Quick-relief medication, which includes short-acting beta-agonists and anticholinergics, is inhaled with the devices describe above to relieve flare-ups of asthma symptoms.
Short-acting beta-agonists Medications such as albuterol , levalbuterol , and terbutaline are the first choice for quick relief of attacks. These drugs relax the smooth muscles around the airways and reduce swelling in the lining of the airways. Anticholinergics Medications such as tiotropium also relax the smooth muscles around the airways and reduce mucus production, but they work more slowly than short-acting beta-agonists.
Inhaled corticosteroids Corticosteroids are the standard treatment, and widely considered the most effective type of medicine to prevent attacks. Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists These drugs prevent the narrowing of the airways by relaxing the smooth muscles there; they should always be taken in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. Leukotriene modifiers Taken by mouth, these drugs block either the production or the effect of leukotrienes, chemicals that can lead to asthma attacks.
Cromolyn sodium Cromolyn sodium is an inhaled nonsteroidal drug that prevents cells from releasing inflammation-causing chemicals. This medication is rarely used now. For most people with asthma, managing the chronic condition involves a multi-pronged approach tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle.
In addition, monitor your symptoms carefully. Keep track of what they are, when they occur, and their severity. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools.
Reviewed: April 12, Medically Reviewed. Treatment for asthma aims to do the following:. Modern inhaler devices for asthma came into widespread use between the s and the s.
Today, inhalers are synonymous with asthma treatment. Nebulizers let you take your medicine while breathing normally, but they're more time-consuming to set up and use than inhalers. Proper technique is essential when using an inhaler to make sure the medicine reaches your lungs as intended. Here are the steps for proper inhaler use:. Quick-Relief Medication for Asthma Quick-relief medication, which includes short-acting beta-agonists and anticholinergics, is inhaled with the devices describe above to relieve flare-ups of asthma symptoms.
In some cases, usually for severe asthma, corticosteroids which reduce inflammation are needed. These drugs are taken either orally at home or intravenously at a hospital. Long-term control medication helps prevent asthma symptoms by reducing the inflammation that makes your airways more sensitive to asthma triggers.
These drugs are usually prescribed to be taken daily. Numerous drugs for long-term control are available, including:. Nebulisers are used mainly in hospital for severe attacks of asthma when large doses of inhaled medicines are needed. They are used less commonly than in the past, as modern spacer devices are usually just as good as nebulisers for giving large doses of inhaled medicines.
You do not need any co-ordination to use a nebuliser - you just breathe in and out, and you will breathe in the medicine. At standard inhaled doses, the amount of medicine is small compared with tablets or liquid medicines.
Therefore, side-effects tend to be much less of a problem than with tablets or liquid medicines. This is one of their main advantages. However, some side-effects do occur in some people.
Read the leaflet that comes with the inhaler for details of possible side-effects. The following just highlights the more common and important ones to be aware of.
One problem that might occur when using a steroid inhaler especially if you are taking a high dose is that the back of your throat may get sore. Thrush infection in the mouth may develop. This can usually be treated easily with a course of pastilles to suck or liquid that you hold in your mouth. You might also notice that your voice becomes more hoarse.
If you rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth after using a steroid inhaler you are less likely to develop a sore throat or thrush. Also, some inhaler devices such as spacers are less likely to cause throat problems. A change to a different device may help if mouth problems or thrush occur. Note: a persistent hoarse voice that does not settle, needs further investigation as it can be due to other causes. If you have this symptom you should tell your GP.
If you use a high dose of inhaled steroid over a long time it may be a risk factor for developing osteoporosis. You can help to prevent osteoporosis by taking regular exercise, not smoking, and eating a diet with enough calcium. Children who use an inhaled steroid over a long time should have their growth monitored.
There is a small risk that enough steroid may get from the lungs and into the body via the bloodstream , to delay growth. This risk has to be balanced against the risk of a child with asthma not having a steroid preventer. Long-term ill-health such as with conditions like severe asthma could also affect a child's growth.
Steroid medicines may aggravate depression and other mental health problems, and may occasionally cause mental health problems. This is more a concern with steroid tablets but, rarely, can be caused by steroid inhalers. Even a severe form of mental health problem called psychosis may, rarely, be triggered by a steroid inhaler. Seek medical advice if worrying mood or behavioural changes occur. Often the choice of inhaler is just personal preference.
Most GPs and practice nurses have a range of devices to demonstrate, and let you get a feel for them. If you are unhappy with the one you are using then ask your GP or practice nurse if you can try a different type. If you think you have had a side-effect to one of your medicines you can report this on the Yellow Card Scheme.
You can do this online at www. The Yellow Card Scheme is used to make pharmacists, doctors and nurses aware of any new side-effects that medicines or any other healthcare products may have caused. If you wish to report a side-effect, you will need to provide basic information about:.
Inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of chronic asthma in adults and in children aged 12 years and over ; NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance, March I need your help on a problem that I haven't checked with the doctor yet hoping that it's not serious.
For last a few years I have a jelly like transparent, sticky mucus in my chest. I never felt any Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy.
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In this series. In this article Types of asthma inhalers Inhaler devices Common questions and further information. Asthma Inhalers In this article Types of asthma inhalers Inhaler devices Common questions and further information. Types of asthma inhalers The medicine inside an inhaler goes straight into the airways when you breathe in.
If you are on holiday. Outside the normal opening hours of your GP surgery. Need an emergency inhaler? Book a consultation with a local pharmacist via Patient Access at a time that's convenient for you Book now. How to use the Yellow Card Scheme If you think you have had a side-effect to one of your medicines you can report this on the Yellow Card Scheme.
If you wish to report a side-effect, you will need to provide basic information about: The side-effect. The name of the medicine which you think caused it. Get an asthma action plan on Asthma UK Inhalers Inhalers can help: relieve symptoms when they occur reliever inhalers stop symptoms developing preventer inhalers Some people need an inhaler that does both combination inhalers.
Watch a short video from Asthma UK to learn how to use your inhaler properly Read on to learn more about the different types of inhaler. Reliever inhalers Most people with asthma will be given a reliever inhaler. These are usually blue. Asthma UK: reliever inhalers Preventer inhalers If you need to use a reliever inhaler often, you may also need a preventer inhaler. Speak to a GP or asthma nurse if you continue to have symptoms while using a preventer inhaler. Preventer inhalers contain steroid medicine.
They do not usually have side effects, but can sometimes cause: a fungal infection of the mouth or throat oral thrush a hoarse voice a sore throat You can help prevent these side effects by using a spacer, which is a hollow plastic tube you attach to your inhaler, as well as by rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler. Asthma UK: preventer inhalers Combination inhalers If using reliever and preventer inhalers does not control your asthma, you may need an inhaler that combines both.
It's important to use it regularly, even if you do not have symptoms. Side effects of combination inhalers are similar to those of reliever and preventer inhalers. Asthma UK: combination inhalers Tablets You may also need to take tablets if using an inhaler alone is not helping control your symptoms.
They also come in syrup and powder form. You take them every day to help stop your symptoms occurring. Possible side effects include tummy aches and headaches. It's taken every day to stop your symptoms occurring. Possible side effects include headaches and feeling sick. Asthma UK: theophylline Steroid tablets Steroid tablets may be recommended if other treatments are not helping to control your symptoms. They can be taken either: as an immediate treatment when you have an asthma attack every day as a long-term treatment to prevent symptoms — this is usually only necessary if you have very severe asthma and inhalers do not control your symptoms Long-term or frequent use of steroid tablets can occasionally cause side effects such as: increased appetite, leading to weight gain easy bruising mood changes fragile bones osteoporosis high blood pressure You'll be monitored regularly while taking steroid tablets to check for signs of any problems.
Asthma UK: steroid tablets Other treatments Other treatments, such as injections or surgery, are rarely needed, but may be recommended if all other treatments are not helping.
Injections For some people with severe asthma, injections given every few weeks can help control the symptoms.
The main injections for asthma are: benralizumab Fasenra omalizumab Xolair mepolizumab Nucala reslizumab Cinqaero These medicines are known as biologic therapies. The main side effect is discomfort where the injection is given.
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