Q: My 17 months old son has been suffering from recurrent fever, cough and cold. The doctor told me that he is having allergy and his bronchi have become inflamed. The doctor has suggested putting him on Budecort inhalation for nine months. Is it safe to take Budecort inhalation for such a long period of time? Will it hinder the normal functioning of the lungs? What are the side effects of Budecort inhalation? Is there any alternative therapy as treatment?

A:Inhaled budecort on a long term basis is used in patients with bronchial asthma to prevent repeated attacks. Bronchial asthma in a child presents with repeated episodes of difficulty in breathing with wheezing. All cough & cold is not bronchial asthma. In general, it is difficult to be sure that a child as young as 17 months has bronchial asthma. It would be a good idea to take a second opinion, specially during the time when your child is having symptoms to be sure of the diagnosis. In any case, rest assured, inhaled budecort being delivered locally in the lungs has minimum side effects.