Overuse of quick-relief medication for asthma
Medications for quick relief of the narrowed bronchial tubes
caused by asthma include short-acting beta2-agonists. These medications relieve sudden increases of symptoms (asthma attacks) quickly. However, overuse may be harmful.
Overuse of short-acting beta2-agonists has been associated with worsening asthma and increased risk of death.1 People with severe asthma usually are the ones at greatest risk for illness and death from asthma. They may be taking higher doses of short-acting beta2-agonists to control their symptoms instead of increasing the use of anti-inflammatory medication such as inhaled corticosteroids.
People who overuse short-acting beta2-agonists may feel their asthma is under control when, in fact, inflammation in the airways is becoming worse, putting them in danger of a severe, life-threatening attack (status asthmaticus).
Overuse:
- May delay medical care and increase your chances of having a severe asthma attack that can be life-threatening.
- Can decrease the future effectiveness of these medications.
- Treats the early narrowing of bronchial tubes without treating long-term inflammation, which may result in permanent scarring.
Generally, you may need additional long-term treatment if you need to use short-acting beta2-agonists more than 2 times a week (except before exercise) or use more than one canister every 3 months.
If any of the above applies to you, see your health professional. Frequent use of quick-relief medications may mean that your symptoms and underlying inflammation are not well-controlled.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: June 13, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology | |
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