These corticosteroids, taken by mouth, are usually used for short-term treatment as a rescue medication. They can be used in an emergency, and are designed to reduce inflammation of the airways that causes an asthma flare-up.

A short course (usually three to five days) might be recommended for a child who is having serious asthma symptoms that don't appear to be controlled by quick-relief medication. This short course would be used to decrease problematic or serious symptoms. Generally, these oral corticosteroids take about six to eight hours before they begin their work. Occasionally, children with significant asthma will require oral steroids routinely.

For the short course, some of the side effects seen would be mood changes or increased appetite. When oral corticosteroids are used for longer periods of time, more serious side effects are possible such as weight gain, increased blood pressure, a suppressed immune system, weakened bones, greater susceptibility to bruising, or decreased growth.

If a child is on oral corticosteroids for more than several weeks, medical experts recommend being tapered off the drug and moved to safer inhaled corticosteroids.

Prednisone

Prednisone is an older and well-known oral corticosteriod on the market. Generic versions are usually available. It can be taken in tablet form or as a syrup, but might meet resistance from children who do not like the taste.

Prednisolone

Prednisolone is similar to prednisone except this liquid form might be more agreeable in terms of taste with children. Brand names include Orapred, Pediapred, Prelone, Hydrocortone, and Medrol.

Decadron

Decadron is an oral corticosteroid that comes in pill form and can be used for emergency rescue treatment for asthma. It has a slightly longer effective time in the body so is usually used for a shorter period of time (two days) compared with prednisone.