Managing Asthma Medication Side Effects

Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 10:52
Asthma
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Andrew:

There’s a similar question that we got from Patty in Idaho, who simply e-mailed us. She also wanted to know about permanent damage. So that remains a concern for people, but it’s not one that you in the profession are worried about, really. I mean, you said the oral ones are short-term, as far as steroids, but the inhaled corticosteroids or even these nasal ones you feel are very safe.

Dr. Shapiro:

Certainly. Abuse is always a possibility, but used properly this medication seems to offer many more advantages than disadvantages. The airway remodeling issue is much more likely to cause trouble. The scarring from not being treated properly is much more likely than the side effects of the medications, if they’re properly supervised.

Andrew:

We were talking earlier about when to call the doctor. These are potent medications and so for someone to take extra puffs just on their own, would not be appropriate.

Dr. Shapiro:

That’s true. And people who are on these inhaled steroids for the nose or for the lungs should either be getting better or worse. So in these days of managed care and people wanting to put you on something and not see you again, you have to be persistent and make sure that you’re being followed properly.

Andrew:

Well that is true, and in managed care and even beyond that, it really is a partnership between the patient, or the parent, and the doctor who is treating you for asthma, as far as an ongoing dialogue, because we are dealing with a chronic condition.

Dr. Shapiro:

Right. And you can be under-dosed or over-dosed, and both are not good situations.

Andrew:

So it sounds like advocating for yourself and not being afraid to call in, and if you have one of those peak-flow meters, calling in and saying what the reading is, is an appropriate thing.

Dr. Shapiro:

Right, because a number will mean a lot more than a subjective opinion.

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