A recent report presented at the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology has revealed that prolonged use of steroids in the treatment of asthma in children under two years of age could stunt their growth making them not grow to their full heights.
The study was conducted by a Finnish team at the University of Eastern Finland on 12000 children.
The team recommends that steroid medication for asthma in children should be used with caution. A lot of inhalers used in the asthma treatment contain steroids.
The team leader, Dr. Saan believes ‘it is important that doctors think twice whether these steroids are needed or not at the age’.
Asthma is a non-communicable lifelong condition characterized by occasional narrowing and swelling of the airways through which air enters and leaves our lungs. During an asthmatic attack the person finds it difficult to breathe and the breathing is very whistling in character. Asthma can be mild intermittent, mild persistent, moderate or severe depending on frequency of attacks.
Asthma is worldwide, affecting all races and classes of people; rich and poor though its control and complications can be impacted by socioeconomic conditions and life style.
Asthma has no cure but it can be controlled. Because of the importance of the condition, the month of May is called “ Asthma Month” in order to enhance awareness of the disease.
The cause of asthma is not quite clear but heredity is thought to play a major role in who gets the disease. If your parent or sibling has it then your risk of having it is high.
Other risk factors include overweight, cigarette smoking, persistent occupational exposure to some chemicals ( those working in places where certain chemicals are used or manufactured such as paint companies, hairdressing saloons are at risk), Persistent exposure to airborne allergens (things that the body can react to such as pollen, mold, cockroaches, dust), persistent exposure to cooking smoke when using wood or charcoal.
Parents, please take note.
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