Oral and injected corticosteroids in childhood asthma
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If despite treatment with inhaled steroids background, asthma symptoms persists or increases, we recommend the use of oral steroids, either in the form of tablets or upon presentation of drops or syrups. If asthma and exacerbate crisis, it is advisable to start using the injected cortisone.
Short-term oral treatment for asthma attacks
The administration is performed once to several daily doses, depending on the treatment schedule designed for the patient, and extended between one and two weeks, during which the inflammatory process is decreased.
Side effects outside the stomach pains are practically nil, even if the indicated doses are high. Increased appetite and weight, or a temporary change of character (hyperexcitability) may be evident especially in young children.
These effects may be increased if so do the doses of steroids. Some doctors have established with their patients different schemes of self-medication if a notice of crisis, among which are presented: presence of respiratory distress, cough, low peak flow values, and so on.
Long-term oral treatment for chronic severe asthma
If in spite of treatment with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids, asthma is not controlled, steroid administration imposed by mouth. In all cases, your doctor will seek the lowest effective dose for the control of the disease.
Its side effects can be very important, if the duration of treatment is more than one month. The most common are usually the aforementioned weight gain, loss of calcium in bones and muscle mass. Less typical are high blood pressure, heartburn, gastric ulcers, aggravation of diabetes, and declining or stagnant growth of the child.
Treatment with oral corticosteroids is always done in stages and under strict medical supervision. A sudden stop in management can cause severe damage to the body of the patient. They also do not typically prescribed systematically and children under appeal.
Cortisone injection
Cortisone injection is performed only in cases of severe asthma crisis. This pathway does not involve a faster reaction to the oral route, but it is better tolerated when the steroid must be administered in high doses. His administration should be in a hospital. Never self-medicate the patient, you should always consult professionals in Pediatrics who indicate the exact dose required by the child.
Before any doubt always turn to your pediatrician.
