Parents ignorant of asthma treatment side effects

November 28, 2002

Parents " ignorant " of asthma treatment side effects

Monday, November 25, 2002

LONDON

By Health Newswire reporters

Many parents of children with asthma are unaware of the potential health

problems associated with high-dose inhaled steroid treatments, a survey

suggests.

Photo Munro - Health Media Ltd

Parents unaware of alternatives to steroids

An NOP poll found that two-thirds of parents were oblivious to the potential

side effects associated with steroid treatments, which can include adrenal

suppression, osteoporosis or changes in bone mineral density and growth

suppression.

However, the survey showed that 94 per cent of GPs and 80 per cent of nurses

were concerned about such side effects.

Parents can now choose new alternatives to steroid-based treatments for

asthma including a group of drugs known as leukotriene receptor antagonists,

also known as " add on therapy " .

But, according to the survey, 90 per cent of parents were unaware of such

alternatives and less than 60 per cent felt that they were given all of the

information they needed concerning asthma treatments.

The survey, which involved 573 GPs, nurses and parents, has prompted calls

for better communication between parents and healthcare professionals.

Commenting on the results, Professor Price, an expert in primary care

respiratory medicine at the University of Aberdeen, said parents should be

empowered to discuss alternatives to higher-dose inhaled steroids with their

GP or nurse.

Donna Covey, chief executive of The National Asthma Campaign, urged parents

to discuss any concerns about their child's treatment with their doctor. " In

this way, parents can work in partnership with their GP or nurse to ensure

that their child receives the best asthma care possible, " she said.

The survey was carried out on behalf of the Respiratory Education Training

Centre and the pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme.

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