Asthma is a long-term disease that mainly affects the lungs. Constriction and narrowing of the lung's airways makes it difficult and uncomfortable to breathe. According to The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, there are more than 22 million people living with asthma in the United States; almost 6 million are children. Asthma cannot be cured, but there are several different types of medications available to help ease symptoms and enable proper breathing.
Quick-Relief Medications
The main purpose of any asthma medication is to help prevent attacks that result due to decreased oxygen supply. There are medications for quick relief, long-term asthma control and for allergy-induced asthma. The main quick-relief medications that can be given to asthma patients are albuterol and isoproterenol. These decrease airway inflammation. They are given or self administered before any strenuous activity or exercise, and open up the airway, providing quick relief. These medications are adequate for daily activities, and do not pose great risks. They are used to quickly reduce symptoms as soon as they start, and they can start working in minutes. A side effect of isoproterenol does result in an increased heart rate.
Another quick-relief medication is ipratropium, which works by preventing the body's released chemical substances from binding to receptors that will activate an inflammatory response. Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone also provide quick relief for acute asthma attacks. They work by reducing airway constriction. They can lead to severe side effects such as muscle weakness, and increase the risk of infections.
Allergy-Induced Asthma Medications
Some people have increased sensitivity to a certain allergen, such as passive cigarette smoke, which can trigger asthma attacks. Medications that help reduce the risks of allergy-induced asthma include antihistamines. These medications block the chemical substance histamine -- which the body naturally produces -- that causes airway inflammation. A commonly used antihistamine is diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl. A side effect of antihistamines is that they are sedating and can cause drowsiness.
Long-Term Medications
Long-term medications are given for chronic asthma relief. Inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone and beclomethasone are considered to be good for long-term relief of asthma symptoms. They cause a reduction in airway swelling and decrease constriction. They also block blood vessels from releasing fluid into the airway tissues. Inhaled corticosteroids can cause mouth irritation, and the mouth needs to be rinsed with water after administration.
Salmeterol is a long-term medication used at night to control moderate to severe asthma. It can be toxic; long-term usage is not advised as it can cause an irregular heartbeat.
Other long-term medications include cromolyn, which works by preventing the body from releasing chemical substances that can lead to airway inflammation. Another such medication, theophylline, also relaxes the airways, but is not a first-line treatment as it can damage the heart and the nervous system. Other medications include antileukotrienes, such as zileuton and zafirlukast, which block chemical reactions that result in asthma attacks. They work best in asthma attacks caused by aspirin.
