Asthma is a chronic disease that usually targets the lungs. There is inflammation in the lung's airways which narrow them and cause difficulty with breathing. The National Lung and Blood Institute estimates that there are more than 22 million people suffering with asthma in the United States. This is most common with children who make up almost 6million of asthma sufferers. While asthma cannot be cured, there are medications available to alleviate symptoms.
Albuterol, Isoproterenol and Salmeterol
The goal with treatment is to help prevent any asthma attacks. Medications can be given, and they are either short term or long term. Short-term medications, such as albuterol and isoproterenol, can be given to asthma patients. These cause the airway to become relaxed. These are taken before any form of rigorous activity as they provide immediate quick relief. Such medications are quite effective, although too much of isoproterenol can affect the heart, and cause an increase in heart rate. Long-term medications prevent symptoms before they start. Salmeterol is a long-term medication used to control moderate to severe asthma, especially at night. It causes adverse side effects, such as irregular heart beats and tremors.
Cromolyn, Theophylline and Ipratropium
Cromolyn is a mid-term medication that is not effective during an acute asthmatic attack. It is only used to prevent an attack in moderate asthma cases. It works by not allowing the body to release chemical substances that can trigger a reaction, which causes the airway to become inflamed. This is useful in asthma that is triggered by exercise or due to allergies. Theophylline works by relaxing the airways but is not used much as it can be toxic to the heart and the nervous system. Ipratropium blocks the receptors that the body's inflammatory chemical substances bind to, also preventing the airways from becoming narrow and constricted.
Corticosteriods and Antileukotrienes
Inhaled corticosteriods such as prednisone and beclomethasone work by relieving airway inflammation and swelling. They are considered first-line treatment therapy for chronic asthma. They prevent the leakage of blood vessels into the airway and inhibit the production of all chemical inflammatory substances made by the body in response to things like dust and pollen. They can cause irritation and the mouth needs to be rinsed after administering. Medications like antileukotrienes such as zileuton and zafirlukast inhibit the chemical reactions that cause asthma symptoms. They are especially good for aspirin-induced asthma.
