Pulmicort, also known as budesonide, is an inhaled steroid medication useful for treating asthma. Pulmicort acts by inhibiting the body's inflammatory response to irritants in the air. By preventing an inflammatory airway response, Pulmicort relieves symptoms and improves breathing in people suffering from asthma. Physicians prescribe Pulmicort because it can effectively prevent asthma symptoms.
Asthma Prevention
The main effect of Pulmicort, and the reason that physicians prescribe it, is that it prevents asthma symptoms. As an inhaled steroid, Pulmicort contains potent anti-inflammatory properties, which, according to the "Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine," can prevent the wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing brought about by asthma attacks.
Weakness
Weakness is one of the most common serious side effects of Pulmicort, according to Drugs.com. Along with weakness, patients taking Pulmicort may also experience fatigue, nausea and fainting.
Breathing Problems
Patients taking Pulmicort may sometimes experience worsening of their breathing problems. Pulmicort does not relieve asthma symptoms after an asthma attack has begun, and if it is used during an attack, asthma symptoms may worsen, according to Drugs.com.
Body Aches
Patients using Pulmicort may experience generalized body aches and pains, according to MayoClinic.com. This side effect can be common to many of the steroid medications. Along with body aches, those affected may also experience joint or muscle pain, and pain around the eyes and cheekbones.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Pulmicort
- "Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of Internal Medicine"; Marc Sabatine; 2007
- Drugs.com: Pulmicort
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