Hi Neeta. I understand your concerns about
asthma medications becoming addictive. Here are few facts about asthma that might help you.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a disease of airways resulting from constriction of airways leading to
wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulty. Like
diabetes,
hypertension it is a long term disease. There is always an ongoing inflammation of airways resulting in on and off worsening of asthma attacks.
why do we need long term medications?
Two types of medications are available. Reliever medications like
levolin which cures an attack, preventer medications like Budecort(
steroids) which prevent future episodes from occurring.
we take medications for diabetes, hypertension for a long period but never complaint about taking them. Since asthma is also a long term disease, preventer medications has to be taken for a long time. But good news for you is a good percentage of children may outgrow asthma as they grow older.
I feel worried that my child may get dependent to inhalers ?
This misconception creeps in everyones minds when they think of inhalers. For becoming addicts, medicines should reach brain. They should give a pleasurable feeling resulting in craving to have more and more. But such phenomenon doesn't happen with asthma medications. They reach only lungs, act on airways, reduce inflammation and never reach any where else. That is why inhaler medicines don't cause side effects like tremors,
palpitation as oral medications do. Inhaler medications are perfectly safe and don't cause addiction.
Hope your child outgrows asthma. Till then take preventer medications. Keep in touch with your doctor. They will increase or decrease medication dosages based on your child's response. hence regular follow up is needed.
Regarding your child not gaining weight, I need your child's weight and what all she takes for whole day. have a good day.