According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma affects 20 million Americans. Asthma is a lung disease of characterized by blocked or narrowed airways. This can cause breathing to become labored and difficult. There are two types of asthma known as allergic or extrinsic asthma and non-allergic or intrinsic asthma. Allergic asthma is triggered by environmental allergens such as dust, pollen and mold spores. Treatment for allergic asthma focuses on either preventing an asthma attack or relieving asthma symptoms.
Preventers
Preventers work by reducing airway inflammation and making allergic asthma sufferers less senstitive to allergens in their environment. Preventers are usually low-dose steroids such as beclomethasone, fluticasone and mometasone. Other low-dose steroids may include budesonide and ciclesonide. These drugs are administered via an inhalation device such as an aerosol inhaler or nebulizer in order to allow the drug to be delivered directly to the lungs where it is needed. Inhaled steroids become more effective after continued use so must be used regularly and as advised by a medical professional.
Relievers
Relievers work by relieving symptoms of asthma such a wheezing, a tight chest and restricted breathing. Relievers are usually bronchodilators which help tightened airways to relax and enable freer breathing. Some bronchodilators help clear mucus trapped in the lungs. There are two kinds of bronchodilators known as short-acting bronchodilators and long-acting bronchodilators. Short-acting dilators are used to provide immediate relief from symptoms of allergic asthma, while long-acting bronchodilators are used regularly in order to exert long-lasting effects. Examples of bronchodilators include beta-2 agonists, anticholinergics and theophylline.
New Treatments
Research into new treatments for allergic asthma is ongoing. In July 2010, researchers from Birmingham University revealed that they had discovered that mannose receptors found on the surface a type of cells known as dendritic cells could be responsible for sensitivity to allergens such as pets and dust mites. Lead researcher, Dr. Ghaemmaghami, believes that blocking these receptors may provide a solution for allergic asthma sufferers. "Our research suggests that blocking this receptor with a drug might be a new way of treating allergic asthma," said Dr. Ghaemmaghami.
