Asthma steroid without side effects

Western Australia has joined a major international study that could significantly change the treatment of asthma in children.
 
The research project at The Kids for Child Health Research will help to assess the effectiveness of a new drug treatment that doesn't have the side effects associated with current therapies.
 
Professor Peter Sly, who is heading the local study, said the new drug is an inhaled preventative medicine called ciclesonide.

"This is a new type of steroid medicine that only becomes active once inside the lungs so it has fewer side effects than the inhalers that most children currently use," Professor Sly said.

"It only needs to be taken once a day which is also a great advantage when treating children.

"The aim of this study is to make sure that it is as effective as traditional drugs in controlling asthma."

Professor Sly said that the issue of side effects was a major concern to parents.

"It must be stressed that the benefits of controlling asthma far outweigh the risk of side effects, " he said.

"But if this new treatment proves as effective as we hope, then it will be a major improvement in treatment for children." 

Professor Sly said children aged between 6 and 11 years of age who have had persistent asthma for at least six months were needed for the study.

Study participants will be provided with medication free of charge, and will be examined by a doctor. Their lung function, blood and urine will also be checked.