corticosteroids Pulmicort Turbohaler Flonase Flovent Discus Asthma Treatment for Children BACKGROUND: "It is unknown whether inhaled corticosteroids 'such as Pulmicort Turbohaler,] can modify the subsequent development of asthma in preschool children at high risk for asthma...

METHODS: We randomly assigned 285 participants two or three years of age 'having pre-asthma conditions.]...'They were treated with fluticasone propionate--trade names Flonase, Flovent Discus, Flovent Rotadisk], or a ... placebo for two years, followed by a one-year period without the...medication...

RESULTS: During the observation year, no significant differences were seen between the two groups in function...

CONCLUSIONS: In preschool children at high risk for asthma, two years of inhaled-corticosteroid therapy did not change the development of asthma symptoms or lung function during a third, treatment-free year..." Emphasis added.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The conclusion essentially is that the treatment had to be continued over a long period of time. Side effects (from Physician's Desk Reference,) more likely with long-term use include; abdominal pain, aggression, back problems, brittle bones, depression, diarrhea, cataracts, loss of speech, mouth infection or swelling, respiratory tract infection, worsening of asthma. This is an abbreviated list. Symptom list is similar to those arising from corticosteroid pills, YET THERE ARE FOODS AND VITAMINS THAT YOUR EDITOR TOOK WHICH ENDED HIS ASTHMA.

Asthma Treatment for Children--Effective? Dangerous? Bibliography:

New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 354, 2006. By: Drs. Guilbert, Morgan, Zeiger, Martinez, et al., Div. of Pulmonary Med., Arizona Respiratory Ctr., U. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724.