Pediatric Asthma Care: The Role of the Budesonide-Formoterol Inhaler

Managing childhood asthma remains challenging, especially during exercise when symptoms can flare; current pediatric guidance (e.g., GINA/NAEPP) recommends addressing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction with appropriate reliever/controller strategies.

The budesonide–formoterol inhaler is an evidence-supported option in pediatric asthma management. Evidence suggests budesonide–formoterol can substantially reduce exacerbations in some children compared to conventional regimens, particularly in school‑age groups when used as part of controller or SMART strategies.

The effectiveness of this 2-in-1 inhaler is redefining asthma control by combining budesonide, a corticosteroid, with formoterol, a long-acting beta-agonist, which together reduce airway inflammation and produce bronchodilation.

In children with frequent exacerbations, studies comparing ICS–formoterol to ICS with SABA reliever report lower exacerbation rates over 6–12 months.

Despite the potential of newer inhalers, important questions remain—such as limited data in children under 6 years and uncertainties about long-term safety and adherence in real-world school settings—highlighting the need for continued research and careful implementation.