________________________________________________________ Only occasional need for relieving inhalers No asthma attacks Does not have to miss school because of asthma Not woken by asthma or coughing Asthma due to exercise is easily relieved or prevented by a relieving inhaler