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Published on: August 7, 2017
Serum magnesium and stable asthma: Is there a link?
Sibes Kumar Das1, Arup Kumar Haldar, Indranath Ghosh
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, North Bengal Medical College, Susruta Nagar, Darjeeling, India.
Lung India : Official Organ of Indian Chest Society
|December 9, 2010
Summary
Hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels, is prevalent in stable asthma patients. This condition is linked to faster breathing, severe asthma, and increased medication use, impacting asthma management.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Magnesium's role in asthma management is established, but its prevalence in asthma patients remains unclear.
- Hypomagnesemia is a potential concern in individuals with respiratory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hypomagnesemia in patients with stable asthma.
- To evaluate the clinical significance of hypomagnesemia in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- A prospective clinical study was conducted involving 50 stable asthma patients.
- Serum magnesium levels were measured and compared to 45 healthy controls.
- Clinical assessments included respiratory rate, heart rate, and medication history.
Main Results:
- Hypomagnesemia was detected in 14 out of 50 asthma patients (28%).
- A significant association was found between hypomagnesemia and tachypnea, severe asthma, and the use of multiple asthma medications.
- Associations were also noted with long-acting beta-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, theophylline, and both past and future asthma exacerbations.
Conclusions:
- Hypomagnesemia is a common finding in stable asthma patients.
- Low magnesium levels are significantly associated with indicators of more severe asthma and increased medication burden.
- Further research may explore magnesium supplementation for asthma management.
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