In the treatment of asthma, physicians will usually prescribe a long-acting preventative medication such as Pulmicort, which contains the corticosteroid budesonide. Budesonide works by preventing the release of substances in the body that trigger inflammation causing difficulty breathing, wheezing and congestion, according to Drugs.com.
Although Pulmicort does not work to relieve the symptoms of a sudden asthma attack, it is extremely effective in preventing the attack itself. When working in tandem with other asthma-related medications, Pulmicort is a viable asthma treatment regimen that can help increase the quality of life in asthmatics.
Albuterol Sulfate
The common fast-acting inhaler that is compatible with Pulmicort is albuterol sulfate. This medication helps to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack, which include chest tightness, breathing difficulty and wheezing. Since it is a bronchodilator, long-term use should be minimal and work in tandem with a corticosteroid such as budesonide. Overuse of albuterol sulfate can cause increased breathing problems, which is why physicians use it as a "rescue" inhaler rather than a main mode of treatment.
Cetirizine
In many cases, asthma symptoms erupt in response to allergies like dust mites, pet dander, pollution and chemicals, according to MedlinePlus. Although Pulmicort acts to reduce inflammation of the lung, external factors can counteract this effect. Cetirizine is an antihistamine that doctors prescribe alongside Pulmicort to reduce irritation to the bronchial pathways. It also helps to decrease allergy the symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes and runny nose that accompany an allergy-induced asthma attack. Over-the-counter cetirizine is available, although some doctors will prescribe it in higher strengths for those with a heightened allergic sensitivity.
Montelukast
Similar to cetirizine, montelukast is useful in preventing allergy-induce asthma attacks and is a compatible and effective partner to Pulmicort. It is not, however, an antihistmaine like the prior but instead a leukotriene inhibitor. Leukotrienes are what the body releases when the lungs are exposed to an allergen. They cause swelling in the lungs and the tightening of smooth muscles around the airways. Montelukast helps to prevent the inflammation and tightening by reducing and blocking the chemical release of leukotrienes. It is also helpful in preventing exercise-induced bronchial constriction. Motelukast is not available over-the-counter and requires a prescription by a physician.
