New study reveals side effect to asthma medication
Children under the age of two, who are given asthma medication, are apparently more likely to have stunted growth, the study has found.
As reported in the
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Lead researcher Dr Antti Saari has said there should be careful consideration before the drug is prescribed.
"The key message of our study... is that doctors should carefully think if a child really needs this medication or not,” Dr Saari said.
Dr Antti Saari also said the impact of corticosteroids on growth was examined in older children and was thought to alter growth, only temporarily.
There was a lack of studies on the use of inhaled corticosteroid to treat infants.
“Our research shows a link between long-term treatment of inhaled corticosteroids during infancy and stunted growth at or after the age of two in otherwise healthy children,” said Dr Saari.
Anyone with concerns or questions can call the Asthma Advice-line at 1850 44 54 64 or visit www.asthma.ie
