Use of topical corticosteroids in the treatment of childhood asthma.

Various aspects of topical corticosteroids in the treatment of childhood asthma are reviewed: indications, application and bioavailability, dosing schedules, clinical efficacy, effects on non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness, bronchial reactions after allergen challenge, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, as well as possible side effects such as the influences on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or growth and other potentially harmful actions. It was concluded that topical corticosteroids are very beneficial in the treatment of moderate-to-severe childhood asthma and that the risk of side effects can be neglected when the required doses for most patients are used.