Inhaled Steroids Linked to Osteoporosis

Patients using inhaled steroids may be at risk for developing osteoporosis. Find out the results of a recent study involving the inhaled steroid Azmacort, and learn what you can do to help prevent osteoporosis if you are using an inhaled steroid.

Inhaled steroids work by decreasing airway inflammation allowing for a greater volume of air to move in and out of the lungs, thereby promoting oxygen exchange with the blood. This decreases the risks of asthmatics experiencing an asthma attack, and improves breathing in emphysema patients by increasing air passages.

The link of inhaled steroids with osteoporosis has been a controversial issue among researchers for years because of conflicting clinical data. While some studies have shown little or no bone density loss after many years of use, recent studies have shown that emphysema patients had a significant loss of bone density.

The most recent study involved the inhaled steroid drug Azmacort. Study participants were smokers or recent quitters diagnosed with mild to moderate emphysema. Study participants were divided into two groups: 1) Test Group and 2) Placebo Group. Each person in the test group was administered six puffs of Azmacort twice a day of the 100 microgram dose, while the placebo group was administered a placebo.

Bone mineral density scans of the hip and lumbar spine were performed on all study participants at the start of the study, after three months, one year, and three years. Bone loss was evident after one year of administration of Azmacort. After three years of taking Azmacort, study participants had lost significantly more bone mineral density in the spine than the placebo group, and women had more bone loss in the spine than men.

Healthcare professionals emphasize that the benefits to emphysema patients must be weighed against the risks of osteoporosis when determining the best treatment for each patient.

If you are currently using an inhaled steroid, here are a few suggestions for improving your bone health:

# Exercise regularly. Exercise makes bones and muscles stronger and helps to prevent bone loss.

# Eat high-calcium foods such as milk and dairy products, fish with bones, dark green leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified breads.

# Take calcium supplements.

# Increase your intake of vitamin D by eating foods such as eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and milk fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium.