Allergic asthma medications and their various types
Asthma problems have become quite common among people in the country. In most cases, 60%-90% of patients suffering from this pulmonary disorder get the condition triggered by some allergens. While some are allergic to cat dander, others may be allergic to pollens or mites. Doctors generally ask patients to avoid the allergens triggering the condition, yet that is not enough. If you are suffering from this condition, it is wise for you to know about the various allergic asthma medications available so that you can deal with the condition at once.
Inhalers or short-term bronchodilators
Also known as the rescue inhalers, these bronchodilators come in small packages and can be used anywhere to deal with breathing difficulties triggered by asthma. As these allergic asthma medications are meant for short-term relief, you generally have to puff at a regular interval of 4-6 hours for opening up your lungs. Doctors in the country generally prescribe albuterol like Ventolin, Proventil or Proair, levalbuterol like Xopenex and pirbuterol like Maxair as rescue inhalers.
Inhaled corticosteroids
In cases where asthma does not come under control with rescue inhalers, doctors may have to prescribe controller medicines or inhaling steroids. As these allergic asthma medications help in curbing the condition successfully for a longer period of time, you may not need the short-term bronchodilators any further.
Long-term bronchodilators
Contrary to the short-term dilators, long-term allergic asthma medications last for a period of 12 hours or more and are available in the form of inhalers. Long-term bronchodilators should always be used with inhaled corticosteroids.
Oral corticosteroids
Although inhalers are mostly recommended for the patients suffering from asthma, in some severe cases, doctors may even recommend pills for controlling the condition. Prednisone is among the common steroids used for helping patients suffering from severe asthma. Once you take the pill, it checks the inflammation of your lungs, which in turn reduces the symptoms of asthma, especially breathing issues. Steroids should be taken only under medical supervision as an overdose can be fatal.
Anti-leukotriene medications
Your pulmonologist may prescribe anti-leukotriene medications for suppressing the effects of leukotrienes, which are molecules that known for triggering inflammation of the airway. Zyflo, Accolate, and Singulair are some of the common allergic asthma medications used in this regard.
Anti-body treatment
In case the abovementioned treatment fails to offer the desired relief, doctors may have to go for antibody cure. Omalizumab or Xolair is generally used in this regard. It acts by preventing the cells from triggering inflammation so that you can breathe normally.
Immunotherapy might be used in some patients as well. Apart from the conventional treatment, some patients may even opt for alternative medicines to treat asthma. However, there is no proven record regarding the benefits of alternative cures.