Inhaled Corticosteroids Adverse Events In Asthmatic Children: A Review

Saad Alotaibi1, Farhan Alshammari

  • 1Pediatric Respiratory Specialist, Farwanyah Hospital, Kuwait.

Insights

Inhaled corticosteroids are essential for managing persistent childhood asthma, offering proven safety and efficacy. Proper parent education and correct inhaler technique are key to effective asthma control and preventing adverse events.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pharmacology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition in children.
  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a cornerstone therapy for persistent childhood asthma.
  • Prevalence rates of childhood asthma symptoms vary globally, with higher rates noted in Australia, New Zealand, and England.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the safety, mechanism of action, and adverse events of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in children.
  • To provide evidence-based recommendations for the optimal use of ICS in pediatric asthma management.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review and analysis of relevant studies.
  • Examination of data concerning ICS efficacy, safety profiles, and potential adverse effects in pediatric and adult populations.

Main Results:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are established as the primary treatment for persistent asthma in children.
  • Published literature confirms the safety and effectiveness of ICS therapy.
  • Parental education on asthma and ICS significantly enhances treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the mainstay for persistent pediatric asthma.
  • Correct inhalation techniques, including the use of spacers and appropriate inhaler devices (e.g., Turbuhaler, Diskus), are crucial.
  • Minimizing ICS dosage to the lowest effective level and employing proper techniques can prevent adverse events and ensure optimal asthma control.

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...
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: 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: 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...
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:
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...