Overuse of quick-relief medication for asthma

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Overuse of quick-relief medication for asthma

Medications for quick relief of the narrowed bronchial tubes caused by asthma include short-acting beta₂-agonists. These medications relieve sudden increases of symptoms (asthma attacks) quickly. However, overuse may be harmful.

Overuse of short-acting beta₂-agonists has been associated with worsening asthma and increased risk of death.¹ People with 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 medication 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 medications.
• Treats the early narrowing of bronchial tubes without treating long-term inflammation, which may result in permanent scarring.

Generally, you may need additional long-term treatment if you need to use short-acting beta₂-agonists more than 2 times a week (except before exercise) or use more than one canister every 3 months.

If any of the above applies to you, see your health professional. Frequent use of quick-relief medications may mean that your symptoms and underlying inflammation are not well-controlled.

References

Citations

1. Kwong KY, Jones CA (1999). Chronic asthma therapy. Pediatrics in Review, 20(10): 327–334.

Credits

Last updated:	March 22, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Denele Ivins