Asthma
What are the treatments for the disease?
Successful treatment of asthma involves two important factors:
avoiding known irritants or triggers
taking medicines to reduce airway inflammation
Avoiding known irritants is key to controlling asthma. Avoid anything that one
can see or smell in the air, especially cigarette smoke, dust, and strong
chemical odors. Many people with asthma also have
allergies. Allergic reactions
can trigger an asthma flare-up. Avoiding things that cause the allergies,
called allergens, is important. Controlling allergies with appropriate medicine or allergy shots can often improve
asthma symptoms.
Medicines for treatment of asthma include both quick-relief and
long-term-control medicines. The healthcare provider will prescribe the
appropriate medicines for each individual. In general, the following principles
are used:
people who have asthma only intermittently are given quick-relief
medicines
people with persistent asthma are often given both quick-relief and
long-term-control medicines
people with exercise-induced asthma symptoms may be told to take
quick-relief or long-term-control medicines right before exercise
Quick-relief medicines work within minutes. They prevent or help reduce the
tightening of the muscles of the bronchial tubes. They are used when a
person experiences an asthma attack or sudden shortness of breath. Short-acting
beta-2 agonists, such as albuterol, are used for quick symptom relief. These medicines are usually
taken through a metered dose inhaler or nebulizer.
Long-term-control medicines are taken on a regular basis to calm
the airways and prevent symptoms. They are not effective for quick
relief during an asthma attack. These medicines include:
cromolyn and nedocromil, which act on the immune system to reduce
inflammation
inhaled or oral corticosteroids, which prevent swelling and irritation of
the airways
leukotriene modifiers, which block the chemicals that start airway
inflammation
long-acting inhaled beta-2 agonists, which help relax the airways
methylxanthines, which relax the airway muscles
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Short-acting beta-2 agonists and anticholinergics may cause the
following side effects:
cough
dizziness
dry mouth and difficulty speaking
headache
high blood pressure
nausea
racing heartbeat
Corticosteroids have fewer side effects when given by inhaler than when they
are taken orally. Side effects may include:
bone thinning
change in voice tone
growth problems in children
headache
muscle weakness
oral thrush, a yeast
infection in the mouth
weight gain
Long-acting beta-2 agonists may cause the following side effects:
difficulty sleeping
dizziness
dry mouth
feeling nervous or shaky
headache
Leukotriene modifiers may cause:
abdominal pain and
diarrhea
fatigue
nausea and
vomiting
sore throat
Methylxanthines may cause:
difficulty sleeping
headache
irritability and
shakiness
nausea and
vomiting
palpitations
Cromolyn and nedocromil may cause:
a bad taste in the mouth
chest tightness
cough
headache
nausea
sneezing
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Effective treatment of asthma reduces inflammation and tightening of the
airways, lowering the frequency of asthma attacks. Successful treatment allows
people with asthma to enjoy life without significant breathing problems.
How is the disease monitored?
A person with asthma can monitor breathing at home with a device
called a
peak flow meter. Some people use peak flow meters every day and keep a record in
their asthma diary. Airway changes show up on a peak flow meter
before symptoms are even felt. Following the treatment plan at this time will often prevent an asthma attack from getting any worse.
Periodic pulmonary function testing can help guide the healthcare
provider in prescribing medicines. Any new or worsening symptoms should be
reported to the healthcare provider.
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