Asthma is defined by wheezing and shortness of breath. It is an inflammation disorder that is confined to the respiratory tract system. Symptoms occur during a flare-up of the condition and those having asthma will not feel symptoms all the time. It is a chronic condition that is not curable only controllable. There are certain standard medicines on every asthma medications list. Some will only be on one of these medications while others may need to have a combination of drugs to get relief of their symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
These include corticosteroids, like Prednisone, and NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like Cromolyn. These medications are often in inhalation form and are given to decrease the amount of inflammation in the airways. Corticosteroids are given for mild to moderate asthma symptoms. Inhaled steroids such as Flovent and Pulmicort are the most effect asthma medications, according to Asthma Society of Canada. These types of asthma drugs are some of the most prescribed on the market for the condition. These are typically given with fast-acting or long-acting bronchodilators.
Bronchodilators
These medications can be in inhalation form, pills, liquids, or as an injection. These relieve narrowed lungs and can help with coughing and breathing difficulties. Bronchodilators can be fast-acting like Albuterol or long-acting like Advair. Fast-acting bronchodilators start work in minutes but fades quickly while long-acting takes hours to work and lasts a longer time.
Anti-Leukotrienes
These medications help lessen the amount of fluid build-up in the lungs and will help in decreasing the narrowing of the lungs. This medication can also be referred to as anti-inflammatory bronchoconstriction preventors. These are taken orally and are not steroids. Montelukast is one type of anti-leukotrienes and is the only one thus far able to be given to children. These are some of the newest medications to hit the asthma market.
Theophyllines
These are sometimes used in asthma therapy. They are have anti-inflammatory properties and include drugs like Slo-Bid and Uniphyl. These medications are not often prescribed and are only sometimes included in therapy. It is not the first line of defense for asthma symptoms.
An asthma medications list will change as the industry changes. Many drugs will be added while some will be removed. Always check with your doctor to get the most current asthma medications. Some medications will be pulled after years on the market after the long-term effects have been seen. Some will never make it to the market, being pulled in clinical trials.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
