Hi In the treatment of cough related to Asthma, main drug is bronchodilator like Salbutamol. Steroids are given only in severe cases. And yes it is given for short duration only. But it does not mean that for every cough you have to use it. Have Salbutamol syrups or Metered Dose Inhalers with a spacer at home and use them when he gets an attack. If severe enough to get nebulisation each time, you may get a nebuliser to be used at home. Also if the episodes are frequent, medicines are there to prevent such attacks, like Monteleukast tablets or low dose steroid inhalers. So please ask your doctor about these medicines. Do not self medicate with steroids at home. Hope you find my answer useful.