Dietary Sodium Intake and Asthma: An Epidemiological and Clinical Review

T. D. Mickleborough; A. Fogarty

Int J Clin Pract. 2006;60(12):1616-1624.

Implications for Clinical Practice

The data presented in this review demonstrate that adoption of a low sodium diet for a period of 2-5 weeks may improve lung function in adults with asthma, while sodium loading appears to have a detrimental effect. Similarly, a low sodium diet maintained for 1-2 weeks decreases the bronchoconstrictor response to exercise in asthmatics. There is no data as to the longer-term effect of a low sodium diet on either the prevalence or severity of asthma or on EIB. As a low sodium diet has other beneficial health effects, we acknowledge that while the evidence base is limited, a LSD can be considered as a therapeutic option for adults with asthma, although it should be considered an adjunctive intervention to supplement the optimal pharmacological management of asthma and not as an alternative. If the relationship between higher sodium intake and increased risk of asthma is causal, then there are potential population benefits for asthma as well as cardiovascular disease to be derived from public health measures to reduce sodium consumption.

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Reprint Address

Timothy D. Mickleborough, Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, 1025. E 7th St, HPER 112, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA Tel.: + 1 812 855 0753 Fax: + 1 812 855 3193 Email: tmickleb@indiana.edu

Cite this: Dietary Sodium Intake and Asthma: An Epidemiological and Clinical Review - Medscape - Dec 01, 2006.

Summary and Introduction
Definitions and Prevalence of Asthma
Dietary Sodium and Asthma
Dietary Sodium and Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction
Implications for Clinical Practice
References

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