Health

Millions of asthma sufferers ‘at risk of diabetes and bone wasting condition – because of their treatment’


MILLIONS of asthma sufferers are at risk of diabetes and bone wasting condition osteoporosis – because of their treatment, new research has warned.

Scientists say that a third of those with the condition, which affects 5.4million in the UK, are taking dangerous amounts of steroids.

 Millions of asthma sufferers are at risk of diabetes and a bone wasting condition due to their treatment, experts have warned

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Millions of asthma sufferers are at risk of diabetes and a bone wasting condition due to their treatment, experts have warnedCredit: Getty – Contributor

Experts from Amsterdam University looked at more than 2,300 people with severe asthma in the Netherlands.

They found that 78 per cent didn’t take their prescribed steroid inhalers correctly.

The rest, who treat themselves properly but are still taking extra steroids, should be put on other drugs – a number which could be around 1.5 per cent of asthma sufferers.

Dangerous dosages

Katrien Eger, a pulmonologist in training at Amsterdam University Medical Centre, who lead the research, said: “Asthma patients using high doses of oral steroids are at risk of serious adverse effects such as diabetes, osteoporosis and adrenal insufficiency.

“Our findings show that many patients with severe asthma are taking harmfully high doses of oral steroids.

“Every prescription for oral steroids should alert doctors to assess adherence to inhaled therapies and inhalation techniques in these patients.

“Furthermore, now that there is an increasing number of biologic asthma drugs available that avoid the need for oral steroids, doctors should initiate biologic treatment in suitable patients to reduce exposure to harmful oral steroids.”

She continued: “We found that 29 per cent of asthma patients who were using high doses of inhaled steroids were also taking harmfully high doses of oral steroids of 420 milligrams a year or more.”

Health costs

While the study didn’t go into why these other medicines weren’t being used, Ms Eger thought it could be that patients don’t talk to their doctors and that, when they do, the doctors don’t assess them thoroughly or don’t identify them as being candidates.

She also suggested changing the approach to asthma medicine could be good for the economy.

She added: “If they reduce exposure to harmful oral steroids and thus reduce the adverse effects, this could lead to a reduction in the cost of healthcare.

“Another important way to look at this, is that patients can exercise more and experience fewer exacerbations of their disease, and so have fewer days off work due to illness.”

The findings are due to be presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Spain today.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma is a respiratory condition caused by inflammation of the breathing tubes that carry air to and from our lungs, and it currently affects over 5 million people across the UK.

According to the NHS, the main symptoms of asthma are:

  • Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
  • Breathlessness
  • A tight chest
  • Coughing

Although the above symptoms can have a number of causes, they are likely signs of asthma if they happen regularly and keep coming back, are worse at night or early morning, or seem to be in response to an allergen.

The severity of the above symptoms can vary between different people.

When these symptoms suddenly worsen temporarily, it is known as an asthma attack.

Asthma attacks can be caused by allergens, such as animal fur or pollen, cold air, exercise, chest infections or other irritants – such as cigarette smoke.

Allergies and asthma often go together.

Asthma caused by an allergic reaction is known as ‘allergic asthma’.

Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Policy at Asthma UK, said: “It is extremely troubling that so many patients with severe asthma are taking high levels of oral steroids that are harmful to their health and this study emphasises how vital it is that those who need life-changing biologic drugs can access them.

“While this study was carried out in the Netherlands, our research also shows that this is an issue for patients in England.

“While long-term oral steroids can be life-saving for many people, for some they can cause toxic side effects such as a diabetes and osteoporosis, and our own research shows they can cause weight gain and lead to difficultly falling asleep.

“New biologic drugs can transform the lives of people with severe asthma but tens of thousands of patients in England are unable to access them because they are not being referred for specialist care.

“We are calling for new guidelines so healthcare professionals can confidently refer patients with possible severe asthma.

“In the meantime, GPs should urgently refer patients who have had two or more courses of steroid tablets in the last year who could be eligible for life-saving treatment which could transform their lives.”

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