Although all international guidelines suggest using inhalers for treatment of asthma, inhalers use is fraught with many myths and misconceptions. In this article we shall discuss and answer the common myths associated with inhalers therapy.
Inhalers cause addiction
This is a very common myth in India that once a child is started on inhalers the child gets addicted or dependent on inhalers. As many children require inhalers regularly to keep their asthma well, many families believe that inhalers are addictive. Asthma treatments are not addictive in the usual sense of the word – they are necessary to manage your child’s asthma. Using inhalers is not at all addictive, it is a necessity.
Inhalers are the last resort
Contrary to popular belief, inhaled medicines are not the last resort for children with asthma. Even for the mildest cases, inhaled medicine is the best form of treatment. Inhaled medicines are significantly better compared to oral medicines. Inhaled medicines directly reach the child’s airway leading to a better and a quicker relief in the symptoms. Inhaled medicines are in significantly less doses compared to oral medicines leading to fewer adverse effects.
Inhalers stunt children’s growth
A lot of parents get scared hearing about steroids in inhalers and correlate this to side effects of oral steroids. Scientific research shows that inhaled steroids used in low to moderate doses does not lead to significant impact on the height of a child. Children who take inhaled steroids for many years may be just half an inch shorter than their expected adult height. On the contrary, a poorly controlled asthma can lead to significant stunting in height.
Inhaled steroids are harmful
Adverse effects with inhaled steroids are generally none or mild if prescribed in recommended doses. In most cases, the benefits of the inhaled steroids outweigh any possible side effects.
Inhaled steroids are the cornerstones for treatment of asthma in children and adults. The use of inhaled steroids reduces asthma symptoms, asthma attacks and asthma-related admissions. Inhaled steroids are relatively safe and cause minimal side effects.
In case your child is having repeated episodes of wheezing or having asthma you need to get in touch with a child pulmonologist for a proper diagnosis and guidance on treatment.
