Asthma Medication - Asthma Medication Plays A Key Role In Gaining Good Control Of Your Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease, often caused by inflammation of the airways, increased sensitivity of the airways to a number of things that further worsen the condition, and obstruction of airflow. It is often accompanied with mucus production and cough. Asthma victims experience difficulty in breathing because of the above factors and if left untreated, it could even lead to their death. Choosing the proper medication plays a key role in gaining good control of asthma and living an active life.

An asthma medication may be used in various ways. It can be used to control inflammation and prevent chronic symptoms like coughing or breathlessness at night, in the early morning, or after exertion. These are known as long-term control medications.

An asthma medication can also be used to treat asthma attacks as and when they take place. They are called quick-relief asthma medications. There are some medications that helps avoid asthma triggers as well.

In general, there are two types of asthma medication for long-term control or quick relief of symptoms: anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators. Anti-inflammatory drugs are useful for most asthma patients because they prevent asthma attacks on an ongoing basis. Steroids, also known as “corticosteroids," are an important anti-inflammatory medication for those who are suffering from asthma. These medications reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways. This makes airways less sensitive and less likely to react to asthma triggers.

Bronchodilators relieve the symptoms of asthma by loosening the muscle bands that tighten around the airways. This helps more air come in and out of the lungs leading to improvement in breathing. Bronchodilators also clear mucus from the lungs and as the airways open, the mucus can move more freely and can be coughed out without difficulty. Xolair is a new asthma medication that inhibits the allergic reaction which leads to constriction of the airways. It blocks proteins in the immune system from becoming activated, a main cause of allergic asthma symptoms.

Any long-term control asthma medication is taken daily over an extended period of time to control the disease. Among long-term control asthma medications are: corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory in nature to be inhaled), mast cell stabilizers (anti-inflammatory), long acting beta-agonists (bronchodilators), theophylline (bronchodilator), and leukotriene modifiers (alternative to steroids and mast cell stabilizers).

Quick-relief asthma medications are used to get quick relief from asthma attack symptoms (cough, wheezing, chest tightness etc.) and these include short acting beta-agonists (bronchodilators), anticholinergics (bronchodilators), and systemic corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory). Sometimes, it is required to use anti-inflammatory drugs along with bronchodilators.

Asthma medications can be administered in various ways. They can either be inhaled, using a metered dose inhaler, dry powder inhaler, or a nebulizer. They can also be taken orally, either in pill or liquid form. Xolaris, the new asthma medication, is administered by injection just under the skin. Some inhalers contain a combination of two different medications. As a result, it is possible to deliver both medications from one device, which cuts short treatment times and decreases the number of inhalers to be used for treating asthma symptoms. Using these medications in accordance with one's specific needs, it is possible to gain good control of asthma.

• Juliana Breckinridge
• 21/05/2009, 12:59 PM
• 0 Comments