Tag Archives: patient-physician relationship

Study: Asthma drugs raise risk of complications in children When used alone, the asthma medications known as long-acting beta-agonists are associated with an increased risk of serious complications, new research indicates. *This headline appeared in USA Today Online over the past several days. Similar headlines have recently appeared elsewhere in the media.

Should you be frightened?

I don’t think so, and here’s why.

First of all, this is not really “new research”, not in the purest sense. It is a statistical review of a lot of clinical trials (research studies) using asthma medications that have all been done in the past. The “researchers” are looking at many trial results that were obtained in the past and trying to increase the power of conclusions that may be drawn from combining a lot of diverse data. It (meta-analysis) can be helpful, but, in this case it does not really tell us anything new.

Why?

Well, the standard of care in treating asthma for at least the past 3-5 years has been to not use LABA (long acting bronchodilators or beta agonists) alone as the sole treatment agent for asthma because of the increased risk of complications when this is done. (these LABA drugs are salmeterol and formoterol)

In this same article a physician from Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh really sums it up well when she states:

“It looks like LABA alone may not be the right treatment for the pediatric population, and we don’t use it alone.” said Dr. Allyson Larkin, an assistant professor of pediatrics in the division of pulmonary medicine, allergy and immunology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.* (emphasis added)

So, what is my point to all this?

Good question! I have a few points.

Here they are:

First, while headlines are sometimes intended to make it appear that the sky is falling, more often than not there is little reason to run for shelter! It is essential to learn more before drawing conclusions from a sensational headline.

Second, as always, I also think it is wise to never make any sudden unilateral decisions about changing your medication regimen without speaking to your physician partner in care first!

And, lastly, if you are being treated by a physician who has you using LABA alone, find an allergist (an asthma specialist) for evaluation!**

Be kind to yourself!