Treatments For Asthma
Asthma currently has no cure, but there are a variety of treatment options that can help to manage the condition. The greatest treatment option for asthma is avoiding all of the triggers you can. Since this cannot be practical all of the time, there are medical options that can help to both quell asthma attacks and prevent them from happening. There are two different treatment options, long-term control medications and immediate relief medication, which come in both inhaled forms and orally taken options.
Inhaled Medication
This type of medication is delivered via an aerosol directly into the lungs. The Food and Drug Administration has deemed that the old version of inhaled medication (ones that use CFCs) be replaced with ones that use HFA. This was done more for environmental reasons, since CFCs can cause damage to the ozone layer. While the differences to the user are few (you may have a different taste and a slightly less powerful spray), they can still deliver the medicine effectively.
Some of the inhaled medications include;
- Corticosteroids- this variety of steroid can help reduce the inflammation in the lungs, reducing the symptoms of asthma. These types of drugs are commonly taken with an inhaler to provide results faster and to help avoid the common side effects or orally taken steroids.
- Beta-2 agonists- this comes in both a long and short term variety, and can be used as either a long-term control options or for immediate relief. These agonists work by opening up the airways and reducing inflammation. You should keep each type separate, since a medication for long-term control should not be used for immediate relief.
- Leukotriene Modifiers- An inhaled medication used as a long-term control option. This opens up the airways by decreasing mucus production and reducing inflammation.
- Cromolyn and Nedocromil- long-term control inhaled medications that work by reducing various allergic reactions, which can decrease the symptoms of asthma.
- Ipratropium- this is an immediate relief options that is used as an alternative to Corticosteroids for immediate relief of steroid symptoms. This medication is commonly used in patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Doses are given based on the severity of your asthma. While some people may only have to use inhalers when symptoms start, other may have to take it four times a day whether symptoms are present or not.
Oral Medication
Oral medication is commonly used in severe cases and as a long-term control option for those who have a history of severe asthma problems. There are two main oral medication options you doctor may consider, one as a long-term options and the other for immediate relief.
- Oral Corticosteroids- used as an immediate treatment option for very severe and acute asthma attacks, this medication reduces severe inflammation of the airways. If used in the long-term, side effects may occur, including ocular damage.
- Theophylline- a daily pill used for long-term treatment. This medication works to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles around the lungs.
