Inhalers, Nebulizers, and Pills as Asthma Medicine
Asthma medicines can be either inhaled, using a metered dose inhaler, dry
powder inhaler, or a nebulizer, or taken orally, either in pill or liquid form.
A newer type asthma medication called Xolair is given by injection just under
the skin.
Some asthma medicines can be taken together. There are some inhalers that
contain a combination of two different medications. These devices allow both
medications to be delivered from one device, shortening treatment times and
decreasing the number of inhalers needed to treat asthma symptoms.
Theophylline for Asthma
Theophylline is another type of bronchodilator that is used to control
symptoms of asthma, but it is not delivered in an asthma inhaler. Theophylline
is sold under the brand names Uniphyl, Theo-Dur, Slo-Bid, and Theo-24 and is
available as an oral (pill and liquid) or intravenous (through the vein) drug.
Theophylline is long-acting and prevents asthma attacks. Theophylline is used
to treat difficult-to-control or severe asthma and must be taken daily.
These side effects of theophylline may also be a sign of having taken too
much medication. Your doctor will check your blood levels of the medication to
make sure you are receiving the proper amount.
Always tell your doctors if you take theophylline for asthma because certain
medications, such as antibiotics containing erythromycin, seizure medicine, and
ulcer medicine can interfere with the way theophylline works. Also, make sure
your doctor knows about any other medical conditions you may have, since some
diseases and illnesses can change how your body responds to theophylline.
And keep in mind that not only is smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke
especially dangerous for those with asthma, but smoking can also interfere with
how your body responds to theophylline. Therefore, it is best to avoid smoke
when possible.
Asthma is a common disorder in which
chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the airways. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness,
cough and wheezing.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
Patients who have infrequent, mild bouts of asthma attacks may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat their asthma symptoms. OTC asthma medicines are limited to epinephrine and ephedrine. These OTC drugs are best used with the guidance of a physician, as there may be side effects and the drugs may not be very effective.
Asthma, the main cause of chronic illness in children, has signs and symptoms in children that include frequent coughing spells, low energy while playing, complaints of chest "hurting," wheezing while breathing, shortness of breath, and feelings of tiredness. Treatment will involve a doctor creating an asthma action plan which will describe the use of asthma medications and when to seek emergency care for the child.
There are many unusual symptoms of asthma, including sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, chronic cough, recurrent walking pneumonia, and rapid breathing. These symptoms may vary from individual to individual. These asthma complexities make it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat asthma.
Exercise-induced asthma is asthma triggered by vigorous exercise. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and fatigue while exercising. Preventing exercise-induced asthma attacks involves using inhaled medicines before exercising, performing warm-up exercises and cooling down afterward, avoiding exercising outdoors when pollen counts are high, restricting exercise when you have a viral infection, and wearing a mask over your nose and mouth when exercising in cold weather.
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