Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which the lung's airways, namely the capillaries and bronchial tubes, become inflamed, narrowing and constricting the airways, and making it difficult for the asthma sufferer to breathe and absorb oxygen into the bloodstream. The most familiar symptom for asthma sufferers is a persistent and painful cough. Due to its prevalence, a variety of medicines exist, most designed to suppress or prevent cough symptoms of asthma.
Function
A variety of cough medicines exist to control asthmatic cough symptoms. They can generally be divided into categories of two functions: anti-inflammatory and bronchodilation. Both can be used for short-term and long-term relief of coughing symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medications work to reduce inflammation within the airways of the lungs and help to eliminate mucus and other agents that may clog the air passages. Corticosteriods are used many times as anti-inflammatory medications, and may not be suitable for long-term use. Bronchodilators condition the bronchial tubes to relax and open more over time to promote easier breathing, and can be combined with anti-inflammatory medications to provide physicians with an option for more personalized long- to short-term treatment.
Types
Asthma treatment medications are generally administered orally, in capsule or liquid form, or as an inhalant, in which the medication is vaporized and absorbed directly into the lungs through an inhaler. For asthma sufferers requiring more intense treatment, medication can be administered using an inhalation machine called a nebulizer. Most oral medications for cough symptoms are controller medications, used at periodic intervals to reduce inflammation within the airways, conditioning the bronchial tubes, lowering the risk of asthma flare-ups and coughing attacks. Rescue treatments are used during flare-ups and coughing attacks, especially when induced by exercise or poor air quality. Although inhalants are used as both controller and rescue treatments, most rescue medications are inhalants.
Choices
Cough medications for asthma treatment are available over the counter (OTC) at drugstores, or as prescription drugs from a pharmacist, although most can only be obtained by prescription. Nasonex is an example of an OTC medication that can be used as an anti-inflammanant to quell allergy symptoms that may induce an asthmatic coughing spell. Examples of prescription medications include controller medications such as Asmanex, or Advair, both bronchodilators. Other controller medications include Floradil and Serevent (bronchodilators) and Aerobid, QVAR, Flovent and Azmacort (corticosteriods). Rescue medications include Ventolin, Proventil, Maxair or Albuterol which are administered using inhalants.
Alternatives
Despite various measures to control symptoms, Western doctors have been unable to find a complete cure for asthma. Within the long-respected Eastern healing tradition of Ayurveda, asthma is considered a disease of overnourishment. Ayurvedic medicine states that over time, overnourishment slows digestion and metabolism, encouraging buildup and inflammation in the bronchial airways. Ayurveda recommends periodic fasting, and the avoidance of foods such as yogurt, milk, ice cream (and most dairy products), ripe bananas and citrus fruit drinks as long-term remedies for asthmatic symptoms. It promotes relieving the lungs, by relieving the colon and other digestive organs, improving circulation and metabolism within the air passages of the lungs. One recommended medicinal laxative for asthma patients is haratiki (Terminalia chebula), which is suggested to be taken at bedtime with a small dose of Epsom or rock salt.
Safety
Asthma medications, especially corticosteriods and anabolic steroids, should only be taken with a doctor's consent. Medications, such as the controller inhalant Pregazone, have a history of side effects and allergic reactions that differ among patients, and can pose a health risk unless you take the proper precautions.
