Articles by Keyword for

Patients with COPD who use inhaled corticosteroids to improve breathing for more than 6 months have a 27% increased risk for bone fractures. The risk goes up as the dosage increases. It was previously assumed that inhaled steroids would have a predominantly local effect, but now we know this is not true. Treatment should consist of lowering or discontinuing inhaled...

Prescription bone-building drugs such as the bisphosphonates should be a last resort according to new research from the University of Illinois in 2011. Even though these drugs have been proven to reduce osteoporotic fractures, they have very significant side effects that include GI bleeding, atrial fibrillation, muscle and joint pain, and osteonecrosis of the...