Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Have Allergic Wheezing. Suffer From Blocked Nose, Cough And Breathlessness. Diagnosed Sinusitis. Prescribed KidPred. Side Effects?
Question: Hi Doctor. I have a 1 and half year old son. He has had a couple of bouts of allergic wheezing in the past. For the last 3-4 days he is suffering from blocked nose, cough (sounds wet and heavy) and breathlessness. His doctor has diagnosed sinusitis and the wheezing as a result of the congestion. She has prescribed KidPred...i understand that contains steriods...is it harmful? what possible side effects can my son have?
Hi
Thanks for writing to health care magic.
Usually wheeze happens because the airways get narrowed due to inflammation and bronchoconstriction- which means the airway diameter gets reduced. They are usually treated first with medicines that open up the airways called bronchodilators- like Asthalin/Levolin along with anti-allergy medicines. If a child does not respond to first line medicines, a trial of other bronchodilators are given.
Nebulized medications tried as inhalation is the most effective route to administer the medicines for the narrowed airways.
If the child has no response even after two trials of bronchodilator or if breathing difficulty is severe, steroids are given for 5 to 7 days. Since steroids are the best anti-inflammatory drugs, the inflammation of the airways reduces after treatment and there will be a good improvement seen.
With a short course of steroids for 5 to 7 days, usually no side effects are seen. If at all, gastritis can happen. And this can be prevented if steroids are given after food.
Other adverse effects of steroids which you may have learnt from internet are usually seen when they are given for a long duration.
So if a good trial of bronchodilators have not helped and your doctor has felt the next step is to give steroids, there is no harm in giving it for 5 to 7 days.
And the bronchodilators have to be continued.
Hope I have answered your query. Please get back if you have any further queries. I will be happy to help you.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudha Shree.V
Thanks for writing to health care magic.
Usually wheeze happens because the airways get narrowed due to inflammation and bronchoconstriction- which means the airway diameter gets reduced. They are usually treated first with medicines that open up the airways called bronchodilators- like Asthalin/Levolin along with anti-allergy medicines. If a child does not respond to first line medicines, a trial of other bronchodilators are given.
Nebulized medications tried as inhalation is the most effective route to administer the medicines for the narrowed airways.
If the child has no response even after two trials of bronchodilator or if breathing difficulty is severe, steroids are given for 5 to 7 days. Since steroids are the best anti-inflammatory drugs, the inflammation of the airways reduces after treatment and there will be a good improvement seen.
With a short course of steroids for 5 to 7 days, usually no side effects are seen. If at all, gastritis can happen. And this can be prevented if steroids are given after food.
Other adverse effects of steroids which you may have learnt from internet are usually seen when they are given for a long duration.
So if a good trial of bronchodilators have not helped and your doctor has felt the next step is to give steroids, there is no harm in giving it for 5 to 7 days.
And the bronchodilators have to be continued.
Hope I have answered your query. Please get back if you have any further queries. I will be happy to help you.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudha Shree.V
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
