The updated NIH guidelines for Asthma Treatment address the Corticosteroid controversy

Concerning the corticosteroid controversy (regarding children) The National Institute of Health's Updated Guidelines state: "There has been concern about slowed growth in children due to use of inhaled corticosteroids. Research shows that this potential risk is temporary and possibly reversible. Nonetheless, doctors should monitor children's growth while giving inhaled corticosteroids, because slowing of growth is a good marker for side effects in other organs in the body. The expert panel also found that other concerns associated with use of corticosteroids, such as reduced bone mineral density, suppressed adrenal function, and increased risk of cataracts, are not considered significant risks for children. The risk-benefit assessment favors the use of inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of persistent asthma."