Selecting a systemic corticosteroid for acute asthma in young children.

Abstract

Oral corticosteroids are as effective as intravenous therapy for treating acute exacerbations of asthma. They are available in tablets that can be crushed and mixed with soft food or syrup, and in a variety of liquid formulations that differ in volume required, palatability, patient acceptance, and cost. The most important consideration in product selection for a young child is that the doses can be easily swallowed and retained.