"Taking daily medicine for mild asthma may not help more than taking it only when symptoms flare up."
A new study shows people who use an inhaler occasionally fare about the same as people who take a daily pill or dose from the inhaler. Researchers said both groups had the same number of severe asthma attacks and changes in lung function and reported similar quality of life.But lead researcher Homer Boushey said people should consult their doctor before halting regular medication. Still, he said doing so would could spare patients the inconvenience and the expense of taking daily medicine. The study estimated that patients could save up to $150 a month by using medication only during flareups.The results of the yearlong, six-city study of more than 200 asthmatics is published in Thursday's edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.About 20 million Americans have asthma. One-fourth of them are classified as having a mild form. Symptoms of mild asthma are wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness two to six days a week, or awakening because of asthma two or three times a month.Treatment for mild asthma usually includes two prescribed drugs: an inhaler for immediate relief, and a daily pill or dose from an inhaler to reduce airway inflammation.The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program is expected to release updated treatment guidelines in 2006, and this study -- along with other asthma studies -- will be taken into consideration.
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