Asthma: Overuse of Quick-Relief Medicines
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Topic Overview
Medicines for quick relief of the narrowed
bronchial tubes caused by
asthma include short-acting beta2-agonists. These medicines relieve sudden increases of symptoms (
asthma attacks ) quickly. But overuse may be harmful.
Overuse of short-acting beta2-agonists has been associated with worsening asthma and increased risk of death.
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People who have severe asthma usually are the ones at greatest risk for illness and death from asthma. They may be taking higher doses of short-acting beta2-agonists to control their symptoms instead of increasing the use of anti-inflammatory medicine such as inhaled
corticosteroids .
People who overuse short-acting beta2-agonists may feel their asthma is under control when, in fact, inflammation in the airways is becoming worse, putting them in danger of a severe, life-threatening attack (
status asthmaticus ).
Overuse:
- May delay medical care and increase your chances of having a severe asthma attack that can be life-threatening.
- Can decrease the future effectiveness of these medicines.
- Treats the early narrowing of bronchial tubes without treating long-term inflammation.
In general, you may need more long-term treatment if you are using short-acting beta2-agonists on more than 2 days a week (except before exercise). Talk to your doctor if you are using your quick-relief medicine this often. Frequent use of quick-relief medicines may mean that your symptoms and inflammation are not well controlled.
References
Citations
-
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2007). Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. Available online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer
John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer
Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine
Current as ofDecember 6, 2017
Current as of:
December 6, 2017
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (2007). Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. Available online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm.