Asthma is a chronic respiratory or breathing disorder defined by inflammation, spasms and narrowing of the bronchioles or airways within the lungs. The increased sensitivity of the lungs may be due to autoimmune reactions and internal or external allergens. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and pain and coughing. This widespread disease is the fourth most common cause of death in children. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments to relieve and prevent symptoms of asthma.
Rescue Medications
As outlined by the Asthma Society of Canada, most individuals with asthma are prescribed with two types of medications: fast-acting rescue medicines or relievers and slower-acting preventative or controlling medications. Rescue medications such as salbutamol, fenoterol hydrobromide and terbutaline sulfate help to quickly relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. However, they do not treat the underlying causes of these symptoms. Individuals who use only these medications will continue to have worsening asthma.
Preventative Medications
According to the Lung Association, inhaled corticosteroids are the most common and effective type of controller medications to prevent asthma. Inhaling these medications delivers them straight to the lungs, so that they work better with fewer side effects. Controller medications help prevent and decrease symptoms of asthma by reducing inflammation, swelling and excess mucus in the lungs. Examples of corticosteroid preventative medicines include budesonide and fluticasone. Other types of controller medications prescribed for asthma include long-acting bronchodilators such as salmeterol and formoterol. These medications work slowly to dilate the bronchioles of the lungs and keep them from constricting or narrowing.
Immunotherapy Medications
In individuals with severe or uncontrollable asthma due to respiratory infections, autoimmune allergic reactions and other causes, immunotherapy to may be required. The Lung Association recommends corticosteroid medications prescribed as pills or injections to suppress severe inflammation in the body. Immunotherapy acts with the same mechanism as preventative medications but is much more powerful and is only used for short durations under the supervision of a physician. Commonly prescribed medications include Prednisone, Prednisolone and Dexamethason.
Breathing Exercises
Various types of breathing exercises are thought to help improve the function of the lungs as well as retraining the muscles of the chest, diaphragm and abdomen to breathe more efficiently. Exercises for asthma and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases include the Buteyko method and pranayama, a form of yoga to improve breathing. According to a study conducted by the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Sidney, Australia, which was published in the respiratory medical journal "Thorax," individuals who practiced regular breathing exercises were able to reduce the use of reliever medications by up to 86 percent and controller medications by 50 percent.
