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Asthma Breakthrough: One Inhaler Transforms Child's Life
13 Jan
Summary
- A severe asthma case was transformed by switching to a combination inhaler.
- Previously, the child faced frequent hospital visits and steroid tablet use.
- Combination inhalers are now being recommended more for children.
Amelia-Rose, a six-year-old from Manchester, has experienced a life-changing improvement in her severe asthma after switching to a combination inhaler in 2024. Previously, she endured constant breathing difficulties, leading to frequent ambulance calls and hospitalizations, often requiring high-dose steroid tablets that caused weight gain and growth concerns.
Her mother, Sophie, describes the difficult period as a "nightmare," with Amelia-Rose missing significant school time. The switch to a single combination inhaler, containing steroids and bronchodilators, has resolved her severe symptoms. This new therapy, known as maintenance and reliever therapy (MART), has eliminated the need for steroid tablets and other medications, allowing Amelia-Rose to attend school consistently and enjoy a normal childhood.
Experts like Dr. Andy Whittamore highlight that combination inhalers are more effective than separate preventer and reliever inhalers, as they treat underlying inflammation and reduce over-reliance on reliever medications. Research, including a study in The Lancet, suggests these inhalers can significantly reduce asthma attacks in children. A new UK study is further investigating their efficacy and safety for various severities of childhood asthma.
