Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that afflicts the airways. Asthmatics are sensitive to external agents, like allergens, chemicals and pollution. The linings of the bronchial pathways are particularly sore and swollen, and easily inflame causing difficulty breathing, chest tightness and wheezing. Physicians generally prescribe long-term therapies for asthma sufferers that help in the maintenance of the condition for improved quality of life.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids function by mimicking hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands. They help prevent the symptoms of asthma when used regularly each day and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, MayoClinic.com says. Inhalation corticosteroids such as budesonide and fluticasone work by inhibiting certain cells within the lungs and breathing pathways from releasing asthma-causing substances.
Bronchodilators
Formoterol and salmeterol are long-acting bronchodilators that relax the surrounding smooth muscle of the bronchial tree. They help to prevent bronchospasms in asthmatics by dilating the bronchial pathways to improve breathing over time. According to Drugs.com, unlike fast-acting bronchodilators, such as albuterol, formoterol and salmeterol are intended for long-term use. They will not treat the sudden onset of asthma symptoms.
Combination Therapy
For individuals with severe asthma who do not respond to independent methods of corticosteroids or long-acting bronchodilators, physicians will usually prescribe a combination drug that includes both of these compounds. A combination of budesonide and formoterol, for example, is effective in decreasing the inflammation of the bronchial airways, as well as relaxing surrounding muscles, according to Drugs.com. This method is usually more effective than single-compound treatment, although it does have an added risk. The misuse of this particular combination treatment significantly increases the risk of asthma-related death, Drugs.com warns. Physicians who prescribe this therapy will need to exhaust alternate preventative treatment, especially since asthmatics with mild conditions generally do well on corticosteroids alone.
