Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airways in the lungs with narrowing of the airways. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the narrowed airways result in labored breathing with the hallmark signs of cough, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Aerosols play a major role in asthma treatment as they are the major mode of delivery of medications directly to the respiratory system, reducing the chances of serious systemic adverse reactions. There are several types of medications used in aerosol treatments for asthma.
Inhaled Corticosteroids
Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective long-term treatments for persistent asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. MayoClinic.com names them as the most commonly prescribed medications for asthma control. They work by blocking the mechanisms of inflammation, thus preventing and reducing the severity of asthma attacks. Aerosol corticosteroids used in asthma treatment include fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, flunisolide, beclomethasone, triamcinolone and ciclesonide.
Long-acting Beta Agonists
Long-acting beta agonists, also known as LABAs, act on the nerve terminals of the smooth muscles that line the airways by relaxing them and opening them up or stopping them from contracting and narrowing the airways. Long-acting beta agonists delivered as aerosols in asthma treatment include formoterol and salmeterol.
Short-acting Beta Agonists
Short-acting beta agonists, also known as SABAs, work very much the same way as long-acting beta agonists, but their actions are short lived, making them useful in the short-term treatment of asthma symptoms. According to MayoClinic.com, these aerosols are used as quick relief or rescue medications for asthma attacks. Short-acting beta agonists delivered as aerosols include albuterol, levalbuterol and pirbuterol.
Combination Aerosols
Aerosols containing two active agents are also available for the treatment of asthma. Examples of these aerosols with combined agents are the drug brands Symbicort, which contains budesonide and formoterol, and Advair, which contains fluticasone and salmeterol.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
Cromolyn and nedocromil are mast cell stabilizers that act by preventing the release of agents in white blood cells that initiate inflammation. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, they are used for long-term asthma control and in the treatment of asthma attacks of moderate severity. These medications are also delivered as aerosols.
