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[The use of inhaled corticosteroids in preschool children]

Knut Øymar1

  • 1Barneklinikken, Stavanger universitetssjukehus, Norway. knut.oymar@sus.no

Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening : Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke
|January 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing asthma in preschoolers is challenging due to varied symptoms. While inhaled corticosteroids can help manage asthma and wheezing, current guidelines suggest cautious use in this age group, despite frequent prescription in Norway.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Context:

  • Diagnosing asthma and wheezing in preschool children presents significant challenges due to symptom variability.
  • The use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for managing asthma and recurrent wheezing in young children is debated.
  • Over- and under-treatment with ICS can occur in this population owing to disease heterogeneity and limited diagnostic tools.

Purpose:

  • To discuss current guidelines and recommendations for using inhaled corticosteroids in preschool children.
  • To highlight the discrepancy between frequent ICS prescription in Norway and recommended restrictive use for infants.
  • To address the diagnostic difficulties in preschool wheeze and asthma.

Summary:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids may offer benefits for preschool children with asthma symptoms and recurrent wheezing.
  • Current guidelines recommend a restrictive approach to ICS use in children under two years old.
  • Prescribing patterns in Norway show frequent use of ICS in this age group, contrary to guidelines.

Impact:

  • Informing clinical practice regarding appropriate ICS use in preschool wheeze and asthma.
  • Guiding healthcare providers on the challenges of diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions in young children.
  • Potentially reducing over- and under-treatment by aligning practice with evidence-based recommendations.

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