What can happen if fluticasone is taken long-term without proper monitoring?

Fluticasone is a corticosteroid commonly used for its anti-inflammatory properties in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When taken long-term without proper monitoring, one significant concern, especially in children, is the potential for decreased growth. Corticosteroids can interfere with normal growth patterns due to their effects on the endocrine system. They can reduce the secretion of certain growth factors and may also alter metabolism, leading to slower growth rates in children and adolescents.

The importance of monitoring when using fluticasone long-term lies in being able to adjust dosages or switch to alternative therapies if growth suppression is observed. This ensures that the benefits of managing asthma or other respiratory conditions do not come at the cost of healthy development in pediatric patients. Effective management requires balancing the medication's benefits with the potential risks, particularly in vulnerable populations.