Inhaled corticosteroids should be the first line of treatment for children with asthma.
Although montelukast is claimed to be preferable to inhaled corticosteroids in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis, virus-induced exacerbations, exercise induced asthma, and in those experiencing difficulties with inhalation therapy, there is no scientific evidence to support any of these claims. In comparative trials and systematic reviews, inhaled corticosteroids are clearly more effective than montelukast in reducing asthma exacerbations, improving lung function, symptom scores, and rescue medication use. The effects on exercise induced bronchoconstriction appear to be similar. Because of their superior efficacy and excellent long-term efficacy and safety profile, inhaled corticosteroids are the treatment of first choice for the maintenance therapy of childhood asthma, irrespective of age or clinical phenotype.
Princess Amalia Children's Clinic, Isala klinieken, PO Box 10400, 8000 GK Zwolle, the Netherlands. p.l.p.brand@isala.nl
Paul L P
PL
Brand
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones