An article from The Wall Street Journal for May 11, 2006, page D3 discussed current research on steroidal inhalers.  Research on these medications found that they may control asthma symptoms in kids, but don't halt long term progression of the condition.  There is now a panel which will discuss these findings that were  published in the New England Journal of Medicine funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a unit of the NIH.  The focus of the panel  is on possibly revising federal guidelines for inhaled steroids on toddlers.  Most doctors now  believe inhaled steroids reduces asthma in the long term, but  there is evidence this is not the case. 

The alternative is to use lower doses and weaning some children off the drugs altogether. 

According to the American Academy of Allergy ASthma and Immunology, about nine million U.S. children under 18 suffer from asthma.  And current guidelines for treatment is a "diagnostic trial of inhaled bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory meds".  This guideline is about control of asthma as prevention.  But now based on this study, the prevention is questionable. 

There are other solutions to asthma, whether it be reducing episodes with eliminating the triggers or complete reversal. Learn more about triggers, prevention and treatment of asthma