Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Friday, August 15, 2008 Deven Ronnquist asks

Q: Can long-term use of Advair cause bone loss in a young woman

My daughter has used Advair, singulair, flonase, and astelin with occasional albuterol for several years to control her asthma.  Can this long term use of steroids be causing bone loss.  She is 26 years old.

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Kathi MacNaughton, Health Pro
8/21/08 3:24pm

Hi Deven,

 

Steroids, such as the ones found in Advair and Flonase, are believed to have some impact on early bone growth in young children. Studies indicate that this is probably transitory and doesn't have a long-term impact on normal growth and development. Also, when medicines are inhaled into the nasal passages or airways, the majority of their effects occurs at the point of contact, as opposed to oral medicines that may spread more widely throughout the bloodstream to other areas of the body.

 

And in general, those risks are thought to be outweighed by the very significant benefits of keeping allergies and asthma under control.

 

So, it seems unlikely to me that your daughter's use of those steroids is causing significant bone loss, but only her doctor would be able to determine that for sure. There are many causes for bone loss, most notably poor diet and lack of exercise. Again, these are issues to discuss with your daughter's doctor.

 

To your health,

Kathi

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By Deven Ronnquist— Last Modified: 12/16/10, First Published: 08/15/08