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Do corticosteroids affect growth spurts, or final adult height?
I've had asthma since I was a little kid so I have been using corticosteroids practically my entire life, I am 16, male, and only 5'6. The corticosteroids I've been using are ventolin and flovent and also have recently started another one called 'Avamys' for post nasal drip) so not until recently did I start thinking this.
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@ammarr12334
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
You are correct in that corticosteroids can affect your growth- it all depends on the duration, frequency and dosage.
Are you taking Flovent every day? It is possible that inhaled steroids could influence your final height- it is not too common, unless a high dose is used all the time.
If you had asthma as a child you may have been given oral steroids too. If a child is taking oral steroids often it could slow down your growth.
Do you have a family doctor or allergist that knows your medical history? They would be aware if you have taken corticosteroids frequently and if it has slowed your growth.
In general, a Pediatric Endocrinologist can evaluate you for suspected growth problems.
Ive been taking flovent (250mcg) and ventolin (100mcg) orally since I was 6 years old(16 yrs old now and 5'6), I've been taking it everyday but recently the doctor told me to stop taking ventolin as much and use it as a emergency medication only could that be a sign that hes worried about my growth?
@ammarr12334
The Ventolin does not have steroids. The Flovent does- in managing asthma meds such as Flovent maintains your open airways. The Ventolin is more like an emergency medication that opens the airways if needed.
If you only have used inhaled steroids over the years there shouldn’t be any problems with growth.
You should discuss your growth concern with your doctor.
@ammarr12334
You should ask your doctor what their concerns are. Make a list of questions before your next visit. If it is awhile before your next visit you might want to call the doctor's office and ask to talk with the doctor's nurse. .. or you may be able to ask through your patient portal .. if your doctor's office uses one.
Meantime you could read through this informative article: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/growth-hormone.html .