ACI International - Journal of the WAO

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are recommended as the preferred controller treatment for all severities of persistent asthma in children aged 5 years and younger. Methods/Data base: A review of published efficacy and safety data for ICS use in infants and children younger than 5 years was based on relevant articles identified from MED-LINE and reference lists of review articles. Results: Extensive clinical data for nebulized budesonide inhalation suspension in children aged 6 months to 8 years and more limited data for budesonide and fluticasone administered via pressurized metered-dose inhaler or dry-powder inhaler demonstrate that ICS therapy is both effective and safe for the treatment of persistent asthma in infants and young children. Conclusion: Published studies, especially for nebulized budesonide suspension, support the preferred use of ICSs in infants and young children with persistent asthma. As the only ICS available in the United States for nebulization, this ICS, in particular, may be well suited for infants and children unable to use conventional ICS delivery devices.

Key words: inhaled corticosteroids - treatment efficacy - nebulized budesonide inhalation suspension - young children