The best use of asthma meds

A lot of people all over the world suffer from asthma, both young and the adults. Asthma is not a simple syndrome and it is very hard to be defined. The symptoms of asthma are usually the obstruction of airways and increased responsiveness of the airway. When a person suffers from this disorder, he or she should not worry since there are plenty of medications he or she can use. The medication used will depend on the severity of the case.

Rescue medication

These specific medications are agonists of the B2 receptors. Albuterol, salbutamol and terbutaline are all a part of it. When a person suffers from a symptom like acute flare-ups, then this medication is used. A person should know that the lowest dose should be used. Someone who really needs these meds has no control over the symptoms.

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)

When a person is on a long-term maintenance program, this is the medication usually used and it is probably the most effective. A person who consumes these meds should do so regularly. There are lots of benefits from these medications like reduction of incidence of asthma exacerbations, boosting the quality of lung function and reduction of the airway responsiveness. There are possible side effects so a person on these meds will always be monitored by the physician.

Long-acting B2 agonists (LABA)

These medications are included in the therapy when a person is not on ICS. A person on LABA should take these twice per day, every 12 hours. An important fact a person should remember is that LABA should never be the only part of monotherapy. Because of that, it is usually given with ICS.

Bronchodilators

Adults usually use these medications in the form of inhalers while children use them in liquid form. This is an excellent choice for a fast relief because bronchodilators ease the bronchial muscle tension and constriction. Because these meds are fast-working they are also short acting and last for only a couple of hours. Bronchodilators are not given to every patient. It is the patients with a cold or a shortness of breath that use this medication. Children who suffer from mild asthma symptoms use it as well at a rate of 3 or 4 times in a week. If there is a need for a child to use it more often, then it is probable that the child is suffering from inflammation or inadequate asthma control.

Some of the other medications patients are prescribed with are Leukotriene receptor antagonists and oral corticosteroids. The first medication is very popular and only ICS is used more than this for the treatment of inflammatory asthma.