As noted by Drugs.com, Pulmicort, which has the generic name budesonide, is an anti-inflammatory drug. According to MayoClinic.com, Pulmicort is a corticosteroid, which can help to prevent swelling in the lungs. As such, Pulmicort is used for children and adults to help treat respiratory complaints that may be impacting breathing and overall health.
Asthma Attack Prevention
According to MayoClinic.com, Pulmicort is primarily prescribed as an asthma attack prevention drug, with an efficacy that is felt in the first 24 to 48 hours of starting a prescription course. When used in this way, the drug is taken at regular intervals to lower the risks and symptoms of an asthma attack. As a preventive medication, Pulmicort is inhaled at least once daily, and perhaps even multiple times per day, as noted by Drugs.com.
Asthma Attack Severity Reduction
Along with asthma attack prevention, MayoClinic.com credits Pulmicort with reducing the severity of asthma attacks; this benefit is usually noticed two to six weeks after starting a treatment course. As it prevents lung inflammation, Pulmicort can keep airways from blocking up as badly as they otherwise would have. With less swelling in the lungs, the attack is less severe.
Asthma Attack Incidence Reduction
In addition to lessening symptoms of asthma, Drugs.com notes that Pulmicort can lower the overall incidence of asthma attacks. MayoClinic.com notes that it may take several weeks to notice a reduction in incidence of attacks, but the full effects of Pulmicort's reduction in the severity of an asthmatic case will be felt by the sixth week.
Complimentary Asthma Symptom Manager
Pulmicort can't stop an asthma attack that is in progress, but it can manage symptoms when used conjunction with other medications, according to MayoClinic.com. Pulmicort is often paired with bronchodilators to provide patients with a more complete asthma control system. Pulmicort can take down inflammation levels in the lungs, while another medicine opens up breathing pathways, helping asthmatics keep their symptoms in check.
