Search resultsThe role of alcohol in asthma: A review of clinical and experimental studies
Title
The role of alcohol in asthma: A review of clinical and experimental studies
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2001
Authors
Journal
American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume
19
Issue
6
Pagination
501 - 503
Date published
2001
ISBN
07356757 (ISSN)
Keywords
alcohol, Alcohol Drinking, alcohol metabolism, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Allergy, asthma, bronchodilatation, bronchospasm, Central Nervous System Depressants, disease exacerbation, Emergency Service, Hospital, emergency ward, Ethanol, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, human, Humans, patient education, priority journal, Severity of Illness Index, short survey
Abstract
Asthma is among the most common ED diagnoses. Asthma exacerbations are generally treated by medications that cause bronchodilation and those that reduce airway inflammation. The effect of alcohol on asthma has been studied by investigators with mixed results. Some studies have reported that alcohol has a beneficial effect on asthma; others report worsening of symptoms, It has been suggested in some quarters that additives in alcoholic drinks cause bronchoconstriction and that pure ethanol has a salutary effect on asthma. If further research bears out this supposition, ethanol may play a limited therapeutic role in asthma that is refractory to other therapy. Emergency physicians should counsel asthmatic patients to avoid alcoholic beverages because they may cause an exacerbation of asthma. Copyright