According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma. Asthma is a condition marked by the inflammation and constriction of the bronchial tubes. Mild symptoms typically include coughing and wheezing. If untreated, symptoms can become more severe, escalating into an asthma attack. There is no known cure for asthma, so consistent treatment is vital to reducing the severity of symptoms.
Over-the-Counter Inhaler
One of the most common methods of treatment for asthma is an over-the-counter, quick-relief inhaler. Although a prescription is not required, you should consult your doctor to determine which brand and dosage are most appropriate for you. Epinephrine is a bronchodilator, in inhaler form, that helps relax the bronchial tubes, enabling better air flow in and out of the lungs. This allows the asthma sufferer to better control his breathing. Epinephrine should be used as needed, typically at the onset of an asthma attack. Although it takes effect immediately, the relief will last only for a couple of hours, at most. Repeated use may be necessary to alleviate asthma symptoms. Epinephrine inhalers are available under the brand name Primatene.
Prescription Inhalers
Albuterol is also a bronchodilator that is available as an inhaler. However, because the medication is more heavily concentrated, it must be prescribed by a doctor.
Fluticasone is a corticosteroid in inhaler form that must be prescribed by a doctor. It is designed to condition the bronchial tubes and airways to prevent asthma attacks or to slow the body's reaction, enabling the asthma sufferer to control her breathing. Fluticasone is used to treat chronic symptoms of asthma and will not alleviate the symptoms of an asthma attack that already has started. Fluticasone must be used daily, multiple times per day. It is sold under the brand name Flovent or Flovent Diskus.
Over-the-Counter Oral Bronchodilator
Ephedrine (in pill form) is an oral bronchodilator used to treat asthma symptoms. It is available commonly under the brand name Primatene. It can be taken as needed, and effects can last up to 24 hours. Although it is available over the counter, you should notify your doctor of what medications you're taking to ensure the ingredients and recommended doses are an appropriate treatment method for you.
Prescription Oral Bronchohilator
Many chronic asthma suffers take an oral prescription medication such as theophylline (marketed as Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theo-Time, TheoCap, Theochron and Uniphylis). Theophylline is an oral brochodilator designed to relax the chest and lung muscles and decrease their sensitivity to allergens or irritants. This helps prevent and reduce the severity of an asthma attack. Theophylline is taken daily or according to your physician's instructions.
Prescription Oral Corticosteroid
Prednisone (sold under the brand names Meticorten, Sterapred and Sterapred DS) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic asthma. It typically is available in a liquid form, similar to a cough syrup. Prednisone acts to counter the body's response to inflammation. Unlike theophylline, prednisone should be used only as needed--for example, after coming into contact with an irritant or allergen.
