Since inhaled steroids are highly effective against asthma, and bone density changes were relatively small, “the balance of risk versus benefit is still strongly weighted on the benefit side for steroids,” says lead study author Conroy A. Wong, a physician at Middlemore Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. “However, because patients with asthma often require ongoing treatment for many years, this may mean an increased risk of osteoporosis,” he says. Here’s how to minimize the risk: Preserve bone density—from the inside. Get at least 30 minutes of weight bearing exercise such as walking or jogging 5 or more days a week, plus two or three sessions a week of resistance training such as weight lifting. Provide bone fuel with at least 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily if you’re under 50. At 50 plus, aim for 1,500 mg of calcium and up to 800 IU of vitamin D. Add a spacer device to your inhaler. Inhaled steroids work best with this tube attachment, which ensures that more of the medication reaches your lungs instead of lingering in the mouth and throat. That way, you actually use less steroids, which means that your bones will absorb less. Hint: Gargle after using your inhaler to further minimize absorption, says Dr. Wong. Ask about the dose. Your doctor should be prescribing the lowest dose needed to control your symptoms. Ask your doctor if your dose is considered high. Ask about a scan. If you’ve used high doses of inhaled steroids as your only form of asthma medication for 10 years or so, it’s wise to ask your doctor about getting a bone density test, says Dr. Wong. More from Prevention: 12 Ways To Break-Proof Your Bones
