What’s the Connection Between Bruising and Asthma?

You know your bruises are nasty when a coworker says, "Whoa! Where did you get those bruises on your legs?"

My husband would ask me the same thing, and truth be told, I could never figure it out.

I used to be a dancer and figure skater when I was younger, so I was very light on my feet. Now? I fall up the stairs and can't walk and chew gum at the same time. In fact, I no longer wear high-heeled shoes; I prefer flats! I am really clumsy now.

The big bruises that the coworker was talking about? I think it came from trying to swing my small suitcase off the conveyor belt before the cranky TSA agent yelled at me for taking too long. I remember my bag hitting my legs pretty hard. Even though I held pressure on the spot, I knew I was going to get a big bruise.

The connection between asthma and bruising

I remember hearing that inhaled corticosteroids can cause bruising, so I looked it up. I found several scientific studies on asthma and skin bruises. Most studies said that people taking inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) had more skin bruising than people they studied who didn't have asthma and take ICS.

Like any medicine, you have to weigh the pros and cons. What do you worry about most? Breathing or bruises?

Corticosteroids are an important part of asthma treatment plans because they reduce airway swelling. If you have lung swelling and then get a cold on top of it, it can be a recipe for disaster!

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says:¹

"Because asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder, persistent asthma is most effectively controlled with daily long-term control medication directed toward suppressing inflammation. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most effective long-term therapy available for mild, moderate, or severe persistent asthma. ICS are anti-inflammatory medications that reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, inhibit inflammatory cell migration and activation, and block late-phase reaction to an allergen. In general, ICS is well tolerated and safe at the recommended dosages."

Research on asthma treatment and bruising risk

The NIH also says, "Generally, ICS improve asthma control more effectively, in both children and adults, than any other single long-term control medication."¹

If you do smack yourself pretty hard with your suitcase, fall up the stairs, etc., what can you do to avoid a bruise? I'm usually too busy to worry about it, rushing off to the next project. But Mayo Clinic has some ideas to help bruises heal:¹

"Remember RICE, for Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate:"

"Rest the bruised area, if possible."

"Ice the bruise with an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Leave it in place for 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat several times a day for a day or two as needed."

"Compress the bruised area if it is swelling, using an elastic bandage. Don't make it too tight."

"Elevate the injured area."

When to discuss bruising with your doctor

Usually, bruises are nothing to worry about. But they can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as bleeding disorders like leukemia, Von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, Factor VII deficiency, Factor X deficiency, Factor V deficiency, or Factor II deficiency.

Talk to your doctor if you are worried or just want to make sure everything is okay, especially if you notice an increase in bruising and asthma may be connected to your medication.

Does anybody else notice they get bruises while taking their inhaled corticosteroids?