Frequency of Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth (SBBO) in Asthmatic children on Inhaled Cortico Steroids (ICS)

Abstract

Inhaled corticosteroids are recommended as first line anti-inflammatory therapy for the treatment of asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids have been used for the treatment of asthma in children for more than 20 years. During this time, a substantial number of studies have been performed evaluating the safety and efficacy of this therapy. Generally, the results have been reassuring. Inhaled corticosteroids have a marked effect on both the immediate and the long-term aims of asthma therapy. Inhaled glucocorticosteroids are the most effective controller therapy, and are therefore the recommended treatment for asthma for children of all ages. In this cross-sectional case control study we evaluated the effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on gastrointestinal tract by lactulose breath hydrogen test as indicator of small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO).