Asthma consensus is unconvincing to many
Article Abstract:
Scientists and physicians discussed the treatment of asthma patients at a meeting of the American Lung Association. The treatment of asthma patients is controversial. Many physicians are reluctant to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, especially inhaled glucocorticoids. Many patients are also reluctant to use these drugs. The death rate from asthma has doubled since the late 1970s. Some scientists think that inhaled steroids caused the increase in death rate. Inhaled steroids reduce reactivity of the respiratory tract, but they also have serious side effects. Others think that the higher death rate may be caused by overuse of beta-agonist bronchodilators. Hospitalizations are responsible for approximately half of the costs associated with the treatment of asthma. Efforts need to be taken to prevent hospitalization of patients with severe asthma.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Inhaled steroids and the risk of hospitalization for asthma
Article Abstract:
Inhaled corticosteroids can reduce hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks, especially in patients who use beta agonist drugs. Researchers used a large HMO database to study 16,941 people with asthma. A total of 742 were hospitalized for an acute asthma attack. The use of inhaled corticosteroids reduced the risk of hospitalization by half. In those who used beta agonist drugs on a regular basis, inhaled corticosteroids lowered the hospitalization rate by 70%. The use of cromolyn also reduced hospitalization rates.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Therapeutic Options for Persistent Asthma
Article Abstract:
Inhaled corticosteroids are the most important drug treatment for asthma. Adding a beta-agonist drug may allow doctors to reduce the dose of corticosteroids, but the beta-agonist cannot replace the corticosteroid altogether.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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