Asthma Treatments – Relievers and Preventers
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that is characterized by difficulty in breathing. People with asthma have extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways.
During an asthma attack, the airways become irritated and react by narrowing and constructing, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the
flow of the air passages to and from the lungs.
There are two main types of medicines for the treatment of asthma:
1. Quick Relief Medicines: also called relievers, give rapid, short-term treatment and are taken when you have worsening asthma symptoms that can lead to
asthma episodes or attacks. You will feel the effects of these medicines within minutes.
2. Long-Term Control Medicines: also called preventers, are taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to control chronic symptoms and to prevent asthma episodes or attacks. You will feel the full effects of these medicines after taking them for a few weeks. People with persistent asthma need
long-term control medicines.
Drugs, such as those resembling two of our hormones, can help treat asthma. These two hormones are adrenaline (epinephrine in the USA) and hydrocortisone (a steroid).
There are also other drugs which help treat asthma. Whilst drugs can remove all your symptoms if you have mild asthma, people with more severe or long-standing asthma don’t get nearly such good results, so alternate medications are required.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is pumped into our bloodstream when we have a sudden fright or emergency. It is the quick-acting hormone from the middle of the adrenal glands near our kidneys. It makes your pulse race, makes your heart thump, and readies your body for emergency action. In asthma, the medicines which resemble adrenaline quickly relieve asthma for a short time, and are called relievers.
Hydrocortisone comes from the outer part of our adrenal glands, called the ‘cortex’. It is also partly an “emergency hormone” but it works much more slowly, for much longer, and in a completely different way to adrenaline. Medicines which resemble hydrocortisone slowly allow the lining of air tubes in an asthma sufferer to become normal. As a result, your asthma becomes less severe and you are less likely to get asthma attacks. So these steroid medicines are called preventers. There are other asthma ‘preventers’, but the steroids are the most powerful.
Most people who have asthma should have both of these kinds of medicine – preventers and relievers.
Usually the best way to take these medicines is to breathe them in. That is, you inhale them, through your nose or mouth. The reasons you inhale them are :
because you need less of the medicine,
you won’t suffer as many side effects, and,
the medicine works more quickly,
The final point is particularly important with the adrenaline-like, fast-acting relievers.
Another advantage is that the hydrocortisone-like steroid preventers you breathe in can be chosen to be biodegradable inside the body. As a result, then can
do their work in the lung, but don’t get much of a chance to produce any side effects in the rest of your body, because your liver breaks them down.
Quick relief medicines are used only when needed. A type of quick relief medicine is a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by
relaxing the muscles that have tightened around the airways. They help open up airways quickly and ease breathing.
They are sometimes called “rescue” or “relief” medicines because they can stop an asthma attack very quickly. These medicines act quickly but their effects only last for a short period of time. You should take quick relief medicines when you first begin to feel asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Anyone who has asthma should always have one of these inhalers in case of an attack. For severe attacks, your doctor may use steroids to treat the inflammation.
Long-term control medication include:
The most effective, long-term control medication for asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid because this medicine reduces the swelling of airways that makes
asthma attacks more likely. Inhaled corticosteroids (or steroids for short) are the preferred treatment for controlling mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma. They are safe when taken as directed by your doctor. Inhaled medicines go directly into your lungs where they are needed. There are many kinds of inhalers that require different techniques, and it is important to know how to use your inhaler correctly. In some cases, steroid tablets or liquid are used for short times to bring asthma under control. The tablet or liquid form may also be used to control severe asthma.
Long-acting beta-agonists are another kind of long-term control medication. They are bronchodilators, not anti-inflammatory drugs. These medicines are
used to help control moderate and severe asthma and to prevent night-time symptoms. Long-acting beta-agonists are taken together with inhaled corticosteroid medicine.
Leukotriene modifiers (such as montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton) are long-term control medicines used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma or together with inhaled corticosteroids to treat moderate persistent asthma or severe persistent asthma.
Cromolyn and nedocromil are also long-term control medicines used to treat mild persistent asthma.
Theophylline is a long-term control medication used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma or together with inhaled corticosteroids to treat moderate persistent asthma. People who take theophylline should have their blood levels checked to be sure the dose is appropriate.
If you stop taking long-term control medicines, your asthma will likely worsen again.
Many people with asthma need both a short-acting bronchodilator to use when symptoms worsen and long-term daily asthma control medication to treat the
ongoing inflammation. Over time, your doctor may need to make changes in your asthma medication. You may need to increase your dose, lower your dose, or
try a combination of medications. Be sure to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your asthma. The goal is to use the least amount of
medicine necessary to control your asthma.
At a Glance … Asthma Treatments – Relievers and Preventers
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that makes airways (bronchial tubes) particularly sensitive to irritants, and this is characterized by difficulty
in breathing.
There two main types of medicines for the treatment of asthma:
• Quick Relief Medicines: also called relievers, and,
• Long-Term Control Medicines: also called preventers.
Quick Relief Medicines give rapid, short-term treatment and are taken when you have worsening asthma symptoms that can lead to asthma episodes or attacks.
You will feel the effects of these medicines within minutes.
Long-Term Control Medicines are taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to control chronic symptoms and to prevent.
|
|
Caframo Ecofan Original, Black … |
|
|
VitaMaxTM Vitamin C inline filter $49.00 If you can’t live without your existing showerhead and want the great benefits of the Vitamin C filter, this is for you. Vitamin C dechlorination has a lengthy history. It has been used in EPA and APHA methods for the dechlorination. Sonaki’s Shower Filter releases the exact amount of vitamin to neutralize all chlorine or chloramines as the water passes through the shower filter. When the wate… |
|
|
Airpura H600 Whole House Air Purifier, Black $879.98 Make every room in your house safe from the harmful particles that trigger allergy and asthma attacks with the H600 Whole House Air Purifier by Airpura. Specially designed for powerful particle filtration, this purifier features a HEPA filter that traps 99.97% of particles as little as 0.3 µm, a Hi-C Carbon Weave that eliminates odor and chemicals and a pre-filter for large air debris, leaving yo… |
|
|
A is for Asthma … |
|
|
Got the facts on Milk? The Milk Documentary $25.00 Got the facts on Milk? (also known as “The Milk Documentary” is an entertaining, award winning feature documentary that dares to question the conventional wisdom of the much publicized health benefits of milk and dairy products. Addressing myth, truth and all in-between, the film is a humorous yet shocking exposition that provokes serious thought about this everyday staple. The film raises que… |
|
|
A Es para Asma … |
|
|
Meyenberg Evaporated Goat Milk, 12-Ounce Cans (Pack of 12) $29.99 Meyenberg Evaporated Goat Milk is a concentrate, made by removing half of the water from our fresh whole goatâs milk. It is unsweetened, pasteurized, homogenized, and supplemented with folic acid and Vitamin D. Meyenberg products are completely natural without preservatives, no antibiotics, or bovine growth hormones (rBGH). Dilute with 12 ounce of water to make 24 ounce, whole goat milk…. |
|
|
Yogi Breathe Deep, Herbal Tea Supplement, 16-Count Tea Bags (Pack of 6) $18.90 Yogi 6X 16 Bag Organic Breathe Deep Tea Breathing Should Come Easily. So When You Find You Need A Little Help Clearing The Airways, Relax And Brew A Cup Of Our Breathe Deep® Tea. Yogi’S All-Organic Formulation Is A Blend Of Herbs Used In Many Herbal Traditions To Support Respiratory Health.: (Note: This Product Description Is Informational Only. Always Check The Actual Product Label In Your Po… |
|
|
Traditional Medicinals Breathe Easy Herbal Tea, 16-Count Wrapped Tea Bags (Pack of 6) $21.67 Traditional Medicinal’S 6X 16 Bag Breathe Easy Herb Tea Breathe Easy® Is A Complex And Aromatic Blend Of Herbal Tastes – Spicy-Aromatic And Cooling, Somewhat Bitter And Astringent, And Slightly Sweet.: Kosher (Note: This Product Description Is Informational Only. Always Check The Actual Product Label In Your Possession For The Most Accurate Ingredient Information Before Use. For Any Health Or … |
|
|
WBM 7-Inch Tall Himalayan Natural Crystal Salt Lamp $18.99 Bring divine harmony to any room with this beautiful salt crystal lamp. Its therapeutic glow of orange hues infuses a natural calm bringing the mind and body to a gradual sense of tranquility and well being. Experience it for yourself, but wait this is not the only reason to have a salt crystal lamp. This lamp is scientifically proven to work like an air purifier and is often called-nature’s air p… |
|
|
Crane Demineralization Filter Cartridge for Crane Spongebob, Hello Kitty and Thomas the Tank Cool Mist Humidifiers $6.01 Demineralization Filter Cartridge helps reduce white dust, which is a deposit of minerals caused by hard water. For best results replace filter after every 30-40 fillings under normal use or 1-2 months or when the humidifier has not been operated for an extended period of time. This filter cartridge works with Crane Spongebob, Hello Kitty and Thomas the tank Cool Mist Humidifiers…. |
|
|
AllerTech® Vent Guard 16 X 60 $11.95 These furnace and AC filters are designed to meet the needs of allergic and asthmatic individuals. Our allergen trapping filters cleans the air you breathe. Easy to use, long lasting and require no maintenance or messy cleaning…. |
|
|
Dr. Batty’s Asthma Cigarettes Cotton Tote American Apparel® Bull Denim Woven Cotton Tote – Style E549Solid Gold Bomb™ drops it once again with an ever-so-popular superior tote bag. Eco-friendly one-sided plastisol printing on this Made in USA tote by American Apparel. Hit the high street with your own shopping tote or simply save a few quid and dolphins with a reusable and good looking carry all. Rock-it 88 our friends with this SG… |
|
|
Rainbows and Sunshine (AGES 6:11) children relaxation CD created with doctors as a healing/bedtime CD for homes & hospitals. Guided imagery can help with anxiety, insomnia, asthma, surgery, ADD, cancer, autism, night terrors.. PREVIEW at airy-melody.com $12.73 Visit airy-melody.com to hear samples of the guided imagery on this healing/relaxation CD for children ages 6 to 11. ——————————————————————————————————- ABOUT RAINBOWS AND SUNSHINE This charming children s relaxation CD includes two narratives designed with input from pediatricians, and based on clinically proven techniqu… |
|
|
The Swan and The Mermaid (AGES 3:6) children relaxation CD created with doctors as a healing/bedtime CD for homes & hospitals. Guided imagery for anxiety, insomnia, asthma, surgery, ADD, OCD, PTSD, cancer, autism, night terrors.. PREVIEW at airy-melody.c $13.26 Visit airy-melody.com to hear samples of the guided imagery on this healing/relaxation CD for children ages 3 to 6. ———————————————— ABOUT THE SWAN AND THE MERMAID This charming children s relaxation CD has two peaceful stories with waves, flutes, and wind chimes to help young children relax, heal, and fall asleep. Each story uses a slightly different narra… |
|
|
Pooh’s Grand Adventure – The Search for Christopher Robin [VHS] $3.74 Pooh’s Grand Adventure – The Search for Christopher Robin [VHS] (1997) Jim Cummings (Actor), John Fiedler (Actor), Karl Geurs… |
|
|
Zadro UV Disinfection Scanner Wand $149.00 The Zadro NANO10 Nano UV Wand Large Area Scanner kills germs in just 10 seconds and is designed to stop the spread of infectious diseases by safely killing surface germs using proven Ultra Violet Light technology in a compact handheld device. It produces multi-wavelength 185-365 nautical mile UV light versus inferior single wavelength 253.7 nautical mile UV light. The Nano UV Wand has a 10 second … |
|
|
Asthma Awareness Ribbon Round Mouse Pad $11.99 The Asthma Ribbon proudly displayed on a round mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for Asthma Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25″ x 7.75″, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Asthma Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your … |
|
|
Asthma Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad $9.99 The Asthma Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Asthma Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25″ x 7.75″, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Asthma Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain … |
|
|
Time Life Medical: Asthma in Children at Time of Diagnosis $0.60 … |
|
|
Asthma, Emphysema, and Chronic Bronchitis; Pathology for Nurses Video Series $24.95 … |
|
|
Asthma Powerpoint Template – Asthma Powerpoint Slides – Asthma (PPT) Presentation $19.99 Interactive Asthma PowerPoint templates are available for Asthma PowerPoint presentations. The Asthma ppt templates are amazingly designed to make wonderful Asthma PowerPoint presentations. The above Asthma PowerPoint (ppt) template is designed by expert designers.Asthma PowerPoint template is editable and Asthma ppt template can be customized according to the need and also the above Asthma PowerP… |
|
|
Asthma Powerpoint (PPT) Templates | Powerpoint Presentation Slides on Asthma | Powerpoint Templates for Asthma Theme | Asthma PPT Templates $19.99 Interactive Asthma PowerPoint templates areavailable for PowerPoint presentations. The Asthma ppt templates are amazingly designed to make wonderful PowerPoint presentations. The above Asthma PowerPoint (ppt) template is designed by expert designers. This Asthma PowerPoint template is editable and ppt template can be customized according to the need. The Asthma PowerPoint template is compatible on… |
|
|
Asthma Powerpoint (PPT) Templates | Powerpoint Background on Asthma | Asthma Powerpoint Slides $19.99 Download asthma PowerPoint templates and make your asthma PowerPoint presentation attractive. The above asthma ppt template is just amazing. Other than this we have exclusive asthma PowerPoint templates with a fabulous asthma PowerPoint slides for asthma PowerPoint presentations. Each asthma ppt template is designed by professionals and every asthma PowerPoint template is attractive. With the help… |
|
|
Crane 1 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier, Hello Kitty $39.99 Help improve your child’s health with the Adorable Cool Mist Humidifier from Crane. The popular Hello Kitty shape will be a healthy companion for your little girl! Features: Child friendly designs Supports easy breathing – instant relief from year round heating and cooling Variable humidity control Whisper quiet operation 1 gallon tank for up to 11 hours running time Up to 2.1 gallon moist output … |
|
|
Kids Preferred Asthma and Allergy Friendly Floppy Monkey $12.49 This fun Floppy Monkey is great for tagging along and being baby’s first friend. Toys with the asthma & allergy friendly certification mark are an ideal choice for those concerned with asthma and allergies. Toys bearing the asthma & allergy friendly certification mark have been scientifically tested and shown to be more suitable for people with asthma and certain types of allergies. These toys can… |
|
|
Kids Preferred Buddy Bear $13.00 Healthy Baby Toys are asthma and allergy friendly and an ideal choice for those concerned with reducing the levels of allergens-such as dust mites and pet dander-around children. The unique design and quality construction of Healthy Baby Toys can withstand the frequent washings required to keep allergen levels low without damaging the “new” look and feel of the toy. In addition, parents can be con… |
|
|
The Magnesium Miracle $7.73 “Magnesium is indeed the unsung hero and is a key nutriceutical that everybody needs to know about. . . . This book needs to be read by any individual wishing to improve their quality of life. . . . Dr Dean has the best credentials in bringing solutions to those suffering from the hidden magnesium disorders that affect most of us.” – DR. STEPHEN T. SINATRA, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A… |
|
|
The Most Unfeeling Doctor in the World and Other True Tales From the Emergency Room $2.99 When I mention that I work in an emergency room, people usually say, 1. Are you a nurse?2. Wow. That must be really hard.3. What’s it like?This is what it’s like.That teenager puking up two liters of vodka and his stomach lining at triage? Yup. Blood pouring out of a terrified pregnant woman? Call me. And, of course, the patient who no longer has a nosebleed screaming at me across the department, … |
|
|
Katzung & Trevor’s Pharmacology Examination and Board Review, Ninth Edition (McGraw-Hill Specialty Board Review) $24.99 The most trusted and efficient pharmacology review â complete with 1000+ Q&As — and now in full color 5 STAR DOODY’S REVIEW! “The authors have designed this book to foster the mastery of pharmacology for students who have to pass course, module, or certification examinations….This is one of the best review books in pharmacology. The latest version is far superior, both in con… |
Bjorn Gutter writes articles on health related subjects. He writes articles about asthma on asthma treatment and asthma symptom.
Related posts:
- Living With Asthma Symptom – How To Maintain Quality Of Life With Good Asthma Control
- Acupuncture For Asthma Benefits
- 13 Effective Home Remedies for Asthma
- Asthma Causes, Symptoms and Treatments of Asthma
- Exciting Rising Asthma Treatments
Leave a Comment