The Long and Short of Asthma Medications
Do you suffer from the chronic condition of asthma? Do you have a child, parent, loved one, or friend that deals with asthma on a daily basis? Asthma can be a crippling condition if you don’t have a plan of action in place. Asthma can be very uncomfortable and therefore you need to be aware of asthma medications to help alleviate this discomfort.
What asthma medications are available? Asthma medications include those that will relieve an asthma attack in the short term to medications that lessen the affects of asthma in the long term. The type of medication used depends on a variety of factors including your medical history, severity of asthma condition, age, allergies, sensitivities, and other medications you may be taking. You can work with your doctor to find the best asthma medication for you.
Let’s take a look at examples of long term asthma medications. The purpose of these asthma medications is to lessen the inflammation of your airways and prevent future airway damage. Following is a list of long term asthma medications that are commonly used:
Long Term Asthma Medication #1: Long-acting bronchodilators…
This medication is inhaled and is under the names of albuterol, formoterol, and salmeterol.
Long Term Asthma Medication #2: Anti-inflammatory drugs…
The purpose of these drugs is to lessen the inflammation of your airways that are ravaged by asthma. Examples of anti-inflammatory drugs include inhaled corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, and inhaled mast cell stabilizers. These drugs are under names such as beclomethasone, fluticasone, methylpredinisolone, prednisolone, and cromolyn.
Long Term Asthma Medication #3: Recent asthma medications…
Recent asthma medications on the market include a combination of long-acting bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs. Advair is an asthma drug that combines both long-acting bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs. There have been many commercials regarding Advair so the name may already be a familiar to you.
Long Term Asthma Medication #4: Anti-IgE antibodies…
This asthma medication is very new and includes injections. This asthma medication is currently called Xolair.
Long Term Asthma Medication #5: Leukotriene modifiers…
This asthma medication comes in tablet form. You can even find chewable tablets that make it easier for children to take the medication.
What about short term asthma medications? The main purpose of short term asthma medications is to relieve an asthmatic episode. For example, you can use short-acting bronchodilators that relax your muscles and open up your constricted airways. You can also take oral corticosteroids that open your airways and help you recover much faster from an asthmatic episode. Plus, this type of medication can help prevent or minimize future asthma attacks.
It is important to have both a short term and long term asthma medication plan. For example, you should have an inhaler with you at all times so you will be ready in case you experience an asthma attack. And you can complement this short term remedy with a long term medication to help prevent any future attacks.
If you suffer from asthma then you should ask your doctor about these medications. They can provide the much need comfort and relief you desperately desire. Discuss with your doctor your needs, medical history, and any other medications you are taking. They will prescribe a medication that is just right for you.
