In my article "New Study Finds..." I provide some guidelines on what to do and what not to do when you read or hear health research reports.

Here are a few other things to think about. Sudden deaths among asthmatics clutching their inhalers have added to the debate about LABA inhalers. But trying to determine whether the deaths were caused by lung disease or the inhalers has proved difficult. Consider this: If you find a person who is deceased, clutching a bottle of tranquilizers, would that cause you to consider taking that medication off the market? Probably not. Overdose of a perfectly safe medication can cause death.

Education is the Key

People found in critical condition, even dead, having just taken inhaled medications occurs far more often than you might think. Oddly enough, some people don't consider inhaled medications to be "real" medicines. But they are real, indeed, and they're powerful, and their potency must be respected just like any other medicine. Proper education is so important when it comes to inhaled medications, and it assures the greatest benefits and fewest adverse effects possible.  

Jane M. Martin is a respiratory therapist, author, and teacher, and the director of Breathing Better Living Well.com.