Magnesium is an essential mineral that organs throughout the body need to function normally. Magnesium is involved in the production of energy, contributes to the structure of bone and teeth, and help cells communicate with one another. Magnesium may be helpful in treating cases of acute asthma, but should always be taken under the guidance of a medical professional if you use it to treat this serious respiratory disease.
Magnesium Deficiency
Several research studies have investigated whether a deficiency in magnesium is associated with acute asthma, but no significant results have yet been reported. One such study was conducted by Dr. K.S. Kakish at the Jordan University of Science and Technology, and the results were published in the "Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine" in February 2001. Dr. Kakish found no differences between the levels of magnesium in the blood of children being treated in an emergency department for an acute asthma attack, children with asthma but not having an acute attack, and children without asthma. This and other studies indicate that a magnesium deficiency is not associated with acute asthma.
Magnesium in Treatment
Despite the fact that no magnesium deficiencies have been detected in those undergoing acute asthma attacks, there is evidence that administering magnesium during an acute attack does aid in treatment. Dr. B.H. Rowe at the University of Alberta led a meta-analysis of the clinical trials studying the effects of magnesium on asthma and the results of this review were published in the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" in the year 2000. Dr. Rowe found that the combined results of seven clinical trials showed that patients with severe acute asthma being treated with magnesium intravenously showed an improvement of just under 10 percent, as evidenced by a test that determined forced expiratory flow rate.
Routes of Administration
The effects of magnesium on acute asthma attacks have been tested through three routes of administration: intravenous, oral, and inhaled. The most studied route of administration is the intravenous route. Based on the research conducted thus far, Oregon State University considers the intravenous route to be the most effective in helping to treat acute asthma attacks. Taking magnesium supplement orally does not seem to have any robust positive effect on acute asthma. More testing is needed to determine if inhaled magnesium helps to treat acute attacks of this severe respiratory disease.
Considerations
Because of the risk of death from acute asthma attacks and the possible side effects of taking magnesium, using this supplement to treat acute asthma should only be done under the supervision of a qualified medical professional. Especially since oral magnesium, which is the form most easily available at pharmacies over-the-counter, does not seem to be effective in treating acute asthma, a medical professional is needed to administer the inhaled or intravenous form of this mineral. The possible serious health problems associated with taking high doses of magnesium include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, reduced heart rate, coma, and even death.
References
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews;" Magnesium sulfate for treating exacerbations of acute asthma in the emergency department; BH Rowe, et al.; 2000
- Oregon State University: Magnesium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- "Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine;" Serum magnesium levels in asthmatic children during and between exacerbations; K.S. Kakish; February 2001
