Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the bronchiole airways by recurrence of obstruction of airflow. When an asthma attack happens bronchial spasms occur as a result of restricted muscles in the bronchiole walls. Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing are common symptoms associated with asthma. The severity of asthma is classified as intermittent or persistent. People with infrequent symptoms normally have intermittent asthma and do not normally use quick-relief medication. Although some of the ingredients have been modified over time, nonprescription medicines for asthma have been on the market for over 50 years.
Ephedrine
Ephedrine is a decongestant and bronchodilator--a bronchiole widener--used to relieve congestion and facilitate air flow. It is used to treat shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing, colds, allergies, flu, and bronchial asthma. As a result, swelling is reduced and restricted blood vessels are put at ease in the nasal passages. According to USPharmacist.com, a slower onset of action compared to inhaled products makes ephedrine less desirable as a bronchodilator. It can take 15 minutes to one hour for relief and non-selective beta stimulation can bring about cardiovascular side effects.
Epinephrine
Epinephrine is a hormone that is responsible for the "fight or flight" reaction which occurs when the body feels threatened. Also known as adrenalin, epinephrine mobilizes the body's defense system, causing the release of large amounts of glucose into the blood. According to University of Delaware Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, epinephrine's ability to increase the heart rate is useful to save lives in the case where a person's heart stops beating. The onset of action of inhaled epinephrine at 15 seconds is faster in comparison to oral ephedrine, making it the best choice for instant relief from an acute asthma attack. Nonprescription epinephrine inhalers are effective for patients with minor, intermittent symptoms and when label directions are followed.
Guaifenesin
Mainly used to clear up chest congestion, guaifenesin is in a category of medications called expectorants. It is combined with ephedrine for the treatment of asthma and is considered to be effective as long as the product label states that it is for asthma with a cough. It does not have any effect on bronchodilation, so it offers no additional efficacy with ephedrine for acute asthma symptoms. It thins the mucus in the airways to facilitate coughing up mucus as well as clearing the airways. Guaifenesin is available by itself or mixed with decongestants, cough suppressants, and antihistamines. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, young children may experience severe side effects from nonprescription cough and cold medicines. Children younger than 4 years of age should not be given these products.
