Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Inhaled corticosteroids in childhood asthma: growing concerns

K B Witzmann1, R J Fink

  • 1Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonary Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20010, USA. Kwitzman@cnmc.org

Drugs
|March 31, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) may impact growth velocity in children with asthma. New FDA labeling highlights this risk, alongside other safety and compliance concerns for pediatric asthma management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Asthma Management

Background:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a cornerstone therapy for childhood asthma.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between ICS use and reduced growth velocity in children.
  • Regulatory bodies like the FDA are reviewing these findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the established benefits of ICS in pediatric asthma.
  • To examine the association between ICS and potential growth suppression.
  • To discuss updated FDA class labeling and other ICS-related concerns in children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on ICS and pediatric growth.
  • Analysis of recent FDA meeting data and labeling changes.
  • Discussion of adverse effects, usability, and adherence issues.

Main Results:

  • ICS are effective for asthma control in children.
  • A potential, though often modest, effect on growth velocity exists with ICS use.
  • New FDA labeling advises caution regarding growth effects.

Conclusions:

  • The benefits of ICS for asthma control in children generally outweigh potential growth effects.
  • Close monitoring of growth and adherence is recommended.
  • Addressing parental concerns and improving inhaler technique are crucial for effective ICS therapy.

More Related Videos

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System07:28

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System

Published on: April 6, 2017

Intratracheal Instillation of Stem Cells in Term Neonatal Rats04:27

Intratracheal Instillation of Stem Cells in Term Neonatal Rats

Published on: May 4, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids01:26

COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Inhaled Medications01:23

Inhaled Medications

Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...