Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis – or brittle bones – is one of the major health concerns for older women. This bone-thinning disease affects one in three women after they reach the menopause. However, for some women with asthma, the chances of suffering from osteoporosis are slightly higher than average. Studies have shown that taking steroid tablets continually or high doses of inhaled steroids (preventer inhalers) for a number of years may increase the risk of osteoporosis.How can I prevent osteoporosis?
Here are steps you can take to make sure your bones stay healthy:- Make sure your diet contains plenty of calcium-rich foods such as yoghurts, cheese, bread and milk. Other foods containing calcium include tinned fish with bones, tofu and green leafy vegetables.
- Take regular weight-bearing exercise at least three times a week, such as walking, dancing, light weight-training or running.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can bring on a premature menopause. Smokers are also more at risk of fractures as their bone mineral density is lower than non-smokers.
- Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol
- Using a spacer to take your preventer.
- Rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth after taking your steroid inhaler
Will the steroids I take for my asthma make me put on weight?
Steroid treatment is an essential part of asthma management. For most people, a regular dose of a steroid inhaler is all that is needed to keep their asthma under control. This contains a very low dose of steroid and it won't make you put on weight. Steroid tablets are sometimes prescribed if your asthma gets more severe. They contain a higher dose of steroid than your inhaler. Steroid tablets themselves won't make you put on weight. However, they can make you feel hungry and, of course, if you eat more than usual you'll start to put on the pounds. Stick to your usual eating habits, take regular exercise, and you should be fine(published with permission in writing from:http://www.asthma.org.uk/)
