Advair is a prescription asthma medication used to prevent asthma attacks and flare-ups or progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It contains fluticasone and salmeterol and is available in liquid aerosol, powder and disk form. There are similar inhalation medications available that can help control asthma symptoms long-term or immediately. Patients should always follow prescribed dosing prescriptions set forth by a medical professional.
Budesonide and Formoterol Inhalation
Budesonide and formoterol are similar compounds to the fluticasone and salmeterol present in Advair. Budesonide, like fluticasone, is a steroid that helps in reducing inflammation of the body. Persistent exposure to irritants such as animal dander, pollution or other external compounds causes the lungs to inflame, MedlinePlus says. Budesonide works to prevent the inflammation that can cause an asthma attack. Alternately, formterol, much like salmeterol, works as a bronchodilator to relax bronchial muscles that constrict the airways. They are both long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists. This combination is for the control and maintenance of asthma and not for the relief of sudden symptoms.
Fluticasone Inhalation
Using either formoterol or salmeterol increases the risk of asthma-related death as well as worsening symptoms over time, according to the Symbicort website. Physicians recommend using a corticosteroid therapy treatment, such as budesonide or fluticasone alone. Fluticasone inhalation is a corticosteroid that helps in treating mild asthma by controlling inflammation and preventing asthma attacks. As an element in Advair, fluticasone provides the same steroid affect without the danger of the bronchodilator salmeterol. Its prescription use is for preventative care and not as a fast-acting inhaler for immediate symptoms.
Albuterol Aerosol
Albuterol aerosol is a fast-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways to increase airflow during a sudden asthma attack. Although similar to Advair's salmeterol, albuterol aerosol immediately relieves symptoms within the first minute of application. However, since it is a beta-agonist, or sympathomimetic, bronchodilator, it contains certain restrictions of use by medical professionals. MayoClinic.com says that using the albuterol three or more times during a week indicates the need of a controller inhaler such as a corticosteroid. As studies from the Symbicort website indicate, corticosteroids and bronchodilators used separately are effective. However, together they can increase the risk of asthma-related death and worsening symptoms. The effects of Advair may be mimicked but by using separate applications in dramatically reduced doses.
