Exploring the role of inhaled corticosteroid/betamethasone for managing recurrent respiratory illness in infants and young children

Arup Dutta; Taslima Newaz; Srobonti Dutta Purba; Arpon Day; S. M. Zahed Kamal; Mohammad Toufiq Ul Alam

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20242329

Authors

Arup Dutta Department of Pediatrics, BGC Trust Medical College, Chandanaish, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Taslima Newaz Department of Community Medicine, BGC Trust Medical College, Chandanaish, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Srobonti Dutta Purba Department of Pharmacology, Marine City Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Arpon Day Department of Orthopedics, Chattogram Maa-Shishu and General Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh
S. M. Zahed Kamal Department of Pediatrics, BGC Trust Medical College, Chandanaish, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Mohammad Toufiq Ul Alam Department of Pediatrics, BGC Trust Medical College, Chandanaish, Chattogram, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20242329

Keywords:

Inhaled corticosteroid, Betamethasone, RRIs, Infants and young children

Abstract

Background: Recurrent respiratory illnesses (RRIs) are frequent respiratory tract infections, particularly common in fall-winter and during seasonal changes. RRIs primarily affect children aged 2-7 years and the elderly, with respiratory viruses causing about 80% of cases. They interfere significantly with children's well-being and incur substantial medical and social costs. The study aim was to assess the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in infants and young children with recurrent respiratory symptoms.

Methods: This prospective observational study took place over one year at the department of pediatrics, Cox’s Bazar medical college, Bangladesh, from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015.

Results: The study involved 210 children with recurrent respiratory symptoms, mostly males (57.62%) and predominantly aged 1-3 years (55.71%). Atopy was present in 16.67%, and eczema in 30.48%. Only 2.38% of mothers smoked during pregnancy, and 20.48% of children were exposed to passive smoke. Salbutamol use was high (80.48%), and 32.86% used ICS. Symptoms ranged from mild (13.81%) to severe (23.81%). After six months, daytime cough reduced from 52.38% to 1.43%, and nighttime cough from 66.19% to 0%. Symptom-free days increased, and hospital admissions decreased from 90.95% to 9.05%. Common adverse events included worsening symptoms (13.81%) and fever (13.33%).

Conclusions: Inhaled corticosteroid/betamethasone therapy significantly improved symptoms in infants and young children with RRIs over six months, reducing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and hospital admissions, while increasing symptom-free days. Adverse events were mild and infrequent, suggesting ICS is effective and safe. Further research is needed to optimize treatment.

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