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Medications are very important for those people who are dealing with asthma and need help leading normal lives. There is a wide variety of asthma medication available to those with the problem. Which one you take will depend on your level of asthma and how severe it is. Your doctor will assess how severe your asthma is and determine which medications are appropriate. Some people take their asthma medication every day while others only take it when they need it. There are two types of asthma medication, long-term and quick relief.
LONG-TERM 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 symptoms during an attack.
INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS (Flovent, Azmacort)
-These medications are the most effective for controlling asthma on a long-term basis. Inhaled corticosteroids take up to seven days before they begin to work so they cannot be used with sudden asthma attacks. These medications are usually taken between two to four times a day.
THEOPHYLLINE (SloBid, Unidur)
-These medications are used on a long-term, regular basis. Theophylline can take several hours to work so it cannot be used to control sudden asthma attacks. These medications are usually taken once or twice each day.
QUICK-RELIEF MEDICATIONS
Quick-relief medications are used for sudden asthma attacks. They stimulate the airways to open quickly to allow air back into the lungs. Quick-relief medications are useful because they have few side effects and can be taken as soon as wheezing starts.
SHORT-ACTING BETA AGONISTS (Proventil, Maxair, Brethaire…)
-Beta Agonists are also known as bronchodilators. Bronchodilators can be used to relax the muscles of the airways and allow air to flow freely in the lungs. They are used on an as-needed basis and work immediately when used. Bronchodilators are small and convenient enough to be carried discreetly anywhere.
ORAL CORTICOSTEROIDS
-Oral corticosteroids are considered to be the strongest medication used to treat asthma. Those people who take this medication usually have very severe asthma. This medication can be taken on a short-term or a long-term basis. Taking it on a long-term basis is not recommended because of side effects, but some people with severe uncontrollable asthma do take it under the care of their physician.
*IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THE MEDICATIONS
a- Ask the doctor how much and how often your medication should be taken.
b- Ask the doctor about any possible side effects your medication has and how you can avoid them.
c- Ask the doctor or pharmacist if your medication can be taken with other medications that you are currently taking.
d- Follow the directions on the medication carefully.
e- See your doctor on a regular basis to make sure that your medications are up to date and appropriate.
f- Always keep a back-up on hand and fill your prescriptions before they run out or even get low.
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