title: Single-dose dexamethasone for mild-to-moderate asthma exacerbations: effective, easy, and acceptable.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  I prescribe oral steroids for children in my community when they suffer asthma exacerbation. How many doses of steroids are recommended? Do all children need to take steroids for 5 days?
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Traditionally, mild-to-moderate pediatric asthma exacerbations have been treated with a short course of oral steroids-often 5 days of prednisone or prednisolone. However, recent evidence suggests a similar outcome can be acheived with a single dose of dexamethasone, which has a longer half-life and powerful anti-inflammatory effects, along with easier administration and compliance. Single-dose dexamethasone offers a simple and reliable treatment for these patients in office, urgent care, and emergency department settings.
authors: BC Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors: Keith P
authors: KP
authors: Cross
authors: Ronald I
authors: RI
authors: Paul
authors: Ran D
authors: RD
authors: Goldman
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone