How to Control Asthma through Medications
Inhaled bronchodilator medications are highly effective in opening airways narrowed by asthma. In addition, they have few severe side effects when used in the recommended dose and frequency. They are available by both metered dose inhaler and nebulizer. Inhaled bronchodilator medication produces much fewer side effects than theophylline and is preferred over theophylline for routine use, for severe episodes and for prevention of exercise-induced asthma. In certain cases both may be used.
The main goals in the medical treatment of asthma are to prevent asthma attacks and to control the disease. Avoiding triggers that induce or aggravate asthma attacks is an important aspect of prevention. Medications used to prevent asthma attacks (controller medications) focus on decreasing the airway inflammation that causes attacks. Rescue medications help open up your airway and are used for quick relief when asthma symptoms occur despite the use of controller medications.
Asthma Medications
Long-term medications are used to prevent asthma attacks from starting in the first place. Long-term medication is anti-inflammatory medication that is used to prevent the airways from swelling and slows mucus production. These types of medications are taken on an every day basis to control asthma, but they do not relieve asthma attacks during an attack.
Anti-inflammatory drugs is the most important type of therapy for most people with asthma because these asthma medications prevent asthma attacks on an ongoing basis. Steroids, also called “corticosteroids,” are an important type of anti-inflammatory medication for people suffering from asthma. These asthma medications reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways. As a result, airways are less sensitive and less likely to react to triggers.
Leukotriene modifiers drugs reduce the production or block the action of leukotrienes — substances released by cells in your lungs during an asthma attack. Leukotrienes cause the lining of your airways to become inflamed, which in turn leads to wheezing, shortness of breath and mucus production. Leukotriene modifiers include montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate).Used in conjunction with other medications — such as inhaled corticosteroids — leukotriene modifiers may help prevent more attacks. Although generally not as effective as inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers are an option if you have mild asthma and want to avoid corticosteroids. This is one of the effective asthma medications.
Flunisolide is used to help prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. For those who must take corticosteroids by mouth to control their asthma, flunisolide can be used to help decrease the dose of the medication that must be taken by mouth. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works to make breathing easier by reducing the swelling of the airways in the lungs, and decreasing phlegm and other asthma symptoms.
Autohalers (breath activated) – these involve an aerosol canister that is spring-loaded. The medication automatically mists out when you start to breathe in through the mouthpiece. These are good for children and for those people who find it hard to coordinate the ‘press and breathe’ puffers.
Controller medications, as the name implies, help keep your asthma under control over time by reducing inflammation and mucous in your airways. They reduce your lungs’ sensitivity to potential asthma triggers. These medications are also referred to as maintenance medications. If your doctor has recommended a controller medication, you should use it as prescribed (it is usually used on a regular basis), even when you’re not experiencing asthma symptoms. Proper and consistent use of your controller medication will help prevent complications caused by your asthma. This is one of the useful medications for asthma.
