Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/599769
9 COnCerns ABOUT inhALeD COrTiCOsTerOiDs many parents worry about giving their child steroids to treat their asthma. here are some points to remember: • The steroids used to treat asthma are called corticosteroids. These are a copy of those produced naturally in our bodies. • They are completely different to the anabolic steroids associated with bodybuilders and athletes. • Most children use inhaled steroids that go straight down to the airways, so very little is absorbed into the rest of the body. • Low doses of inhaled steroids do not cause side effects and have no effect on growth. • Like adults, they may have a sore tongue or throat. Using a spacer can reduce this risk. It is also a good idea to give your child their steroid inhaler before they brush their teeth. • It is important that your child is regularly reviewed by your doctor to ensure that they are using the lowest dose needed to control their asthma. WhAT is A neBULiser? A nebuliser is a machine that creates a mist of medicine, which is then breathed in through a mask or mouthpiece. They are commonly used to give high doses of reliever medicines in an emergency situation in hospital or a Dotor's surgery, during an acute asthma attack. UsinG yOUr inhALers using an inhaler is the most common way of taking asthma medicines. it is also a very effective way because inhaling the medicine takes it straight into your lungs. It is important that your child take the medicine properly. It is very common to experience problems using inhalers. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist or respiratory case manager and they will be able to check your child's inhaler technique or may give you a different inhaler, or a large volume spacer which make aerosol inhalers easier to use and more effective. These trap the medicine inside the spacer, so your child does not have to worry about pressing the inhaler and breathing in at exactly the same time