Mild Asthma Patients Suggested to Lower Medication Dosage

Doctors have found that excessive use of one's asthma inhaler could have negative effects on treating the common lung disease. Studies have sought to uncover how to control asthma without overmedicating patients. New discoveries have suggestions for those with mild asthma.

Just like any other medication, it's not safe to take extra doses or overuse the treatment. Although asthma medication has few side effects, it can also force patients to either become increasingly dependent on their inhalers and it can temporarily increase heartbeat or result in mild muscle shakes.

Asthma UK is the largest asthma charity in the United Kingdom that seeks to provide information for the five million people who suffer from the disease. Their "Side Effects of Asthma Medicines" page reveals findings that could help people prescribed such medications. They believe children should be monitored closely with inhalers because the medicine can affect their growth, mood swings, and feelings of hunger, particularly for short-term use. Among the most serious side effects for long-term use, the charity cites that asthma steroid tablets could result in feelings of depression, difficulty sleeping, increased appetite, and many other serious issues especially if the medication is overused.

Dr. John Mastronarde is the Director of the Asthma Center at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center and he is in the process of examining asthma medication dosage in 450 people with moderate asthma. For eight weeks they received corticosteroids and beta agonists for their treatment.

"We need to find a way to help patients control their asthma, without overmedicating them," he said in this LiveScience article. "Right now, the recommendation is to reduce a patient's therapy once the asthma is controlled for at least three months."

High doses of corticosteroids are believed to weaken the bones over a long period of time and could increase the risk of cataracts. The beta agonists may affect a patient's heartbeat and blood pressure if overused throughout time. Speculation of these side effects have prompted Dr. Mastronarde's study, where he hopes to find revealing information within the next year.

To read more about the overmedication of asthma patients, visit this LiveScience article.