Asthma causes reversible airway inflammation that results in constriction of the large airways that lead to the lungs. According to “The 5-Minute Clinical Consult," a textbook edited by Frank J. Domino, MD, more than 22 million Americans have asthma. An exacerbation of asthma creates constriction as well as easily irritated and swollen airways; this makes breathing difficult. There are multiple breathing treatments available for asthma.
Levalbuterol
Levalbuterol works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the airways so that more air can move into the lungs. A nebulizer that will aerosolize the medication is required in order to use Levalbuterol. Storing levalbuterol at room temperature in the cases that it comes in is recommended. On rare occasions, levabuterol can cause paradoxical bronchospasm. This means that sometimes levabuterol can make bronchospasms worse. According to Drugs.com, if the patient is taking beta blocker such as metoprolol, levabuterol should not be used.
Albuterol
Albuterol is typically used as first line treatment in the acute exacerbation of asthma. This medication is also nebulized for quicker absorption by the lungs. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles lining the bronchial tubes that lead to the small air sacs in the lungs. While effective, this medication may need to be supplemented by corticosteroids in order to reduce the inflammatory response that is typical in asthma, according to Drugs.com.
Albuterol should be used cautiously in patients with heart disease of any kind. It can cause increases in blood pressure, racing heart and other arrhythmias. Patients who are taking digoxin should have their levels carefully checked when taking albuterol as it has been shown to decrease the availability of digoxin in the system.
Budesonide and Formoterol
Budesonide and formoterol inhalation, is a combination of a synthetic corticosteroid and a long acting bronchodilator. This medication works by decreasing the inflammatory response as well as opening up the airways. This medication comes as a inhaler that can be carried around in a purse of pocket. Budesonide and formoterol inhalationcan cause dizziness particularly if used with alcohol. If the inhaler is used incorrectly it is possible to develop mouth sores. Because budesonide and formoterol inhalationis part steroid, it can affect the immune system. Wound healing may be slowed or infections can become severe. This medication is not to be used if having an asthma attack. According to Drugs.com, budesonide and formoterol inhalation is used as a preventative therapy only and should only be used when other medications cannot effectively control the patient’s asthma.
References
- “The 5-Minute Clinical Consult”; Frank J. Domino, MD, Editor. 2009
- Drugs.com: Xopenex
- Drugs.com: Albuterol
- Drugs.com: Symbicort Aerosal
