There are several effective asthma therapies available today. Some asthma medications help you breathe easier by relaxing your airways, while others lessen the swelling and inflammation in your lungs, yet others help prevent other asthma symptoms.
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations and take your medications as prescribed. If your asthma worsens, you may need to take more than one type of medication, create a medication log, see your doctor, and ask about new asthma treatments.
Here are the types of medicine usually prescribed to alleviate symptoms of asthma:
Anti-Inflammatories
Anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as corticosteroids, diminish mucus formation and edema in the airways. It is much easier to breathe once the irritation has subsided. These are usually inhaled, so it’s important to rinse your mouth with water afterward to avoid thrush, a yeast infection in your throat.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics are a family of drugs that keep muscular bands surrounding the airways from tightening. The medication can be inhaled or nebulized from a solution using a metered-dose inhaler.
This medication is usually given in conjunction with an inhaled corticosteroid and should be taken regularly for long-term relief. Cough, mucus production, wheezing, and chest tightness are mitigated with this treatment.
Antibiotics
People with asthma may experience flare-ups as a result of bacterial or viral illnesses. And if you are diagnosed with an infection, you’ll be told to have this antibiotic or antiviral prescription filled.
It’s essential to take antibiotics exactly as directed and to finish them all, even if you start to feel better before you run out. If you don’t complete the course of treatment, the infection may return in an evolved form that is worse and more difficult to cure.
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are drugs that relax the muscles that surround the airways and breathing tubes. They ease your breathing when the airways are more open. Bronchodilators are divided into two categories, and you may be prescribed one or both:
- Short-acting bronchodilators start working right away, allowing you to feel relief from your symptoms.
- Long-acting bronchodilators provide a long-lasting impact. They should not be utilized to provide immediate relief. These medications should only be used in conjunction with anti-inflammatory asthma treatment.
Combination Medicine
Inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids are combined in a few medications.
How to Maximize the Benefits of Your Asthma Medicine
Medicines for asthma do not cure the disease, but they can help you manage your symptoms. The essential thing is to take your medicine(s) exactly as prescribed. This includes taking the appropriate medication at the designated time and using the proper approach.
To get the most out of your metered-dose inhalers, which may be used for either fast relief or long-term management, the American Lung Association recommends that you utilize a valved holding chamber.
You can develop a method that works best for you and others who assist you by doing the following:
- Use a medication tracker that details what medications to take and when
- Make it a habit to take your medicine before or after particular meals
- Use a weekly pillbox with slots for each day and various times of the day to keep track of your medications
Conclusion
Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re suffering from asthma symptoms, if you aren’t sure if you’re taking your medicine appropriately, or if you are experiencing troublesome side effects.
You can get a medication reminder app to keep your medications on track. MedManage helps patients manage multiple medications and digitally maintain a daily medication log. Our mobile and web app can help you remember, store, and share your medication status. Download MedManage today!