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 People
who suffer from asthma understand that coping with this difficult disease
requires a combination of a number of factors. For those with milder symptoms,
coping this difficult disease can easily be achieved through environmental
adjustments and behavioral changes. However, for those with severe symptoms,
they will not only have to make dramatic changes to their lifestyle but also
require the help of prescribed asthmatic medications.
There are basically two 'types' of medicines used for asthma sufferers. The
first type is a "preventer medicine" which works to inhibit the swelling that
can result in airways due to triggers in the environment and thus curtail an
asthma attack. The second type is a "reliever medicine" that can be taken during
an asthma attack to help quickly reduce the symptoms. We will discuss more about
the "reliever medicine" in this article.
An important fact about asthmatic medications is to understand the importance of
using them as they are designed to be used. Your doctor, in all likelihood, will
stress the need for you to follow any treatment as outlined. And while this may
seem obvious on the surface, it is necessary because very often we have a
tendency to compromise the dosage to suit our personal perception of the
condition especially when some of these asthmatic symptoms disappear and we
think we are recovering from it. Unfortunately, our self-prescribed dosage often
works against the intention of the medication and may worsen our asthmatic
condition.
Preventer medicines are designed for long term care use. They are usually taken
through an inhaler. The most effective asthmatic medication in this category is
a corticosteroid which can help reduce the swelling in the airways thus
preventing the onset of any asthma attacks. At times this medicine is also given
in the form of liquid or tablets but for a short period and are used to to get
some unusual swelling in our throat under control or to deal with a chest
infection.
Another type of preventer medicine is the long-acting beta-agonist. This
medication works as a bronchodilater or a muscle relaxer and is not used to
target inflammation. They are meant to help moderate to severe asthma and are
generally used in conjunction with the corticosteroid medication. They are also
used as a reliever medicine during an attack to open the airways. They can taken
through an inhaler as well.
Preventer medicines are specifically designed to work over a long period of
time. They keep the airways open and reduce swelling and mucous in the lungs.
They should always be taken even if the asthmatic feels that there are no
obvious symptoms. This is because the underlying problem is still inside you and
will not go away on its own without treatment. Without these preventer
medicines, your lungs can be overworked and may become weaker. This will leave
the asthmatic person more vulnerable to more asthmatic attacks.
Some individuals may worry that taking the medicine constantly will lessen it's
effectiveness but in reality the opposite has be shown to be true - that
lessening it may cause your asthma to worsen and consequently may require
stronger asthmatic medications to manage the deteriorated condition.
However, after some time and through observation, your doctor may decide to
change your dosage or your medication. It could be that an alternative treatment
is available which could simplify your routine or it could be to help you gain
better control of your asthma. This can be a little unsettling for some
individuals but the key to deal with this issue is to have an open discussion
with your doctor on the pros and cons of the prescribed asthmatic medications
and to arrive at a best treatment for you and your asthmatic condition.
Learn
more about asthma medications here!
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