Steroid Phobia among Parents of Asthmatic Children: Myths and Truth

Abstract

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the recommended controller drug for asthma treatment.
The aim of our study was to determine concerns and fears of parents of children with asthma towards the use of ICS. One hundred parents of asthmatic children were interviewed using structural questionnaire.
Airway inflammation was reported by only 6% of interviewed parents, whereas airway narrowing was addressed by 34%. Interesting data, 71% of parents were concerned with the role of steroids in asthma treatment, but more than half (53%) of them addressed fears from side effects. Apparent gaps were found in knowledge of parents of asthmatic children about ICS as controller asthma medication. So, physician and health providers should explain to asthmatic parents that airway inflammation is the core for asthma management. This may remove fears about ICS and thus improve adherence to treatment.