Kids' Growth Permanently Stunted by Asthma Drug

A drug commonly used in kids' asthma inhalers permanently stunts how tall a child will grow, according to a new study.

NBC News reports that budesonide—marketed under various brand names such as Rhinocort and Pulmicort—is known to trim the height of kids by half an inch, according to previous research. A new study presented at the European Respiratory Society Annual Congress in Vienna, Austria, however, shows the effect to be permanent.

The new study is a follow-up to research that involved over 1,000 children between 5 to 12 years of age who were treated with different asthma medications such as budesonide, a non-steroid drug called nedocromil, or a placebo. Children treated with budesonide were approximately half an inch shorter when compared to children treated with other medication but the effect was thought to be temporary.

Although the effect appears permanent, the new study says it doesn’t get worse over time. It suggests that doctors and parents should find out a minimum dose required to control a child’s asthma to mitigate any effect on height. As always, consult with a physician before making any changes to a drug regimen.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you.

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