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Study Published in the New England Journal of Medicine Could Leave Asthma Patients Gasping for Air

Posted on: Friday, 15 April 2005, 12:00 CDT

FAIRFAX, Va., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, "Daily versus As-Needed Corticosteroids for Mild Persistent Asthma," examined what happens when adult asthma patients use preventive therapies only when having symptoms rather than daily, as recommended in national treatment guidelines. The study concludes it might be possible for adults diagnosed with mild persistent asthma to benefit from short courses of inhaled or oral corticosteroids.

Researchers add that further studies are required to determine whether this novel approach to treatment should be recommended to patients. This critical piece of information is missing from many news reports, placing hopeful patients at risk of life-threatening symptoms.

Nancy Sander, President of Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics, a leading nonprofit education and advocacy organization based in Fairfax, VA, cautions patients not to interpret news reports of the study to mean they can stop taking daily asthma medications. To do so could increase frequency and severity of episodes.

"It is important to note that patients in this study received care and a written asthma management plan from asthma specialists," said Sander. "Breathing function and symptoms were monitored daily. Patients should not look at this study and think that they can replicate the results at home safely without this level of close interaction with a medical care provider."

Asthma claims nearly 5,000 lives each year. One-third of all people who die with asthma were diagnosed with mild forms of the disease. A diagnosis of mild, moderate or severe asthma is simply a moment in time and not a predictor of future episodes or severity.

There are many treatment options for patients with asthma; the first is avoidance of known allergens and irritants in the environment. Second, when symptoms persist despite making environmental changes, treatment decisions are based on the patient's personal and family medical history, quality of life goals and response to medications.

"Patients with asthma do best when they are proactive," advises William Berger, MD, author of Allergic Asthma For Dummies. "First, it is important to get a proper diagnosis and stick to the details of your asthma management plan long enough to know what life is like without symptoms. Then and only then, should you and your physician consider adjusting medications -- together."

Patients with asthma should know:

* All asthma symptoms are serious.

* There are many treatment options available -- some treat the symptoms,

and some treat the underlying causes.

* Consult with your board certified allergist/immunologist if symptoms or

medication side effects are cause for concern.

Patients can learn more about the safe use of asthma medications at AANMA's web site: http://www.breatherville.org/ . Click on the banner at the top of the screen to receive a free copy of Allergic Asthma For Dummies.

AANMA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving patients and families affected by asthma, allergies and related conditions. More than 100,000 families depend on AANMA publications, Allergy & Asthma Today magazine and The MA Report newsletter, for timely and practical news. 800-878-4403

Allergy & Asthma Network

CONTACT: Dawn Merritt, 1-800-878-4403 x 109, for Allergy & AsthmaNetwork

Web site: http://www.breatherville.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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