Appropriate Asthma Medicines

Deciding on the Safest Type of Asthma Medications

Nov 9, 2009 Kristeen Mandak

There are a variety of asthma medications prescribed by medical doctors. However, some types are more appropriate for some asthmatics than others.

Asthma medications are widely available on the market, with some types posing a greater risk of side effects more than others. According to Mayo Clinic, such side effects are usually minor, as the majority of asthma medications rarely cause serious side effects. Asthma flare-ups are generally treated with short-term relief medications. Preventative treatment involves the usage of long-term relief medications.

Short-term Relief

Atrovent, or Ibratropium, is a type of bronchodilator used for the quick relief of asthma symptoms. This type of medication can be used the instant an asthma flare-up occurs, in order to prevent an asthma attack. Patients with chronic bronchitis or emphysema commonly use Atrovent. Atrovent is safe to use, as long as it is not used every day. Daily usage of Atrovent for recurring flare-ups is indicative of the need for a long-term control medication instead.

Beta-2 agonists are bronchodilators used for the short-term relief of asthma symptoms, and for long-term relied in other patients. Beta-2 agonists for short-term relief open up the airways, but do not reduce inflammation in the lungs. Hence, they do not prevent asthma symptoms and should not be used as a long-term treatment solution. Short-term beta-2agonists should only be taken as needed, and can even be used before a physical workout. Brand names include AccuNeb, Maxair, Proventil, Ventolin and Xopenex.

Long-term Relief

Long-acting beta-2 agonists reduce the inflammation that causes asthma, which in turn helps to open up the airways. These are used on a long-term daily basis to prevent asthma symptoms. Long-acting beta-2 agonists are usually taken at night, and are used alongside other types of asthma medicines. Examples include Foradil Aerolizer and Serevent Diskus.

Oral leukotriene modifiers prevent leukotrienes from flaring up. Leukotrienes are chemicals in a person's immune system that can directly cause asthma symptoms. Using this type of medication on a long-term daily basis helps to prevent asthma flare-ups. Brands of leukotriene modifiers include Accolate and Singulair.

Cromolyn is a type of long-term inhaled medication that is taken up to four times a day to prevent asthma symptom flare-ups. Brand names include Cromolyn and Nedocromil.

Medicines with the Most Risks

Asthma medications with the most side effects include inhaled and oral corticosteroids; allergy shots for asthma; and, if used incorrectly, long-term beta-2 agonists.

Inhaled corticosteroids are a type of long-control medication that helps prevent asthma attacks. They are most often used by adults, as they may cause delayed growth in children.

Oral corticosteroids are used after an asthma attack to prevent another one from occurring. They pose a risk of side effects, which include cataracts, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, skin thinning, and muscle weakness.

Allergy shots are also used to prevent asthma, but can pose a risk of severe reactions. Symptoms may include rash, hives, swelling, and breathing difficulties.

Long-term beta-2 agonists are safe only when used with inhaled corticosteroids.

Overall, the types of asthma medications with the least amount of side effects include: Atrovent, Beta-2 agonists, Cromolyn, and leukotriene modifiers. Users should keep in mind, however, that no asthma medication is completely safe. All asthma medication users should address any safety concerns with a doctor.

References:

FamilyDoctor.org: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/asthma/medications/665.html

Mayo Clinic: http://mayoclinic.com/health/asthma-medications/Ap00008

The copyright of the article Appropriate Asthma Medicines in General Medicine is owned by Kristeen Mandak. Permission to republish Appropriate Asthma Medicines in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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