Role of budesonide inhalation suspension in children with asthma.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of budesonide inhalation suspension (BIS) in the treatment of children with asthma.


METHODS
Literature identified through Medline (1966-November 2000) and references obtained from selected articles. Search terms included budesonide and asthma.


RESULTS
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 4.8 million children in the US. By reducing inflammation, corticosteroids decrease symptoms and improve lung function. As the first nebulized corticosteroid, BIS offers an important treatment option for children with persistent asthma.


CONCLUSIONS
BIS is effective in reducing symptoms and improving lung function in children with asthma. It should be used in children ages 1-8 years with moderate to severe persistent asthma who are unable to effectively use a metered-dose inhaler with or without a spacer or a dry-powder inhaler.
West
Kelly M
KM
Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766-0997, USA. sparano@wilkes.edu
Culhane
Nicole S
NS
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019819:Budesonide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D016239:MEDLINE; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013535:Suspensions; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D013535:Suspensions; D019819:Budesonide