Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Magnesium is used as an adjunct treatment for acute asthma, particularly in emergency settings, and its use is supported by clinical evidence rather than tradition. Magnesium sulfate, administered intravenously, has been shown in several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses to provide modest benefit in patients with severe, life-threatening asthma exacerbations that do not respond adequately to standard therapies (such as inhaled beta-agonists and corticosteroids). The proposed mechanism is that magnesium acts as a smooth muscle relaxant by antagonizing calcium and stabilizing mast cells, thereby reducing bronchospasm and airway inflammation.

The 2019 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines and the British Thoracic Society both acknowledge intravenous magnesium sulfate as a recommended option for severe acute asthma in children and adults when first-line treatments fail. However, magnesium's effect size is modest, and it is not recommended for routine use in mild or moderate asthma attacks. The evidence base includes several meta-analyses (e.g., Cochrane reviews) showing that IV magnesium sulfate can reduce hospital admissions and improve lung function in severe cases, but inhaled or oral magnesium has not shown consistent benefit.

In summary, magnesium's use in asthma management is scientifically validated for specific, severe cases in acute care, but not broadly for all asthma patients or as a preventive supplement.

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