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 In
most medical treatment, drugs or medicines are normally given to the patients to
treat the condition. Although effective, there is always the possibility of side
effects including some adverse ones. The use of asthma medicines, especially at
time of severe asthma attacks, become a necessity instead of a choice. When we
or someone we love is gasping for breath, we will not hesitate to take the
medicines as long as they can bring about immediate relief from the
discomforts. Ironically in those situations, we are prepared to overlook all the
side effects associated with the consumption of the medicines.
One of the most common treatments for asthmatic attacks is the use of
corticosteroids which is normally Used through inhalers and not swallowed like
pills. This form of treatment has the advantage of going straight to the lungs.
Some side effects of corticosteroid administered in this gaseous state include
hoarseness of the throat and/or a thrush or yeast infection that is evidenced by
a whitish layer on the tongue. Hence, it is recommended that the users rinse
their mouth and spit out the water after using their inhaler.
Corticosteroid pills are essentially the same treatment but are swallowed orally
by the patients. This course of treatment is normally given for only a short
period of time in order to get some unusual swelling in the throat under control
or to deal with a chest infection. They are more powerful in this form than in
the gaseous or vapor state. Some examples of this corticosteroid is Prednisone
and Dexamethasone.
When used over a short period of time - for example less than a week - the
patient may experience water retention, an increased appetite and some changes
in mood. Over a longer period that spans a few months the side effects can
include increased appetite with weight gain, thinning of the bones, and some
gastrointestinal irritations. Some of these prescriptions can also create a form
of dependency or addiction as patients depend on them for uninterrupted relief.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists are asthma medicines that specifically target
the inflammatory aspect of asthma. Although side effects of this type of
treatment are said to be rare, some individuals have noted that they experience
headaches, dizziness, upset stomachs, heartburns and overall tiredness.
Theophylline is an asthmatic medication that is not commonly prescribed for
asthma unless it appears that the shortness of breath is disturbing the sleep of
the asthmatic patient, or the asthma is of a very severe type. It works
specifically on the muscles in the air passageways to keep them relaxed. Some of
the side effects are said to be nausea, diarrhea, headaches, nervousness,
heartburns, rapid heart beat and loss of appetite.
Bronchodilators that are used as rescue medicines during an asthma attack are
known to produce some common reactions such as an increased heart rate,
flushing, trembling and over all nervousness.
In view of of the possibility of adverse side effects associated with the usage
or consumption of these asthma medicines, make it a point to discuss with your
doctor on their usage and and to find the best treatment for your asthma.
Find
out more about asthma medicines here!
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