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Asthma/steroids in inhalers
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Question
Hi,
When I was about 9 or 10 years old, I, for some reason took about 10 puffs of an inhaler when you're only meant to take 1. I don't actually have asthma and never touched an inhaler again, but I understand that inhalers contain steroids, and a side effect of steroid useage is stunted growth. Could this 1 isolated incident of an 'inhaler overdose' (which did not produce any symptons other than slight dizziness) result in stunted adult stature. This was the only incident in my life in which I consumed any steroids.
Thanks for your time,
From Marc
You do not have anything to worry about. What research has found that continuous high-dose inhaled steroids can stunt growth, it is dose and duration of therapy related. In addition, the decreased height is approximately 1 cm. Another issue here is the fact that poorly controlled asthma, resulting in frequent, if not continuous periods of difficult breathing, often results in lower nutritional intake from the poor health, and that too will decrease the growth of the individual, in addition to putting the patients life at risk. Inhaled steroids are the gold standard of care with patients having persistent asthma.
On another note, to make them safer, there is a new inhalation steroid that may be released before too long that is activated in the lungs, and has no activity in the mouth or throat, decreasing the risk of thrush infections and hoarseness.
Bottom line, you can now relax!
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Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator
Expertise
I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.
Experience
Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.
Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.
Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)
Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist
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