Beta2-agonists for asthma: the pediatric perspective.
Inhaled beta-agonists are commonly prescribed for the treatment of wheezing disorders in infants and children. Despite this, there are concerns that these medications have potentially detrimental effects on lung health and symptoms. We will review the ontogeny of beta-agonist receptor and smooth muscle development from fetal life through infancy and childhood as well as the evidence supporting the clinical utility of beta-agonists in wheezing infants and asthmatic children. Finally, the potential detrimental effects of long- and short-acting beta-agonists in infants and children are discussed.
Subbarao
Padmaja
P
Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. padmaja.subbarao@sickkids.ca
Ratjen
Felix
F
D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans
D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents