A chronic disease, asthma is a lung condition that afflicts millions of people around the world. From children to adults, every individual is at the risk of suffering from this health issue. Asthma is characterized by the inflammation of the airways and the bronchial tubes. The airways are responsible for the regulation of airflow in the lungs and its inability to do the same leads to tightness in the chest, cough, difficulty when sleeping and shortness of breath.
Asthma is found to be of two types and i.e. allergic asthma and no-allergic asthma. When an individual suffers an asthma attack due to exposure to certain allergens, it is known as allergic asthma. On the hand, non-allergic asthma is triggered when the body reacts to given situations such as extreme weather conditions, illnesses, constant stress and heightened emotions. While asthma is reported to be triggered by elements in the environment or bodily reactions, genes too may have a part to play in an individual’s contraction of asthma.
Asthma is certainly a grave condition and unfortunately, there are no asthma medications or treatments that can aid in permanent cure. However, the medications can certainly aid in bringing about relief and leading a healthy life. The extent to which asthma can affect one’s life can differ from person to person. From the seriousness of the condition to the symptoms, there is a great difference. Thus, it is pivotal to seek the right kind of medication and adhere to the measures of precaution to coexist comfortably with the condition.
While the triggers of asthma can differ, the symptoms experienced are the same. Inability to breathe after running or walking, feeling of tightness in the chest, wheezing or persistent coughing and inability to sleep due to breathing issues are some of the most common symptoms experienced with asthma. It is imperative to immediately seek medical assistance in case an individual displays any such symptoms. The medical practitioner will administer different types of asthma medications that will curb the intensity of the symptoms and the attacks.
As mentioned above, asthma cannot be completely cured and thus, one must undergo prolonged treatment with asthma medications. The below-mentioned medications aid in bringing about relief and rendering comfort to asthma patients.
- Asthma inhalers
Asthma inhalers are one of the most commonly used asthma medications on the bloc. The inhalers aid in getting the medicine more quickly to the body’s system. The physician will prescribe either a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or a dry powder inhaler (DPI), depending upon the need of the patient suffering from asthma. Moreover, the asthma inhalers also greatly vary in terms of asthma medication delivery. While some can deliver a single medication, others can deliver multiple types of asthma medications. - Anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids
These are the most widely used asthma medications as they aid in long-term as well as short-term relief. The medications comprise of elements that bring about relief by decreasing the production of mucus and reducing the swelling. Thus, it prevents the possible risk of an asthma attack. Moreover, steroids are used to bring relief from unfavorable or extremely harmful symptoms. - Oral corticosteroids
These oral asthma medicines are usually administered to patients who do not favorably respond to other forms of treatments or medications. The type of medication comes in the form of liquid or a pill and as the name suggests, it must be consumed orally. Typically, these medications as used as a long-term asthma treatment therapy. - Asthma Nebulizer
A popular device used for asthma medications, a nebulizer may include a mouthpiece or a mask. The asthma nebulizer conveniently converts the medicines into vapors thereby ensuring that the medication is easily inhaled and has a better effect on the system. The asthma medication device is commonly used when treating patients who are young children or old adults due to the convenience it brings. - Beta-agonists
The primary function of beta-agonist is the relaxing of the muscles around the airways thereby ensuring that the patient can breathe with ease. This type of asthma medication is commonly used along with inhaled corticosteroids. Most physicians administer beta-agonists as an asthma medication for quick-relief. - Immunotherapy
Commonly known as allergy shots, immunotherapy is a great option for individuals who suffer from allergic asthma. The immunotherapy is a course that is carried over a few years and is administered every once a week. The aim of this asthma medication or therapy is to ensure that the individuals lose sensitivity to the allergens over time.
The key to keeping the ailment under control is by tracking the symptoms and adjusting the asthma medications accordingly. It is necessary to take medications even when one feels well and follow the plan of the doctor with precision.
