Will inhaled steroids or steroid tablets stunt my childs growth?
Most studies say kids grow normally when they take 400 to 800 mcg/day of Beclomethasone (an inhaled steroid) although higher doses may cause some trouble. Long term steroid tablet use shows the most risk for growth problems. The doctor will carefully track how your child is growing while he or she is on these medications, and may try to step-down (decrease the dosage) this therapy when possible. On the other hand, having your childs asthma out of control itself can lead to growth problems. At the present time, there are many studies being done on steroids; not only on how they work, but also on the possible side-effects from them. Recent studies have shown that there are no known long-term growth delays associated with inhaled steroids. Talk with your childs doctor about any concerns you have about steroids or any other medications.
