Asthma is a disease that affects the airways, which become swollen and constricted. The sensitivity of the airways to substances such as pollen can cause them to constrict even further, causing an asthma attack. Breathing can become difficult, and there can be tightness in the chest along with a number of other symptoms. The types of asthma medicines can be categorized by medicines for quick relief of asthma symptoms, medicines for the long-term control of asthma and medicines for the treatment of allergies.
Quick Relief
Corticosteroids that are taken orally or intravenously are asthma medicines that relieve the inflammation of airways. Examples of corticosteroids include methylprednisolone and prednisone. Ipratropium is a medicine called bronchodilator, which means it relaxes the bronchial tubes. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is mostly prescribed for people who have emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Other medicines prescribed for the quick relief of asthma symptoms are bronchialdilators called short-acting beta-2 agonists such as albuterol. These provide relief within minutes, and the effects last four to six hours.
Long Term
Corticosteroids that are inhaled are medicines for the long-term control of asthma. These corticosteroids include budesonide, fluticasone, triamcinolone, beclomethasone, flunisolide and others. These help to reduce inflammation of the airways. Theophylline is a pill that is taken daily to relax muscles around the airways. Cromolyn and nedocromil are medicines that are inhaled. They reduce symptoms of asthma by decreasing the severity of allergic reactions. Leukotriene modifiers such as zafirlukast, montelukast and zileuton are also medicines that are inhaled. They decrease the production of mucus, reduce inflammation and help to open the airways. Long-acting beta-2 agonists such as formoterol and salmeterol are inhaled medicines that are bronchodilators. They are usually used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids.
Allergy
Some of these medicines are given as shots and are called allergy-desensitization shots. These shots are generally given once per week for a period of a few months followed by one shot per month for a period of three to five years. Another type of medicine for the treatment of asthma are anti-IgE antibodies. An example of an anti-IgE medicine is omalizumab. This medicine is administered by injection every two to four weeks. Omalizumab helps to reduce the severity of the reaction of the immune system to allergens.
