Osteoporosis

Asthma itself does not cause osteoporosis; however, certain asthma medications can have a negative impact on bone health. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications used to control asthma. Corticosteroids can decrease the amount of calcium absorbed from food, increase calcium loss from the kidneys and decrease bone formation. Corticosteroids also interfere with the production of sex hormones in women and men, which can contribute to bone loss.

Other factors also affect bone health for people with asthma. Many people who have asthma think that milk and dairy products trigger asthma episodes. Little evidence exists to support this (unless the person has a dairy allergy); however, it often leads to the unnecessary avoidance of dairy products. This is especially a problem for children, who need calcium to build bone.

Weight-bearing physical activity helps strengthen bone, but because it can trigger asthma episodes in untreated patients, many people with asthma unnecessarily avoid this type of activity. Weight-bearing activities include walking, tennis, basketball, aerobics, weight training – anything that works your body against gravity.

If you have asthma, you can take steps to help prevent osteoporosis.

• Reduce your exposure to asthma triggers. This can decrease your dependence on asthma medications.
• Talk with your doctor about taking the lowest dose of asthma medicines that will control your symptoms. Bone loss can increase with higher doses and long-term use of corticosteroids. Uncontrolled asthma is more dangerous than the potential for osteoporosis though, so do not decrease your medicine without talking to your doctor.
• If you do not get enough calcium in your diet, take a calcium supplement. Talk to your doctor about how much calcium you need.
• Weight-bearing exercise is just as important as calcium for building healthy bones. Do some form of weight-bearing activity, such as walking, on a regular basis. Talk to your doctor about the type and amount of activity that’s right for you.
• A painless X-ray test can check for osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor to see if you should have this test.

Visit Park Nicollet Rheumatology’s Web site to learn more about osteoporosis and all the services we offer at Park Nicollet Osteoporosis Center.