Beta-blockers: how safe for the lungs?

Traditionally it was thought that beta-blockers should not be considered in patients with lung diseases. However, according to a study conducted by Dutch scientists, in fact these drugs can be completely safe.

According to a new study managed by scientists from the School of Medicine in Utrecht, which involved more than 2,200 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the use of beta-blockers increases survival rates by more than 5% compared with a group of patients that has not received beta- blockers.

This is the first study on the effect of prolonged use of beta-blockers in patients with COPD.

Interesting in this study is the fact that its results literally refuse some things that are now taught to the students in medical universities. Thinking about the dangers of beta-blockers in this group of patients with lung diseases was based on the registered cases of side effects in patients with bronchial asthma, especially when using high doses. The results of the contemporary studies have shown the mistake of this idea. However, the study authors admit that in severe asthma patients avoid the use of beta-blockers.

The study is published in the Archives of Internal Medicine on May 24.