text: STEROIDS FIGHT ASTHMA - Sun Sentinel
  STEROIDS FIGHT ASTHMA
  Editor's note: Dr. Paul Donohue's column will now appear every day but Thursday.
  Dear Dr. Donohue: Would you have any information on asthma and the use of steroids for it? My grandson has had asthma since he was very young. He is now 15. His doctor had him on a nebulizer breather, and now he is giving him steroids. I am worried about side effects. - Grandma
  Dear Grandma: The steroid your grandson is getting is the cortisone type, the most powerful weapon against inflammation. Yes, it is all right to use such medicine in someone your grandson's age when the situation demands it.
  Steroids can come in nebulizer sprays. When given that way, the steroid content has little effect on the rest of the body beyond the airways. So side effects would be rare.
  Steroids given in pill form are prescribed for the briefest periods possible, to minimize undesired effects.
  Dear Dr. Donohue: I am in my 70s, in good health, normally active, but by no means athletic. During a routine health examination, my doctor said my heartbeat was low, like that of an athlete. What is the significance of a low heartbeat? - N.R.
  Dear N.R.: If your slow pulse is not creating havoc - such problems as fainting or dizziness - then there is no significance in it. Your heart undoubtedly is pumping sufficient blood to keep up with your needs and lifestyle.
  Dear Dr. Donohue: What about pneumonia shots? Some seem to need it; others not. Please enlighten us on anti-pneumonia shots. How long is one good for? - G.A.C.
  Dear G.A.C.: Pneumococcal pneumonia is a common infection. The vaccine for it is quite effective, although it won't prevent all lung infections. Pneumococcal infections kill 40,000 people annually. Most deaths are among the elderly or those with a major illness, such as heart disease or emphysema.
  So the vaccine is given to those older than 65 and those suffering from one of the illnesses that in the presence of pneumonia pose special threats.
  Protection lasts at least five years, and usually as much as 10 years. Revaccination is currently being debated, with more precise recommendations expected soon.