How is the dosage of corticosteroids calculated for a child diagnosed with asthma?

The dosage of corticosteroids for a child diagnosed with asthma is primarily calculated based on the severity of the disease. This approach ensures that the child receives an appropriate amount of medication tailored to their specific needs, taking into consideration how severe their asthma is, including factors such as the frequency and intensity of symptoms, the degree of airway obstruction, and any history of exacerbations.

When managing asthma, the goal is to provide enough corticosteroid to effectively control inflammation and prevent asthma attacks, which varies significantly among individuals. A child's response to treatment may subsequently guide adjustments in dosage, making severity a crucial aspect of the initial determination.

Other factors such as age, weight, height, and growth rate can influence dosing to some extent, but the primary consideration remains the severity of the condition being treated. Therefore, choosing to calculate dosage based on the severity ensures that the child receives an effective and safe amount of corticosteroid for their particular situation.