<s>[INST] My child is 3.5 yrs old and i have been using inhalers levolin and buetcorde for her from past 7 to 8 mths. On and off she gets chest congestion.Doctors advise me to continue using these inhalers for her. i have been using without break for more than 2 mths now. i feel worried as she should not get dependent on these inhalers. pls advise.......she is a weak child tooo.....and doesnt eat much [/INST] Hi Ne eta. I understand your concerns about asthma medications becoming addictive. Here are few facts about asthma that might help you. What is asthma? Asthma is a disease of airways resulting from constriction of airways leading to wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulty. Like diabetes, hypertension it is a long term disease. There is always an ongoing inflammation of airways resulting in on and off worsening of asthma attacks.  Why do we need long term medications? Two types of medications are available. Reliever medications like leveling which cures an attack, preventer medications like Decor(steroids) which prevent future episodes from occurring. We take medications for diabetes, hypertension for a long period but never complaint about taking them. Since asthma is also a long term disease, preventer medications has to be taken for a long time. But good news for you is a good percentage of child Chat Doctor.  I feel worried that my child may get dependent to inhalers ? This misconception creeps in everyone's minds when they think of inhalers. For becoming addicts, medicines should reach brain. They should give a pleasurable feeling resulting in craving to have more and more. But such phenomenon doesn't happen with asthma medications. They reach only lungs, act on airways, reduce inflammation and never reach anywhere else. That is why inhaler medicines don't cause side effects like tremors, palpitation as oral medications do. Inhaler medications are perfectly safe and don't cause addiction. Hope your child outgrows asthma. Till then take preventer medications. Keep in touch with your doctor. They will increase or decrease medication dosages based on your children response. Hence regular follow up is needed. Regarding your child not gaining weight, I need your children weight and what all she takes for whole day. Have a good day. </s>