Over-relying on infrequent but high use of short acting beta 2 agonists (SABA) is not only associated with harmful outcome but also could be a signal of a severe asthma, suggests the latest study by a team of researchers at Tampere University and the department of respiratory medicine at Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Finland. According to this study, with high use of SABA, airway inflammation is not treated and the downregulation of beta 2 receptors is not reversed. It also increases the risk for negative outcomes with asthma. The findings of the study, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, indicated that high SABA users should be identified in clinical practice so providers can intervene as it is a signal of more severe and/or uncontrolled asthma needing further therapeutic intervention.