Budesonide: treatment of bronchial asthma during childhood

Nowadays inhaled corticosteroids are the first step in treating inflammation of the airways. It is evident that these drugs are not free of side effects; however, the fact that at present the most commonly used method is by inhalation and that these drugs undergo metabolic changes in the lung, makes them safe in that a part of the side effects, which are observed when they are administered systemically, disappear. Budesonide was one of the last corticosteroids for topical application to appear on the market and its powerful anti-inflammatory action together with in versatility (it can come in aerosol form using MDI or in solution for nebulizers as well as in dry powder) make it possible to use during all stages of a child's development. In 75 children treated with Budesonide over a long period (18-24 months) we were able to evaluate the drug's clinical efficacy in the reduction in number and intensity of attacks registered together with their accompanying symptoms. Significantly (p < 0.001) it were able to restrict the bronchodilatory medication needed to control their asthma. Similarly, we were able to verify that the FEV1 was normalized and that the Peack Flow was stabilized. We were not able to find any interruption in the hypothalamo-hypophysio-suprarenal axis and the weight-height curves continued to evolve chronologically. With regards to the side effects, three cases of colonization candidiasis were recorded through there were no clinical repercussions and treatment did not need to be suspended.