Does Weight Gain Make Asthma Worse

What Is The Role Of Inhaled Steroids In Asthma

Inhaled steroids, also called inhaled corticosteroids, are considered to be the most effective medications for controlling asthma when taken regularly. They work continuously to reduce swelling of the airways. It can take weeks for an inhaled corticosteroid to reduce the inflammation in your airways, so be patient.

How To Avoid Weight Gain

Asthma inhalers and weight gain donât have to be married. Here is how you can, in a sense, have your cake and eat it too.

• Eat moreâvegetables that is. Your appetite is increased by the medication but you still have control over what you eat. So, make better choices to avoid the weight gain.
• Avoid sugary foods. This may be a challenge but it is necessary. Consider the alternative. When you eat these high sugary foods, they convert to weight gain and you are working against yourself and your asthma.
• Water is a necessity for life and can flush out the relationship between weight gain and asthma inhalers. Water helps to break up fats and to flush impurities too.
• Speaking of fatâyour fat intake should also be reduced along with the food portions you have on your plate. Remember, you are in control of what you put in your mouth. So let it be something tasty and good for you.

Healthy Eating And Weight Gain When You Have Severe Asthma

It can be much harder to manage your weight when you have severe asthma for many different reasons:

When youre dealing with a long-term condition thats as challenging as severe asthma its common to experience low mood and feel stressed, and for some people this can increase your desire to comfort eat, or drink alcohol, sugary drinks and sweetened coffee which are high in calories, says Asthma UKs in-house GP Dr Andy Whittamore, Ask for support from your GP or a dietitian if youre finding this is an issue for you.

Twenty years on non-stop steroids caused seven stone weight gain. That was something I did find difficult as I was no longer able to be as active as Id been in the past and any exercise was difficult at times. My appearance changed dramatically and people who hadnt seen me for a while used to comment on the weight gain which did lower my confidence.

  Nichola Duane

New drugs, called monoclonal antibodies, also known as mAbs or biologics, that target specific types of severe asthma are now helping some people to reduce or even stop taking steroids, but they are not suitable for everybody with severe asthma. If these new medicines arent right for you, you may still probably need to take high doses of oral corticosteroid pills long term.

Even if youre taking steroids and youre getting asthma symptoms, its still possible to take steps to manage your weight.

How Do The Medicines In Trelegy Help With Asthma Or Copd

Trelegy combines three orally-inhaled medicines for the once-daily maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and for treatment of in adult patients:

• fluticasone, a corticosteroid, lowers inflammation in the lung airways
• vilanterol, a long-acting beta-agonist , relaxes the airway muscles
• umeclidinium, an anticholinergic drug, helps to widen the large airways and make breathing easier.

Trelegy Ellipta is not used as a fast-acting inhaler for the relief of acute bronchospasm. If you do not have a fast-acting rescue inhaler, such as albuterol contact your health care provider for a prescription.

Prepare For Hungry Moments

Reducing your caloric intake and increasing your activity will inevitably leave you feeling hungry sometimes, particularly as your body adjusts to these changes.

End the urge to nibble on whatever is on hand by being prepared for times when your stomach growls between meals.

Keep healthy snacks with you during the day for times when you’re out and need a little something. When you’re at home or attending an event, turn to fruit and vegetables, which can be made more exciting with healthy dips.

Does Propranolol Make You Tired

Tiredness is one of the more common side effects of Propranolol. You may experience this as drowsiness or fatigue. Some users also experience insomnia and other sleeping problems, which exacerbates the tiredness.

If you feel tired or dizzy after taking Propranolol, you should lie or sit down until you feel better.

If you are taking Propranolol for the very first time, you may feel dizzy and tired, so your doctor will probably suggest taking it just before bedtime. As your body gets used to Propranolol, this side effect should start to wear off.

You should also avoid combining Propranolol and alcohol as this will exacerbate any tiredness or dizziness you are feeling and make you feel worse.

Connections Challenges And Safe Strategies

Sanja Jelic, MD

Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.

• Bariatric Surgery

Losing weight can help you gain better control of your asthma and reduce the severity of attacks, as well as lower your risk of a host of other health concerns. The obvious catch here, though, is that asthma challenges your breathing, making physical activity for weight loss all the more challengingespecially if your asthma is . You may face other difficulties with weight loss as well.

Obstacles aside, achieving a healthy weight is a possible undertaking, as well as a worthwhile onenot only for your overall health, but for the management of your asthma symptoms.

The first step should be talking with your doctor about a reasonable goal and what can help you reach it safely.

What And How You Eat

Reducing your calorie intake is hard, but it may help to think in think in three-day cycles. Tell yourself that you only need to fight the temptation to eat more or indulge in high-calorie foods for the next three days.

If you can get through those first 72 hours on a reduced-calorie intake, you’ll likely feel some sense of accomplishment that can propel your success in completing your next three-day goal.

Eventually, this will get a little easier as you adapt to fewer calories and healthier meals.

Eat Slow Wait 20 Minutes

Your brain takes some time to process the fact that you’ve had enough to eat. Eating quickly means you don’t realize you’re full until well after you’ve hit that point, typically resulting in overeating.

Try slowing down. Eat a reasonable serving of food. Then, wait at least 20 minutes and drink a glass of water. Often, you’ll find yourself feeling full once that break is up.

Better Sleep Boosts Weight Loss

Dont Let Steroid Hunger Win

If youre taking steroids in the long term, its common to feel hungrier than usual, which can lead to weight gain.

The answer is to eat foods that are high in fibre and lean protein at each meal to keep you feeling fuller for longer, says Dr Andy. Also, make sure that you stay well hydrated, because your body can often mistake thirst for hunger.

Next review due February 2022

Asthma Drugs And Weight

Compounding the problem is the fact that certain asthma drugs can also make you hungrier. For instance, oral steroids that are typically used for serious asthma flare-ups can lead you to eat more. Worse, these drugs can slow down your metabolism and cause you to retain water. These factors can also lead to weight gain.

Asthma Inhalers And Weight Gain

Although extremely effective in controlling symptoms, asthma inhalers and weight gain may go hand and hand. Documentation to support this connection is thin; however, experts may have found what links the two and why. The weight gain may be due to steroids. Many of these lifesavers contain steroids and steroids are associated with increased appetite. Thus, if you arenât watching what you eat, weight gain may be inevitable. Unlike other side effects to these drugs, weight gain is reversible. Commonly prescribed asthma inhalers with steroids are Advair, Asmanex, Qvar, Flovent Diskus and Pulimicort Flexhaler.

Another reason for this direct link to weight gain and certain asthma inhalers is people with asthma may not exercise for fear of causing an attack. No exercise and eating more is a recipe for weight gain. Because weight gain can cause pressure on the lungs, losing weight is an opportunity to help improve asthma.

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss And Asthma Control

The first study investigating the effect of surgically induced weight loss on asthma was published by Macgregor and Greenberg in 1993. Forty morbidly obese patients with asthma who had gastric restrictive surgery more than two years earlier were examined, and they found that 48% had complete asthma remission, defined as no symptoms and no use of asthma medication; overall, 90% of the patients experienced improvement in asthma symptoms. Objective assessment of airway function was not included in the study. In keeping with this, Murr et al reported a 100% remission rate after an average 30 months after bariatric surgery in a very small group of morbidly obese asthmatics older than 50 years, although it should be taken into account that asthma status was not the main outcome variable of interest.

What Sleep Concerns Are Common In People Who Are Overweight

Many health conditions can affect sleep, and some of them are found more often in individuals who are overweight or obese. The presence of one or more of the following conditions can compound insomnia and other sleep issues caused by obesity:

• Obstructive sleep apnea : OSA is a sleep disorder in which the airway partially or fully collapses, causing loud snoring and breathing issues at night. OSA is seven times more common in individuals who are obese. Weight not only affects ones risk for OSA, but being overweight can increase the severity of OSA symptoms.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease : GERD is a chronic condition in which the contents of the stomach leak into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn. Obesity is a known risk factor  for GERD. Symptoms are often worse when lying down, and GERD may be associated with disturbed sleep.

What Are The Most Common Side Effects Of Propranolol

Below we have listed the more common side effects and symptoms that may occur as a result of taking Propranolol tablets for social anxiety.

The more common Propranolol 10 mg side effects include:

• Fatigue
• Cold fingers and toes
• A slow or irregular heartbeat
• Raynauds syndrome

These symptoms will tend to go away as you continue taking the medicine and your body gets used to it. These more common Propranolol side effects do not usually need medical attention.

These side effects will also be very mild at low doses like the ones used for situational anxiety.

If you are concerned at all, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How To Get Started On Losing Some Weight

Starting on a diet and exercise plan to lose weight can feel like a big deal. And it does take some effort and commitment to lose weight and keep to a healthy weight.

If youre taking steroid tablets long term to control your asthma because your asthma is severe or difficult to control, you might find it harder still to lose weight.

Steroid tablets can increase appetite for some people. And its harder to exercise if youre struggling to manage your asthma symptoms.

But theres lots of support around to help you get to a more healthy weight, including your GP or specialist, and groups, or exercise programmes to help keep you motivated. Get inspired by the we are undefeatable campaign. 

Even just being mindful about what you eat, whether its smaller portion sizes or fewer sugary or fatty foods, and building in some more activity into your day, can make a difference.

It can help to break it down into steps:  

Coordinated Medical Care Helps Manage Asthma And Obesity

According to the American Pediatric Association, there are few preventable asthma risk factors. However, in children at least, preventing the onset of obesity may prevent asthma. Your healthcare provider can help you determine a healthy weight for your child and discuss feeding and activity recommendations. 

Exercise itself may help obese adults and children with asthma. Regular physical activity over at least a 10- to 12-week period may decrease asthma symptoms at night. If you are not used to exercising, start slow and build upon your endurance and fitness level over time. Your doctor can provide more specific advice based on you or your childs overall health.

Losing weight may also improve asthma control. Patients who lose weight via diet and exercise typically experience improvement in asthma symptoms. So do obese patients who undergo . One study of just over 2,000 patients found that bariatric surgery led to a 60% reduction in risk of an asthma attack.

People who have asthma and obesity will benefit from coordinated medical care. An experienced healthcare provider can help you lose weight and get your asthma under control.

Reach Out For Support

Speak to your GP, asthma specialist or one of our friendly, expert asthma nurses for tips on how to keep or work towards a healthy weight. If youre planning to make changes to your diet, tell the important people in your life what youre doing, and why. Their support can make it easier for you when you need a little encouragement. 

Balancing Asthma And Nutrition

The best way to tackle asthma and weight gain is to pay attention to what you eat. Make sure you’re consuming a balanced diet and not eating too much or too little of any essential nutrients. Choose foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and watch your portion sizes. If you find it hard to cook for yourself when your asthma acts up, buy prepared food or plan ahead and freeze meals that will be easy to eat when you aren’t feeling well.

You should also talk to your doctor about taking a multi-vitamin to make up for any deficiencies you may have. Oral steroids, in particular, can rob your body of calcium and other nutrients. Finally, use your asthma medication as directed and be active as often as you can to keep yourself in good shape.

Safety Tips When Taking Fluticasone

Follow these precautions when taking fluticasone:

• For topical products, always wash your hands before and after applying the medication. Dont cover the affected area unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• Rinse your mouth after using an inhaler.
• Let your doctor know if you have unusual changes in taste or smell when using this medication.
• Dont share your medication with anyone. Use it exactly as your doctor tells you.
• Ask your pharmacist how to use the medication properly and about specific side effects.

In case of accidental poisoning or overdose, call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222, or seek emergency help immediately.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms dont improve or get worse after a few weeks on fluticasone or if you have any of these:

• eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts
• liver disease, which may need monitoring
• exposure to chickenpox or measles
• an infection
• taking medication for an infection
• problems with your immune system
• surgery of the nose
• diabetes
• poor circulation

Make sure to tell your doctor about any other conditions or allergies to any medications you may have.

What Is Severe Asthma

Though patients with mild-to-moderate asthma can experience difficulty breathing, it is especially difficult for those with Severe Asthma where symptoms can be life-threatening. In either case, patients cant participate in daily activities if their disease is uncontrolled.

Similar to those with mildmoderate asthma, patients with Severe Asthma also have disease that is chronic. However, they have more difficulty achieving control of their disease, and need a greater number of medications and often at higher doses. They require more medical care than patients with mild-to-moderate disease.

Burden And Impact Of Obesity In Severe Asthma

Obesity is a commonly reported comorbidity of asthma, particularly severe asthma. Asthma and obesity interact, and are associated with poorer asthma control, more frequent exacerbations and a poorer quality of life . This indicates that obesity contributes to the illness burden of asthma.

The reason obesity prevalence is increased in severe asthma is unknown. It may be due to a combination of inflammatory, mechanical and genetic factors, however more research is needed. Studies adopting a cluster analysis approach have consistently identified an asthma phenotype that exists predominantly in obese women. This cluster has late onset severe asthma, with a high symptom expression, use of high dose inhaled corticosteroids, and an airway inflammatory pattern that is either mixed granulocytic or neutrophilic in nature .

Clinical Cluster

• Airway inflammation

Look For Fat Alternatives

It can be counterproductive to give up on fat altogether in your diet, as certain unsaturated fatslike those in nuts, olive oil, grapeseed oil, and avocadosoffer health benefits and can help you feel satiated.

Make an effort to choose these healthier fats over other options. When you’re looking for a favorite food that may not quite fit with your diet, seek out and make lower-fat versions that still satisfy you. For example:

• Swap a beef burger for ground turkey or a plant-based option
• Cut up and bake potatoes with some sea salt to make “fries” that aren’t fried
• Roast or bake chicken instead of frying it
• Switch to lower fat milk and yogurt instead of full-fat dairy

Asthma Medication Side Effects

Weight gain is a less common medication side effect when steroids are taken through asthma inhalers as opposed to oral medications because the doses administered through asthma inhalers are far lower and go straight to the lungs, explains Gerbstadt.

In contrast, other asthma medications such as beta-agonist bronchodilators, which relieve the symptoms of asthma by relaxing the muscle of the bronchial tubes, are not associated with weight gain, but they have their own medication side effects. Beta-agonists can cause jitteriness, dilate pupils, and increase heart rate, says Gerbstadt.

There is also an unhealthy cycle connected to asthma and weight. People with asthma may be reluctant to exercise for fear of triggering their asthma symptoms. Lack of exercise can contribute to weight gain. And being overweight can, in turn, make exercise more difficult because excess weight can compress your lungs and make breathing during exercise more difficult. Weight loss, therefore, can help improve your asthma and help improve your workouts.

Weight Loss And Use Of Respiratory Medication

Obesity is not only associated with increased morbidity rates, but also with increased pharmaceutical costs. Narbro et al studied medication changes over six years in 510 surgically and 455 conventionally treated patients from the Swedish Obese Subjects intervention study, and reported that, compared to baseline, asthma medication costs were lower for the surgically treated group of patients. These observations have been confirmed in a recent study by Sikka et al of respiratory prescription drug claims in 64 asthma patients over a two-year period : it showed a 49% decrease in respiratory medication prescription fills.

Reddy et al studied the effects of bariatric surgery on asthma severity, defined as intensity of asthma therapy, in 2,562 patients reporting use of asthma medication at baseline. Among the 257 asthma patients who participated in a one-year follow-up survey, 13 of 28 patients had been weaned from long-term oral corticosteroid therapy; and the use of inhaled corticosteroids decreased from approximately 50% to 30%, suggesting that bariatric surgery decreases the medication requirements for control of asthma symptoms. Objective measures of asthma control were not included in the study. These findings are further supported by a study by Sultan et al looking at the outcome of bariatric surgery in individuals with a BMI < 35, as well as by a study by Ahroni et al.

Attitudes And Counseling Related To Weight Loss

Ford et al have, based on data from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System, reported that 27.3% out of 13,953 participants with current asthma had a BMI of 30, and that 72.9% of the obese participants with asthma reported trying to lose weight. Furthermore, 82.9% of obese participants receiving weight-loss advice reported trying to lose weight, compared to 63.8% among obese participants who had not received such advice. This study, therefore, illustrates, although so far not supported by other studies, the important role for health care professionals in educating their patients with asthma about the importance of weight control, and in assisting and supporting their overweight and obese patients with asthma in setting achievable weight goals.

Does Being Overweight Affect Asthma

Have you ever asked yourself or your doctor does weight affect asthma?

While it might not seem like much, gaining 5 just pounds has been shown to worsen asthma control and quality of life. In one study published in the journal Respiratory Medicine, gaining 5 pounds, compared to those who gained less or lost weight, was associated with:

• 22% poorer self-rated asthma control
• 18% poorer self-reported quality of life
• 31% increase in the odds of requiring a steroid burst

The authors concluded that strategies to prevent weight gain could help patients achieve better asthma control and improve asthma-related quality of life. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms by which body weight/BMI influences asthma control and other asthma-related outcomes will enable treatment specialists to formulate treatment programs that include a weight-management component.

In fact, few studies have rigorously examined treatments in overweight or obese asthmatics or the impact of weight loss in asthma.

Propranolol And Weight Gain

Certain beta-blockers like Propranolol can sometimes cause weight gain. However, this is unusual.

Propranolol weight gain is down to two reasons. Firstly, Propranolol very slightly reduces the bodys ability to burn fat. Secondly, Propranolol causes your body to retain more fluid than normal, leading to an increase in your body weight.

This weight gain isnt usually noticeable , and it is also far less likely at the dose used for anxiety treatment .

If you are worried about Propranolol and weight gain, there are a few things you can do. A healthy and balanced diet, as well as keeping up a regular exercise regime will help to maintain your weight. Lifestyle changes like this will also help to manage your anxiety too, so there are multiple benefits.

The Facts About Asthma And Weight

There’s been a growing awareness in recent years that many asthmatics are overweight. This has been a cause for concern, since studies show that people who carry extra weight could increase their chances of having chronic medical conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. But for some asthmatics, it’s very complicated to maintain a healthy weight because in many cases, their breathing issues do not allow them to engage in activities that could help them manage their weight.

How Common Is Severe Asthma

It is estimated that as many as 250,000 Canadians suffer from Severe Asthma. Fatalities are higher in this group compared to patients with mild-to-moderate disease. Each year, about 250 Canadians die from asthma. Globally, 250,000 patients with asthma die prematurely on an annual basis because of their condition.

Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Along with its needed effects, alendronate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking alendronate:

More common

• irritation or pain of the esophagus
• muscle pain

• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• bone, joint, or muscle pain, severe and occasionally incapacitating
• chest pain
• itching
• joint pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loosening of a tooth
• muscle cramps in the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face
• and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
• pain or burning in the throat
• pain, swelling, or numbness in the mouth or jaw
• rapid weight gain
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
• stomach cramps
• tingling of the hands or feet
• tremor