PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Keith P. Cross AU - Ronald I. Paul AU - Ran D. Goldman TI - Single-dose dexamethasone for mild-to-moderate asthma exacerbations DP - 2011 Oct 01 TA - Canadian Family Physician PG - 1134--1136 VI - 57 IP - 10 4099 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/57/10/1134.short 4100 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/57/10/1134.full SO - Can Fam Physician2011 Oct 01; 57 AB - Question I prescribe oral steroids for children in my community when they suffer asthma exacerbation. How many doses of steroids are recommended? Do all children need to take steroids for 5 days? Answer Traditionally, mild-to-moderate pediatric asthma exacerbations have been treated with a short course of oral steroids—often 5 days of prednisone or prednisolone. However, recent evidence suggests a similar outcome can be acheived with a single dose of dexamethasone, which has a longer half-life and powerful anti-inflammatory effects, along with easier administration and compliance. Single-dose dexamethasone offers a simple and reliable treatment for these patients in office, urgent care, and emergency department settings.