title: Use of topical corticosteroids in the treatment of childhood asthma.
abstract: Various aspects of topical corticosteroids in the treatment of childhood asthma are reviewed: indications, application and bioavailability, dosing schedules, clinical efficacy, effects on non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness, bronchial reactions after allergen challenge, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, as well as possible side effects such as the influences on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or growth and other potentially harmful actions. It was concluded that topical corticosteroids are very beneficial in the treatment of moderate-to-severe childhood asthma and that the risk of side effects can be neglected when the required doses for most patients are used.
authors.affiliation: Division of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Kerrebijn
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001682:Biological Availability; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids