Calcium

Hi all , just a quick query. Am I right in thinking that Calcium is used as an asthma medication or have I just got confused (not unusual). Thanks to anyone who can enlighten or disillusion me. Sandix

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hi

calcuim is normally used a supplement for those who are taking long term pred as it can cause problems with bone density and reslt in osteoporosis.

olive

x

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Yup, Olive is right - it's used to help strengthen the bones of those who take long-term pred (to try to guard against steroid-induced osteoporosis), but it's not an anti-asthma medication.

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That's right, the main use of calcium in asthma is as calcium and vitamin D tablets (eg, Calcichew D3 forte) to help prevent steroid-induced loss of bone mineral density (osteopenia or osteoporosis).

The National Osteoporosis Society recommends that anyone who is on oral steroids for more than three months should have their risk of osteoporosis assessed and their bone mineral density measured via a DXA scan. In low risk individuals, a good balanced diet that is adequate in calcium and vitamin D should be sufficient, although some people with multiple allergies and a restricted diet may benefit from supplements. In high risk individuals (over 65s, reduced bone mineral density on scan, or previous steroid-related fracture) treatment with bisphosphonate drugs (eg alendronate, risedronate) and calcium and vitamin D tablets is recommended.

Interestingly, there were also some ideas way back that calcium might be able to be used in asthma treatment - the movement of Ca ions in and out of smooth muscle cells is involved in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction, so it was felt to be a possible therapeutic avenue. Physically and chemically, calcium ions are similar to magnesium ions, which we all know can be helpful, so it wasn't a ridiculous idea. Initial laboratory tests didn't support any possible use of calcium in this way, though. Calcium channel blockers, a blood pressure/heart medication, have been shown by a few small studies to reduce salbutamol use in some asthmatics, presumably by affecting Ca ion movement, but it's not a large enough effect to be felt to be clinically useful.

From the department of interesting but useless facts!

Em