fbpx
Subscribe
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Advertisment

Asthma sufferers may be prone to bone loss

Written by | 18 Jun 2014 | All Medical News

Study finds asthma is associated with decrease in bone mineral density.  Some of the 26 million Americans with asthma may also be prone to bone loss. According to a study published today in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, there seems to be association between asthma and a decrease in bone mineral density.

“We know prolonged use of corticosteroids in the treatment of asthma is a risk factor of osteoporosis, but we haven’t had definite data showing the relationship between asthma itself and bone loss,” said Jae-Woo Jung, MD, lead study author. “This study has shown a meaningful association between the two conditions even in the absence of previous oral corticosteroid use.”

Researchers in Seoul, South Korea studied more than 7,000 patients, 433 of which had airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) or asthma. Lumber spine and femur bone density was significantly lower in those with AHR or asthma, than those without the conditions.

“It is difficult to pinpoint the cause of bone loss in this subset of patients,” said allergist John Oppenheimer, MD, Annals associate editor and ACAAI fellow. “Reasons can include corticosteroid use, low levels of vitamin D or even race. This research has unveiled findings that need be further studied.”

According to the ACAAI, while oral corticosteroids can be associated with adverse effects, such as osteoporosis, this medication is the most effective in treating asthma. Allergists will always use the lowest effective dose of oral corticosteroid, if it is required, and inhaled rather than oral medication whenever possible.

“Asthma is a serious disease that can be life-threatening,” said Dr. Oppenheimer. “It is important that those with asthma and other breathing problems continue their prescribed treatment. It is also imperative that allergists discuss the potential of the disease itself or as a consequence of therapy in asthma sufferers.”

Contact: Christine Westendorf
ChristineWestendorf@acaai.org

Newsletter Icon

Subscribe for our mailing list

If you're a healthcare professional you can sign up to our mailing list to receive high quality medical, pharmaceutical and healthcare E-Mails and E-Journals. Get the latest news and information across a broad range of specialities delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe

You can unsubscribe at any time using the 'Unsubscribe' link at the bottom of all our E-Mails, E-Journals and publications.