Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
07:28

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

Published on: April 6, 2017

[High doses of inhaled budesonide and adrenal function in children with severe asthma]

Aída Milinarsky T1, Sylvia Fischer G, Vinka Giadrosich R

  • 1Departamento de Pediatría, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile. pediatria@uv.cl

Revista Medica De Chile
|March 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Inhaled budesonide, a common asthma treatment for children, rarely affects adrenal function. Most children on high doses showed normal adrenal response to ACTH stimulation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids are a cornerstone in managing pediatric asthma.
  • Long-term use of inhaled budesonide at high doses (≥800 μg/day) necessitates evaluation of potential endocrine side effects.
  • Assessing adrenocortical function is crucial for children with severe asthma on prolonged inhaled steroid therapy.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the impact of long-term inhaled budesonide therapy on adrenocortical function in children with severe asthma.
  • To determine the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency in pediatric asthma patients receiving ≥800 μg/day of inhaled budesonide.
  • To assess the safety profile of inhaled budesonide concerning the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in children.

Summary:

  • A study investigated adrenocortical function in 20 children (5-14 years) with severe asthma on ≥800 μg/day inhaled budesonide for at least six months.
  • Adrenocortical reserve was assessed via ACTH stimulation test (Cosyntropin).
  • Seventeen out of twenty children (85%) exhibited normal serum cortisol levels post-stimulation, indicating preserved adrenal function in most patients.

Impact:

  • The findings suggest that high-dose inhaled budesonide (≥800 μg/day) is associated with adrenal alterations in a minority of pediatric asthma patients.
  • This research provides valuable data for clinicians regarding the endocrine safety of inhaled budesonide in managing severe childhood asthma.
  • Highlights the importance of monitoring adrenal function in specific pediatric populations receiving long-term, high-dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy.
Abstract

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: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists

Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
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: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines01:24

Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines

Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...