Do you suffer from symptoms of asthma, or know someone who does? Well, throughout the world, the number of individuals affected by this disease is staggeringly high. In fact, the world health organization stated that in 2019 alone, 262 million were affected, while 455,000 died from the condition.

That being said, breathing can become significantly easier for asthmatic individuals if the symptoms are properly managed. No matter how challenging it can be, the right medication and treatment will surely prevent further worsening of the condition.

So if you’re suffering from asthma, or know someone who does, this topic will give you a better understanding of the disease, as well as the effective medications that can keep symptoms at bay, to improve quality of life.

Bronchodilators

It’s always good to learn about the different medications that can help treat specific conditions. This makes it easier for you and family members to act quickly in times of emergencies. 

One medication worth learning about are bronchodilators. This relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways and improves breathing. Understanding this is vital since this can help save a life when needed.

Moreover bronchodilators have two varieties that treat symptoms, but for different purposes and effects. The short-acting type is taken for quick relief of sudden breathlessness, while the long-acting type is a preventive measure that is used regularly to control breathlessness.

Also, there are 3 widely known bronchodilators; these are commonly used by people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The beta-2 agonists (e.g. salbutamol, salmeterol, vilanterol and formoterol), anticholinergics (e.g. ipratropium, tiotropium, glycopyrronium, aclidinium) and theophylline (in its long acting form, its only available as a tablet). 

Take note that the long acting variety should be taken with corticosteroids if you have asthma.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

Another medication that helps with treating asthma symptoms are inhaled corticosteroids. They are cortisone-like medications that are taken for long-term asthma prevention. 

One of these is the fluticasone inhaler, a very commonly used inhaler to treat asthma. It comes in different products. It will depend on the individual’s age, and severity of symptoms on what type he or she should be using.

As a commonly used treatment, these medicines work by preventing asthma triggers by reducing inflammation of airways. These should be taken daily to avoid occurrence of symptoms. 

That being said, inhaled corticosteroids will not stop an asthma attack that’s already occurring. Take note that it is a preventive measure and not a short-acting type bronchodilator. 

Combination Inhalers

As mentioned earlier, for asthmatic individuals, long-acting bronchodilators should be taken with corticosteroids. For this reason, there are combination inhalers for people who need a quick relief from sudden breathlessness, as well as a preventive measure of asthma symptoms. 

Combination inhalers are taken by inhaling it. Once inhaled, medication passes through the lungs and causes muscles surrounding the airways to relax.

Additionally, it’s always best to seek medical advice from a professional first since not all asthmatic individuals should be using combination inhalers. 

Usually, only people who suffer from moderate to severe asthma symptoms are prescribed these; but there may be exemptions. So always have a talk with your physician first regarding matters like this.

Leukotriene Modifiers

To help reduce inflammation and mucus production, people with asthma orally take leukotriene modifiers. These medicines are preventive measures on asthma symptoms and should be taken daily.

The role of leukotrienes (LTs) for asthmatic individuals is to reduce their hyperresponsiveness. This will go on for several months as the medication improves lung function. Also, LTs have 2 subtypes; each has a specific function. (e.g. hydroxyacid and cysteinyl leukotrienes). 

Lastly, leukotrienes are the cause for congestion and inflammation of airways. So to help combat this, the LTs will block leukotrienes from causing such symptoms. 

Immunomodulators

Immunomodulators are used for the treatment of severe asthma when other medications no longer take effect. This will mostly be given to individuals with severe cases of asthma. As far as asthma medication goes, immunomodulators are fairly new. 

There are a number of medication that are considered immunomodulators, and some of these are sulfasalazine (azulfidine), leflunomide (Arava), Azathioprine (Imuran), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, trexall) and cyclosporine (gengraf, neoral).

All of the mentioned drugs that fall under immunomodulators help in modifying the immune system to better its function. Hence the term, immunomodulator.

Key Takeaway

There are 5 medications that were discussed in this topic and each one is used in treating symptoms of asthma. Through these medications, an asthmatic individual will be able to improve his/her quality of life as breathing becomes easier.

Remember, taking bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, combination inhalers, leukotriene modifiers and immunomodulators are  good for properly managing symptoms. However, speak with a medical professional first before taking any of the aforementioned medicines.

Lastly, factors like age and severity of the condition must be considered as this will assist a medical professional in giving you the accurate medication. By doing all these, you can live an active life while keeping symptoms at bay.