FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-EMERGENCYNET NEWS SVC.-02/22/92-1000CST
ASTHMA SUFFERERS, INCREASED CHANCE OF DEATH WITH INHALERS

By: Clark Staten, EMT-P
Chicago, IL. - The February New England Journal of Medicine
is reporting that asthmatics who use their medication
inhalers in excess can be expected to die at a rate three
times that of normal.  Researchers at the Oregon Health
Science Center in Portland, Oregon are still studying the
affects of so-called "Beta Agonists", but, a study of 129
people from Saskatchewan, Canada showed that those that use
the drugs excessively are more susceptable to fatal asthma
attacks.

The two drugs that are considered in the report are Fenoterol
and Albuterol. Both are Beta Agonists, those that are very
potent respiratory tree dialators.  They are commonly used in
a pressurized container that gives measured doses.  The
inhalers allow the patient to self-medicate as the need
arises. Normally, by giving themselves metered doses of
these bronchial dialators, the patient is able to limit the
intensity and duration of the asthma attack and avoid costly
doctor or hospital visits.

The doctors hypothesize that increased use of the Beta
Agonists may cause an exaggerated irritability of the lung
tissues. This irritability may then help to further trigger
attacks, which then leads the patient to use more of the
drug.  This creates a vicious cycle of asthma attack,
overmedication, irritation, and another attack. Eventually,
the patients suffer from other associated difficulties and
possible cardiac complications.

Some physicians are now suggesting that it might be safer to
use inhaled steriods, rather than the Beta Agaonists.  They
are suggesting that the Agonists be reserved for particularly
significant or more severe attacks. The doctors say that this
problem is increasing, and that as many as ten million
Americans may suffer from various kinds of asthma. National
Institute of Health statistics indicate that more than 5,000
Americans died from the disease last year.

Doctors cautioned, on the other hand, that Asthma sufferers
should not discontinue any medications without consulting
with a physician, who is familiar with their medical history.
In the mean time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
is reported to be funding additional studies to weigh the
potential benefits and risks of the Beta Agonists.
                            -30-

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