#asktheexpert
my 1.4 year old have wheezing from 8th month on and off..when I first shown him to a doc he suggested omnacortil drops for 5 days and 2 inhalers...then it came under control now again he is having cough and I am using inhalers..I showed to another doctor he again suggested to use omnacortil as cough haven't subsided from 10 days..as omnacortil is steroid I am scared to use again..pls tell me whether I should use it or not

Question

#asktheexpert 
my 1.4 year old have wheezing from 8th month on and off..when I first shown him to a doc he suggested omnacortil drops for 5 days and 2 inhalers...then it came under control now again he is having cough and I am using inhalers..I showed to another doctor he again suggested to use omnacortil as cough haven't subsided from 10 days..as omnacortil is steroid I am scared to use again..pls tell me whether I should use it or not

Accepted Answer

Wheezing in a 1.4-year-old can be concerning, and it's good that you're monitoring it. Wheezing is often a sign of airway constriction, which can be triggered by various factors such as allergies, respiratory infections, asthma, or other underlying conditions.

Omnacortil Drops:

Omnacortil is a corticosteroid medication often prescribed to reduce inflammation in the airways. It's commonly used to manage conditions like asthma, wheezing, or other respiratory issues. The doctor may have recommended it for its anti-inflammatory effect to help with the wheezing episodes. However, corticosteroids are typically used for short-term relief and must be used under a doctor’s guidance to avoid side effects with long-term use.

What to Do:

Follow the Doctor’s Instructions: If the doctor has recommended Omnacortil, make sure to follow the prescribed dosage and duration (usually 5 days). Don’t stop the medication abruptly without consulting the doctor.

Monitor for Side Effects: Be aware of any side effects like changes in behavior, sleep, or appetite, which can sometimes happen with corticosteroids.

Triggers: Identify and avoid any triggers that might be causing the wheezing, such as allergens, dust, smoke, or viral infections.

Further Evaluation: Since wheezing has been persistent for several months, it may be a good idea to ask the doctor if further tests are needed (like allergy testing or lung function tests) to determine the underlying cause of the wheezing, especially if it’s recurrent.

If you notice worsening symptoms, difficulty breathing, or if the wheezing episodes become more frequent, contact your doctor for further evaluation.