Abstract:
This study was conducted to ascertain the impact of inhaled corticosteroids therapy (ICS) in alleviation of lifestyle restrictions in 200 asthmatic children. 90 children on ICS were reviewed at 3 months. Restrictions on bathing, food, play activities and school attendance were found in <70%. These were not related to asthma severity. Following ICS, reduction in symptoms, hospital admissions, outpatient visits and nebulizations were noted between 67% -73%. Restrictions on bathing, food, play activities and school attendance had been waived off in 23% -55%. We conclude that ICS significantly alleviated symptoms and lifestyle restrictions. However, the reduction on lifestyle restrictions was less than symptom control.