Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
23 July 2014 08:07
Under-18s who use corticosteroid asthma inhalers may suffer from reduced growth rate, research shows
Research has shown that asthma inhalers can stunt the growth of children.
A study evaluating more than 8,000 under-18s found that use of the common inhaler reduces growth rates by about half a centimetre during the first year of treatment.
However, doctors have warned it is "vital" that parents continue to allow their children to use the "life-saving" medicine.
And at this time of the year it is also worthwhile for parents to remember to take their children's inhalers on holiday and take out asthma travel insurance which will cover symptoms should the sufferer's condition worsen while away from home.
The study, published by the Cochrane Collection think tank, said with lower doses of the drug, the effect on growth can be minimised, and growth can return to normal after the first few years of therapy.
Lead author Dr Linjie Zhang, from the Federal University of Rio Grande in Brazil, said that reduced growth is "less pronounced in subsequent years, is not cumulative, and seems minor compared to the known benefits of the drugs for controlling asthma and ensuring full lung growth."
Meanwhile, Samantha Walker, director of research and policy at the charity Asthma UK, said the report was good news for asthma sufferers as it showed the side-effects of inhaled corticosteroids were "relatively minor".
"No parent should therefore stop their children taking these lifesaving medicines", she added.
Dr Glenis Scadding, consultant physician in allergy a at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital in London, said the preventer medication helps cut the death rate from asthma.
With the condition still linked to thousands of deaths each year, she stresses it is vital that parents do not stop giving their children asthma inhaled corticosteroid, with the reported effects on growth being described as a "small price to pay" for to ward off potentially lethal asthma attacks.
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
[more...]
16 April 2019
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.
02 March 2019
A Flybe flight was forced to abort take-off due to the cabin filling with "smoke" while it was accelerating along the runway at Exeter Airport.