A Critical Asthma Treatment: Short-Acting Bronchodilators

Here’s the situation. You have asthma. You spent the day in a pollen infested park. This triggered your asthma causing a full fledged asthma attack. What do you do? What asthma treatment should you reach for? The answer is that there are a few choices one of which is short-acting bronchodilators. Another term for short-acting bronchodilators is inhalers. You may have seen asthma sufferers take a few puffs on these inhalers to calm a vicious asthma attack.

The purpose of this asthma treatment is to save you from an asthma attack as well as prevent future asthma attacks. This type of asthma treatment should be kept on hand so you can always have access to it. Don’t wait until you have experienced a painful asthma attack to seek treatment. Be prepared and plan ahead. Make this bronchodilator a component of your overall asthma management plan.

What are short-acting bronchodilators?

These are asthma medications that are inhaled. The purpose of this medication is to relax the muscles in your airways. The more relaxed your muscles are, the more open your airways will be. A short-acting bronchodilator works quickly within five minutes.

When should you use short-acting bronchodilators?

There are several instances when it would be appropriate to use this type of asthma treatment. For example, you can use it during an asthma attack. You can also use a short-acting bronchodilator before you begin to exercise to help prevent exercise induced asthma.

What are potential side effects of this type of asthma treatment?

Usually short-acting bronchodilators have minimal side effects. However, potential side effects include increased heart rate, palpitations, and tremors. This type of asthma treatment is intended to be used on an as needed basis. Meaning you should rely on other long-term asthma medication that you take on a daily basis. The short-acting bronchodilator should be used in cases of asthma attacks and to prevent asthma episodes on a less frequent basis. Consult your physician for details.

What’s the best way to use your short-acting bronchodilator?

Your doctor will show you the proper technique, but make sure to keep these tips in mind. Verify that your canister is not empty. Also check to see if the mouthpiece is in working order. Make sure to remove any debris and clean it.

What are names of short-acting bronchodilators?

You have several to choose from. Following is a list of the different choices.
1. Albuterol which is found under the drug names Proventil and Ventolin.
2. Bitolterol which is found under the drug name Tornalate.
3. Metaproterenol which is found under the drug name Alupent.
4. Terbutaline which is found under the drug names Brethaire, Brethine, and Bricanyl.
5. Levalbuterol which is found under the drug name Xopenex.

These names are hard to spell and confusing so it is critical to ask your doctor about the asthma treatment they prescribe for you. It is essential that you learn how to properly use the bronchodilator. Also steer clear of bronchodilators that you can obtain over the counter. These don’t tend to work very well. Only use them if you are in a pinch or emergency situation.