Child has cough, running nose, Allergy Rhinitis, taken allegra and omnacortil, used asthalin inhaler and budanase nasal spray. Side effect?
Patient: Hi Doctor , My 2 year old son suffers from Allergy Rhinitis . The most common symptoms are chronic cough leading to throwing up and running nose . The first time we realised he had this was when he was 19 months . He was given medications like allegra , omnacortil . After 2 months of prolonged illness he was also given asthalin inhaler and budanase nasal spray since he was not getting any better . He has been experiecing the same symptoms since 6 weeks now . Allegra helps but temporarily . Can i start with the inhaler and nasalspray again ? Also what coudl be the side effects of these medications if continued for 2-3 months at a stretch ? Doctor: Hello, Your son has typical symptoms of allergic asthma and combination of bronchodilators (such as budesonide inhaler with spacer device), montelukast 4mg, antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays (used for 6 weeks and stopped before restart after 3 months) is the standard management plan.  As with all steroid usage, growth retardation is a recognised side effect but much lower than oral steroids as inhaled steroids are generally used to control airway inflammation along with montelukast.  Skin prick testing is recommended to ensure common household allergens like cats and dog dander are not making the asthma worse when avoidance will be key. House dust mite allergy is also important to know as changing bedding or adding a layer of protection with dust-proof covers for mattress, pillows, duvets are important. Important to get rid of old soft toys as they accumulate dust very quickly.  I hope that was useful.