Asthma Increases Bone Loss Risk: Study

A new study has revealed that those suffering from asthma face a higher risk of bone loss due to decrease in bone mineral density in such patients.

"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 researcher Jae-Woo Jung, lead author of the study.

After studying over 7,000 patients, researchers Seoul National University Medical Research Centre, South Korean, found that lumber spine and femur bone density was on the lower side in asthma patients, compared to those not exhibiting this problem.

Allergist John Oppenheimer, Annals associate editor and American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) fellow, said that it is difficult to find the association between bone loss and asthma. "Reasons can include corticosteroid use, low levels of vitamin D or even race," said Oppenheimer.

The ACAAI says that oral corticosteroids are the most effective in treating asthma even though many adverse effects, such as osteoporosis, are linked to this medication.

The study was published in journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Source: Medindia