I gave Budecort 0.5mg respules to my 8-year-old for wheezing, but he coughs more than before. Should I continue?

Dear Reader,

If your child’s coughing has increased after starting an inhaled steroid such as Budecort, it may be due to mild throat irritation or a temporary reaction to the medicine. However, because this is a new or worsening symptom, it’s important to contact the prescribing doctor as soon as possible.

Do not change the dose or stop the inhaler on your own, since suddenly stopping an inhaled steroid can sometimes worsen your child’s underlying breathing condition. The doctor can assess whether the cough is a minor, manageable side effect—such as irritation that often improves if your child rinses their mouth after inhaling—or if the medicine or technique needs to be adjusted.

Let your child’s doctor know that the cough has worsened since starting Budecort so they can determine whether to continue, modify, or change the treatment safely.

Wishing your child good health.