Side Effects Of Suffering From Asthma

Weight Gain From Steroid Use

Weight gain from steroid use is a concern for anyone with asthma. If patients have serious respiratory distress during an asthma attack, then their physician might prescribe oral steroids rather than having them use an inhaler. Fortunately, the inhaler device recommended for asthma sufferers has a lower level of steroids. In addition, the medication from an inhaler enters the lungs rather than the digestive system. However, individuals can gain weight from taking steroids because this medication increases their appetite. Patients can avoid gaining weight after taking steroids by planning to eat low-calorie fresh fruits or vegetables to satiate their appetite. Thus, they should make sure to exercise more to avoid gaining weight throughout their body, especially in their abdomen.

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Permanent Airway Remodeling

Permanent airway remodeling is one of the detrimental side effects of having asthma for many years. Numerous changes occur in the human body's airways due to respiratory distress. Some of these changes include alterations of the epithelial lining, enlargement of the glands near the airways, a smoother muscle mass and thickening of the bronchi. In addition, the airways of the affected individual can become narrower with chronic inflammation and excess amounts of mucus. As a side effect of having asthma, the lungs are damaged permanently, making patients more susceptible to other respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

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