TY - JOUR T1 - Single-dose dexamethasone for mild-to-moderate asthma exacerbations JF - Canadian Family Physician JO - Can Fam Physician SP - 1134 LP - 1136 VL - 57 IS - 10 AU - Keith P. Cross AU - Ronald I. Paul AU - Ran D. Goldman Y1 - 2011/10/01 UR - http://www.cfp.ca/content/57/10/1134.abstract N2 - 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. ER -