Asthma is a condition that is marked by inflammation of the airways. This inflammation causes swelling around the airways, making it harder for air to get in and out of the lungs. One of the most common forms of asthma is allergy-induced asthma, in which an allergic reaction triggers airways inflammation. Physicians have several treatment options for their patients with allergy induced asthma.
Beta Agonists
Beta agonists are medications that work to relax the airways, thus making it easier to breathe, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American explains. These medications are often inhaled in order to act directly on the lungs, though they can also be taken as a tablet or as a syrup. Short-acting forms of these medications, such as albuterol and levalbuterol work quickly in order to provide rapid relief. Beta agonists can also come in longer-acting forms to help prevent asthma attacks.
Ipratropium
Ipratropium is another inhaled medication which works by relaxing the airways. Unlike the beta-agonists, which work by promoting relaxation of muscles in the airways, ipratropium instead blocks signals that cause these same muscles to constrict. The net effect, however, is the same. This medication works quickly and is designed to be used to treat the symptoms of an acute asthma attack brought on by allergies or other triggers. Ipratropium is often combined with beta-agonists, such as albuterol, to relax the airways using two different mechanisms.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are medications which help block the body's inflammatory response, the Mayo Clinic notes. Because allergy-induced asthma is mediated by massive inflammation caused by an overactive immune system, blocking inflammation can have a powerful effect on patients with asthma. Because corticosteroids can cause significant side effects, they are commonly inhaled for the treatment of asthma in order to minimize these adverse effects. Inhaled corticosteroids, such as fluticasone, beclomethasone and budesonide are used for long-term treatment of asthma symptoms, not as an emergency treatment for asthma attacks. Severe asthma attacks can, however, be treated with oral or intravenous corticosteroids.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers are another common treatment for allergy-induced asthma. These medications interfere with a class of immune signals, known as leukotrienes, that can lead to asthma. Examples of these medications include montelukast and zileuton.
Theophylline
Theophylline is an asthma medication that comes as a pill to be taken once daily. It helps relax the muscles around the airways, reducing chronic asthma symptoms. Theophylline comes in many different formulations, PubMed Health explains, and is typically taken every 6, 8, 12 or 24 hours, depending on the type of tablet or syrup. Because theophylline is a medication prescribed for long-term asthma control, patients should take it even if they are not experiencing any asthamatic symptoms.
Anti-IgE Therapy
Allergy-induced asthma is caused by molecules, known as allergens, binding to proteins known as IgE antibodies. When these antibodies bind to allergens, they release a variety of chemical signals that cause inflammation and can trigger an allergic reaction. Anti-IgE therapy, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America explains, can be used for patients with moderate or severe allergic asthma. This treatment blocks the activation of the antibodies and can reduce how often patients need to use short-term relief medications due to acute asthmatic symptoms.
