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Asthma Drugs Increase Risk of Osteoporosis

Although osteoporosis is a disease most often associated with women, it can strike men too. Doctors at the Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia, have published a study, which shows that men with lung disease are five times as likely to suffer from osteoporosis than those who don't. As many as 62% of patients with asthma take a class of drugs called glucocorticoids. Patients with lung disease taking these drugs are nine times more likely to suffer osteoporosis than those without lung disease. The drugs may suppress bone formation, and reduce levels of hormones that maintain bone strength. Looking to replace the drugs and taking vitamin and mineral supplements are recommended, according to the authors of the study.

Thu, 30 Dec 1999 13:04:25 -0800

Submitted by: John Payne