Regular Daily Use of Beta-Agonists for Mild Asthma Found to Be Safe
From Times staff and wire reports
A major new study shows that, contrary to previously published reports, regular daily use of so-called beta-agonists such as albuterol for mild asthma does no harm to patients. The study, reported in the Sept. 19 New England Journal of Medicine, also found, however, that such regular use is no more effective than use on an as-needed basis.
“This study should lay to rest the concerns of more than 7 million Americans with mild asthma--and their physicians--about the safety and effectiveness of inhaled beta-agonists,” said Dr. Claude Lenfant, director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
