Inhaled Steroids for Asthma and Their Deadly Side Effects

If you have a young child who suffers from asthma, you will want to read this article. Asthma is the most common chronic illness effecting children; in fact, one-third of those diagnosed are children under 18. It is the third most common reason for hospitalization of children. Not only that, but nearly 14 million days of school are missed each year due to asthma-related illnesses. Did you know that when it comes to asthma, more boys are affected than girls?

What exactly is an asthma attack? First of all, minor symptoms could include: coughing, tightness of the chest, slight wheezing, and shortness of breath. However, when your child is exposed to what actually “triggers” his asthma, the symptoms worsen. Your child is then having an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways constrict. They become inflamed as the airway tightens, making it more difficult for air to travel to and from the lungs. This is called broncho-constriction.

So, what is the western medical industry doing about this chronic illness? Most doctors will recommend your child be placed on a propellant inhaler for attacks. These do not contain measureable amounts of steroids. However, your doctor may also suggest putting your child on inhaled steroids for preventing those attacks. Now these are not the kind that help someone break homerun records. Still, what you may or may not know could harm your child, or possibly kill him.

My son’s doctor recommended inhaled steroids. I did some research and discovered that these medications have quite a few side effects. First of all, my research showed that asthma may be due to hormonal imbalances (see: http://www.drplatt.com). Steroidal inhalants are known to depress the endocrine system, adrenals and pituitary gland – doesn’t sound like a good combination. Other major long-term side effects might include: osteoporosis, hypercorticism, glaucoma, cataracts, and Candida. Are these long-term possibilities worth the risk for your child?

And, whether your doctor wants to admit to the significance of numbers, several brands have been known to cause deaths in asthmatics. Many of these inhaled steroids can induce asthmatic reactions just by using them. At least 10 percent of patients develop these symptoms.

I don’t know about you, but for this mother, these facts are enough to lead me to continue my research for alternative treatments for my child.

Here is a rundown of some well-known inhalants and their researched side effects. (Please visit: http://www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com to understand these effects further.)

These are the most commonly prescribed asthma steroidal inhalants and their short term and long-term side effects:

1. Generic name: Beclomethasone; brand names: Beclovent, Vanceril, Becloforte, Beconaise. Side effects: irritation of the throat, coughing, hoarseness, and candidiasis in or around the oropharynx or the larynx. Long term use: depressed pituitary-adrenal functioning, osteoporosis.

2. Generic name: Ciclesonide; brand name: Alvesco. Active substance: Side effects: Hoarseness, cough after inhalation, increase in wheezing after inhalation, bad taste, burning, inflammation, irritation, dryness of mouth or throat, skin rash and/or eczema causing itching and redness.

3. Generic name: FloVent; brand name: Fluticasone. Side effects: weakness, tired feeling, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, wheezing or breathing problems after using this medication, skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist), worsening asthma symptoms, headache, dryness in your mouth, nose, or throat, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips, stuffy nose, sinus pain, cough, hoarseness or deepened voice.

Singulair, a preventative chewable tablet with the active ingredient montelukast sodium, is relatively new to the market. Here are some current research findings for side effects: feeling tired, fever, stomach pain, upset stomach, intestinal upset, heartburn, dizziness, and headaches. Since Singulair is a new drug, long-term effects have not been determined. Less than 1000 children 12 and under have been tested on this drug. I don’t think this is enough data to prove it’s safe.

What else can you or your child do to decrease asthma attacks or even minimize the disease? Start by conducting some of your own research online or at the Public Library. The Physician’s Desk Reference lists side effects for all medications. Your doctor may or may not share this with you. The best prevention for any unwanted disease starts with education.

Look for my other article on exercises and alternative therapies for dealing with asthma, “Asthma: Simple breathing exercises for your child”.