 The
Asthma-Osteoporosis Connection. Millions of men, women and children
suffering from arthritis, asthma, or other diseases take corticosteroids,
often resulting in the development of osteoporosis. Powerful anti-inflammatory
drugs such as prednisone and cortisone greatly increase the risk of
developing osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease that leads to painful
fractures, loss of height and independence, and can even lead to death.
Check with your health care provider or pharmacist if you are taking
asthma, arthritis, anti-inflammatory or anti-convulsant drugs.
Asthma and bone loss. Asthma affects between 12 and 14 million
Americans, more than four million of whom are under the age of 18.
Asthma is becoming more common, with African Americans especially
at risk. People with asthma are at increased risk for osteoporosis,
especially in the spine. Anti-inflammatory medications taken by
mouth decrease calcium absorbed from food, increase calcium loss
from the kidneys, and decrease bone formation. Corticosteroids also
interfere with the production of sex hormones in both women and
men, contributing to bone loss and causing muscle weakness, both
of which can increase the risk of falling.
Asthma medication can increase risk of osteoporosis. People
with asthma who are treated with 40 to 60 mg per day of oral corticosteroids
for long periods of time are most likely to experience bone loss.
Even those patients taking 10 mg per day are likely to experience
some bone loss over time. Bone loss increases with increased glucocorticoid
doses and prolonged use.
Asthmatics who use corticosteroids to manage their asthma are at
significant risk for bone loss and should ask their doctor about
a bone density test to measure their current bone mass and to diagnose
osteoporosis before fractures occur.
Asthma and Osteoporosis Medications. Maintaining appropriate
hormone levels of estrogen in women and testosterone in men will
help maintain optimal bone health. At menopause, estrogen replacement
therapy (ERT) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may effectively
prevent the bone loss and osteoporosis resulting from corticosteroid
use. Other medications to stop bone loss include Fosomax (alendronate),
Miacalcin (calcitonin), Actonel (risedronate), and Evista (raloxifene).
Calcium and Asthma. Many asthma sufferers think that milk
and dairy products trigger asthmatic attacks. This frequently results
in the avoidance of dairy products, which is especially damaging
for asthmatic children and adolescents who need calcium to build
bone.
Exercise and Asthma. Physical exercise can trigger an asthma
attack and many people with asthma avoid weight-bearing physical
activities that can strengthen bone. Weight-bearing exercises that
work the body against gravity, such as walking, racquet sports,
basketball, volleyball, aerobics, dancing or weight-training can
improve bone health. Talk to your health care provider or ask for
a referral to physical therapist. Consult a physical therapist about
the best types of exercise before beginning an exercise program.
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Division of Aging and Community Services
