Answer:
Corticosteroids are a group of drugs with strong anti-inflammatory effects, often found in many types of nose drops and sprays used to treat ear, nose, and throat conditions such as allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.
Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, playing a role in controlling metabolism, immune function, and inflammation in the body. While not extremely common, endocrine disorders and adrenal insufficiency due to overuse of corticosteroid nasal sprays can occur in children, often because parents tend to self-medicate their children with these sprays for quick symptom relief.
High doses or prolonged use of corticosteroids can disrupt adrenal gland function and suppress their activity. Over time, this can lead to the glands ceasing function and failing to maintain endocrine balance.
Adrenal insufficiency in children can develop subtly, with easily overlooked symptoms like fatigue, unusual weight gain, stretch marks, and reduced flexibility. In acute stages, children may experience shock, hypotension, coma, and life-threatening situations if not treated promptly.
If your child suffers from allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, or a runny nose, consult an ENT specialist. They can diagnose and create a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. Maintaining a clean living environment and minimizing exposure to allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, and cold air is also crucial.
When using nasal sprays, follow a doctor's prescription for the correct type, dosage, and duration, with regular monitoring. Parents should not self-medicate their children, overuse nasal sprays (multiple times a day or for years continuously), or purchase them over-the-counter to avoid potential complications.
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Doctor Phat consults with a parent. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7 |
Doctor Phat consults with a parent. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7
Children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis should avoid triggers such as dust, pollution, pollen, and pet dander. Keeping warm in cold weather and rinsing their noses with saline solution daily are also recommended. If the rhinitis reoccurs, a doctor should re-evaluate the condition. Parents should not reuse old prescriptions or give their children over-the-counter medications without consulting a doctor.
MSc. MD. Specialist I Truong Tan Phat
Head of ENT Unit
Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7
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