Asthma is a condition that affects the airways that transport air to and from the lungs. The condition is marked by chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. There is no cure for asthma but the condition can be effectively managed with medication. Asthma is a ‘variable’ disease, meaning that symptoms can vary from one person to the next. The condition is also known to fluctuate throughout the year, even in the same person. There are many effective medications for asthma to choose from to help control asthma symptoms year-round. Most people need a quick-relief option and a long-term control option of medication. Quick-relief medicines help alleviate the symptoms quickly in the event of an attack, while controller medication is taken on a daily basis to keep asthma symptoms at bay. The top three asthma treatments are short-acting inhaled beta2-agonists (bronchodilators) such as albuterol, Anticholinergics such as ipratropium, and corticosteroids such as Beclazone. Keep reading to learn more, so you can work with your doctor to find the treatment that's best for you.
The top three asthma treatments are short-acting inhaled beta2-agonists (bronchodilators) such as albuterol, Anticholinergics such as ipratropium, and corticosteroids such as Beclazone. The beta2-agonists (bronchodilators) and Anticholinergics are administered to relieve asthma attacks. The corticosteroids, on the other hand, are taken to control the condition.
The top three asthma medications should not be taken together unless under the direct instructions of a doctor. Remember that although many asthma medications are effective at keeping the condition managed, they don’t work in the same way. Taking two different types of medications without input from a doctor can be problematic.
The top three asthma treatments i.e. short-acting inhaled beta2-agonists (bronchodilators) such as albuterol, Anticholinergics such as ipratropium, and corticosteroids such as Beclazone are a combination of the quick-relief medications and controllers. The beta2-agonists (bronchodilators) such as albuterol and Anticholinergics are quick-relief medicines while corticosteroids are controllers. The former relieves the symptoms after an attack while the latter works to control the condition and prevent attacks.
Asthma medicines, in general, are safe. Like any other type of medicine, these medications have several side effects. However, in most cases, the benefits of asthma medications outweigh potential risks by far. Asthma medications can only be taken after consulting a doctor.
Asthma medications work the same way in adults and children alike. The only difference in how the medicine is administered is the dosage. Obviously, children should be given smaller doses to minimize side effects. Doctors instructions should always be followed to the letter.
Asthma medicines should be taken as per the instructions of the doctor or they may not be effective. Some medications, such as Singulair, are not good for some people and should not be taken regularly. Some inhaled steroids such as Asmanex should be taken once a day while others are taken twice a day.
Asthma is a ‘variable’ condition, which simply means that symptoms vary from one person to the next. Similarly, the most effective asthma control treatments vary from one person to the next, but inhaled steroids are most preferred. In the case of severe or uncontrolled asthma, a combination of inhaled steroids and long-acting beta-agonists (such as Advair) may be used.
Most asthma medications are known to have side effects. These vary depending on the medication as well as the person. Common side effects of asthma medications include bone thinning, growth suppression, and thrush (inhaled corticosteroids), mood and behavioral changes, and allergic reactions. Allergies and other pre-existing conditions may worsen side effects.