Bone health in asthma: a twofold effect of disease and pharmacotherapy

By
Sidian Yang
Yihao Wang
Xingchao Li
Yewen Niu
Liming Lei
Zichao Han
June 2, 2026
0 min

Frontiers In Endocrinology

Overview

Asthma and its treatments significantly affect bone health due to chronic inflammation and glucocorticoid therapy. This report outlines the mechanisms by which asthma influences bone metabolism and highlights the need for comprehensive management strategies.

Background

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition affecting approximately 260 million individuals globally. The persistent inflammation associated with asthma, along with long-term use of corticosteroids, poses risks to bone health, particularly in children. Understanding these risks is crucial for developing effective management strategies to preserve bone integrity while controlling asthma symptoms.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the article.

Key Findings

Chronic inflammation from asthma disrupts bone metabolism through immune dysregulation and oxidative stress.
Long-term glucocorticoid therapy significantly lowers bone mineral density and increases fracture risk.
Vitamin D deficiency exacerbates bone health issues by reducing mechanical loading and altering endocrine regulation.
A two-hit model is proposed where systemic inflammation and glucocorticoid exposure act as independent skeletal risk factors.
Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for managing asthma while preserving bone health.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should monitor bone health in patients with asthma, especially those on long-term glucocorticoid therapy. Optimizing inhaled therapies and considering natural medicines may help mitigate the adverse effects on bone health.

Conclusion

Asthma management must consider the dual impact of the disease and its treatments on bone health. Future research should focus on clarifying the mechanisms involved and developing strategies for routine bone health monitoring.