Risky Levels of Steroid Tablets Prescribed to Asthma Patients

Over one-quarter of asthma patients have been prescribed potentially fatal amounts of steroid tablets, with researchers warning this puts them at higher risk of serious side-effects.

Potentially dangerous amounts of steroid tablets have been prescribed for more than one-quarter of asthma patients, which could put them at greater risk of serious side-effects, reports a new study. The findings of the study are published in the Medical Journal of Australia.//

Professor John Upham, from the University of Queensland, led the study. They analyzed data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to determine how often Australians with asthma took repeated steroid tablet courses.

Asthma - Factors, Common Allergens, Diagnosis, Treatment, Support Groups, FAQs
It's a lung condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and constriction of the airways that result in coughing, wheezing or breathlessness. Allergy and other airway irritants can trigger it

‘Better approaches are required to educate and support asthma patients and encourage them to regularly use preventer inhalers. ’

The study looked at over 120,000 cases where asthma patients were given one or more prescriptions for steroid pills by their doctor between 2014 and 2018.

"Researchers found more than 25 % of those patients were more likely to have a chronic condition," reports Professor Upham.

"Short courses of steroid tablets can effectively treat asthma attacks in the short term, but it's becoming clear that repeated use may cause significant long-term side effects like diabetes, osteoporosis, and cataracts.

Asthma in Children and Adults - Facts, Treatment and Symptoms
Adult and childhood asthma are caused due to inflammation of the airways, but differences exist in their intensity and triggers.

About 2.5 million Australians have asthma, with the condition affecting more women compared to men.

Professor Upham stated the best way to prevent asthma attacks was by routinely using preventer inhalers.

Childhood Asthma - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Childhood asthma is a condition that affects airways in children and interferes with their daily activities including play, sports, school and sleep.

"Unfortunately, our study found half of the asthma patients given repeated prescriptions for steroid tablets were not using inhalers as often as they should," he said.

Source-Medindia

Tests for Asthma - Medical and Family History, Diagnosis & Treatment
Do you find it difficult to breathe especially during the cold weather? You may need to get tested for asthma, a respiratory condition that is induced by allergies.