Florica Popescu *, F.D. Popescu **
* Conf. Dr. Florica Popescu – Disciplina de Farmacologie, Facultatea de Medicină, Universitatea din Craiova
** Dr. Florin Dan Popescu – Catedra de Alergologie, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie “Carol Davila”, Bucureşti
Abstract
Bronchial asthma is now the most frequently occurring health disorder in childhood and chronic bronchial inflammation is recognized as its pathogenic basis. Inhaled corticosteroids are regarded as first-line therapy in the treatment of child asthma, their early use may prevent irreversible damage to the airways. Beclomethasone propionate and fluticasone propionate are inhaled steroids more effective than sodium cromoglycate, theophylline and beta-2 agonist monotherapy in children with asthma. Fluticasone propionate at half the daily doses is as least as effective as beclomethasone dipropionate. Beclomethasone and fluticasone in recommended doses have no clinically significant endocrine impact and no childhood growth retardation effect. These inhaled corticoids can be used as an effective, safe treatment of pediatric asthma.