[The use of inhaled corticosteroids in preschool children].

Due to the large variation in symptoms presented, diagnosing wheezing or asthma and deciding on treatment for preschool children may be difficult. Inhaled corticosteroids may be effective for controlling asthma symptoms and recurrent wheezing also in this age group, but due to the heterogeneity of the disease and lack of diagnostic tools, both over- and under-treatment may occur. The author discusses current guidelines and recommendations for the use of inhaled corticosteroids in the preschool group. Inhaled corticosteroids are frequently prescribed in Norway for children in the first two years of life, whereas the guidelines recommend restrictive use of inhaled corticosteroids in this age group.