(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for children with asthma. That treatment is Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol). It was approved to treat children between the ages of 6 and 12. This medication can be given to children with asthma that is not well-controlled with a typical asthma medication that belongs to a class of drugs called inhaled corticosteroids. The approved dose is (80/4.5 mcg). Symbicort contains a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid, budesonide, to help decrease inflammation in the lungs, and a long-acting beta2-agonist medicine (LABA), formoterol. LABA medicines like formoterol help the muscles around the airways in the lungs stay relaxed to prevent asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath. This approval is based on the ChildHood Asthma Safety and Efficacy (CHASE) clinical trial program. This medication has already been approved in the United States for patients older than 12 who have asthma. Common side effects may include throat irritation, headache and upper respiratory tract infection. Symbicort can cause a fungus infection in the mouth and throat called thrush. To lessen the chances of getting an infection, make sure to rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out after each dose. Do not swallow the water. This medication, which is manufactured by AstraZeneca, is not approved to treat sudden severe symptoms of asthma. Speak with your child's pediatrician about how to best manage asthma.