Final answer:
Corticosteroids, like prednisone, are central in managing asthma but have potential side effects such as stunted growth when used long-term. A spacer device can reduce adverse effects, and while monitoring may not be weekly, regular reviews of asthma management are essential. Corticosteroids are used both for prompt control and long-term management.
Step-by-step explanation:
Corticosteroids in Asthma Treatment
When discussing the effects of corticosteroids in the management of asthma, there are several key points to consider. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are potent anti-inflammatory medications that are crucial in the long-term control of asthma but may lead to side effects if used continuously over a long period.
Parents are often concerned about potential side effects like stunted growth in children, which is a known risk associated with the prolonged use of steroids. Option b) is, therefore, accurate because steroids can indeed lead to growth delays if used extensively during a child's growth period. These side effects are caused by steroids increasing the rate at which skeletal maturity is reached, halting further height increase once that point is reached. However, it's also important to mention that option a) is correct in that the use of a spacer with inhalers can help reduce the adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids by delivering the medication more effectively to the lungs and reducing oral absorption.
Lastly, while corticosteroids may not need to be monitored weekly as suggested in option c), it is good practice to review asthma management regularly, including the frequency of corticosteroid use. Regarding option d), corticosteroids are indeed used for prompt control of asthma and can be used short-term to manage acute exacerbations, but they are also foundational in long-term asthma management plans for many patients.