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Take a deep breath before adopting new asthma guidelines
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Hold off before you follow new recommendations to treat mild, persistent asthma — or at least consult your doctor first. The updated guidelines from the National Institutes of Health, published online in the December 2020 issue of The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, say it's okay for people with mild, persistent asthma to stop daily use of inhaled corticosteroids and instead use them only as needed, along with short-acting beta agonists ("rescue" medications). That's considered a major shift in guidance. But that may not be a good idea for some older adults, notes Dr. Anna Wolfson, an allergist and immunologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. "A lot of people have a harder time with the occasional use of medications than a routine practice of daily use," she says. "And you may not want to decrease your asthma regimen during the pandemic. Poorly controlled asthma could lead to a flare or an ER visit, and perhaps an increased risk for complications if you develop COVID-19." Dr. Wolfson says there are some people who might benefit from using inhaled corticosteroids only as needed, but she urges you to speak with your doctor before changing your medication regimen.
Image: Branimir/Getty Images
Recent Blog Articles
Testosterone-blocking drugs boost heart disease risk when given in combination
Parenting isn't easy: Two important skills can help
Does sleeping with an eye mask improve learning and alertness?
Do tattoos cause lymphoma?
Hot weather hikes: Staying safe when temperatures spike
Cannabis drinks: How do they compare to alcohol?
What is Lewy body dementia?
Dog bites: How to prevent or treat them
Ever read your medical record? Here's why you should
Shining light on night blindness
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