[Corticotherapy for asthma in the child].

Corticosteriods have a puissant anti-inflammatory action and enjoyment a central role in the treatment for childhood asthma. Systemic steroids are used in resistant bronchodilatator exacerbations of asthma. Usually steroids are given for short courses, rarely for long term in severe asthma with high risk of side-effects. Inhaled corticosteroids have'nt changed the treatment for childhood asthma and are recommanded in persistent asthma. Inhaled steroids are well tolerant even at high doses, but it must always research the minimal effective dose. The aim of steroid's treatment is controlling asthma with minimal side-effects to give a normal life to the asthmatic children.