The role of corticosteroids in the management of childhood asthma

Preventive treatment: * Inhaled corticosteroids are indicated in children with asthma who have more than mild persistent asthma or are unresponsive to non-steroidal medications after 2-4 weeks. * Initial administration of 400 microg/day of chlorofluorocarbon-beclomethasone dipropionate, or budesonide, or 200 microg/day of fluticasone propionate or hydrofluoroalkane-beclomethasone dipropionate, is suggested, with subsequent titration of the dose to achieve ongoing control with the lowest dose possible. * In situations where asthma control cannot be achieved with the above doses of inhaled corticosteroids, the addition of a long-acting beta2-agonist, theophylline or a leukotriene antagonist should be considered. * Specialist referral is recommended in children requiring high doses of inhaled steroids, regular oral steroids or in whom there is concern about possible steroid side effects. Treatment of acute asthma: * Systemic corticosteroid therapy is recommended for children with moderate to severe acute asthma or if there is incomplete response to beta2-agonists. * Initial administration of 1 mg/kg prednisolone (maximum, 50 mg) orally is suggested, and this may be repeated every 12-24 hours, depending on response. While a course of up to three days is generally sufficient, in more severe cases a prolonged course (with tapering) may occasionally be indicated. * The need for recurrent systemic corticosteroid therapy for acute episodes is an indication for reassessment of the child's interval therapy.

Published by The Medical journal of Australia, 2002. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.

doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04347.x