There are different types of shortness of breath medications for asthma. This drug is available in the form of tablets, capsules, or syrup that is taken by mouth.Namun,some are used by inhalation.Every kind shortness of breath medicine for asthmaeach have a function, you know!
When an asthma attack comes, the airways will swell, constrict, and produce a lot of mucus. This condition can make sufferers experience shortness of breath and cough.
Asthma cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be controlled. Preventive measures can also be taken to reduce the risk of recurrence of this disease.
One way to prevent asthma attacks from occurring and relieve symptoms when asthma flares up is to use shortness of breath medications for asthma appropriately.
Know Two Types of Shortness of Breath Medicine for Asthma
Drugs for asthma are divided into two categories, namely asthma control drugs that function to keep asthma symptoms from relapse and fast-acting asthma drugs that function to relieve breathing when an asthma attack recurs.
Both consist of several types with their respective forms and uses. Here's the explanation:
medicine penprevent asthma symptomscontroller)
People with asthma need to take a type of asthma medication every day. The goal is to reduce the risk of asthma attacks, so that relapses are not frequent and asthma becomes more controlled. Some types of drugs that are included in the category of drugs to prevent asthma symptoms are:
- beta agonistslow work(long-acting beta-agonist)
Although it can be taken as a long-term asthma medication, this drug is not recommended for consumption when an asthma attack is recurring.
This is because this type of shortness of breath medication takes a long time to produce a breath-relieving effect. Therefore, slow-acting beta-agonist drugs are only used to prevent recurrence of asthma symptoms.
- Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid drugs used for asthma are available in the form of inhaled corticosteroids. But if it is not available, sometimes doctors can also give corticosteroid tablets to be taken by the patient.
- Leukotriene modifier (leukotriene modifiers)
This drug works by preventing allergies and inflammation that can cause narrowing of the airways in people with asthma. This drug can also reduce inflammation that occurs in the respiratory tract, making breathing more comfortable.
Fast reaction asthma medication (reliever)
Fast-acting asthma medications are used when an asthma attack occurs. Asthma drugs of this type, are able to work quickly to relieve symptoms. The following are some types of shortness of breath drugs for asthma that are classified as fast reaction asthma drugs:
- Agonist fast acting beta (short-acting beta agonist)
Like beta agonists for long-term treatment, this type of beta agonist is also a type of bronchodilator drug which is a medicine for shortness of breath due to asthma. The difference is, this drug can immediately relieve asthma symptoms within minutes of the attack occurring.
Because of its rapid action, usually only a few minutes after administration, this drug is generally only given at the time of an asthma attack or asthma symptoms recur.
- Ipratropium (Atrovent)This drug works to relax the respiratory tract quite quickly. Apart from being a shortness of breath for asthma, ipratropium is also used to treat shortness of breath due to chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- Teophylline
This medication is used as an adjunct for asthma symptoms that cannot be treated with other medications. How theophylline works, which helps widen the respiratory tract by relaxing the surrounding muscles, so asthma patients can breathe smoothly.
- Corticosteroids
In addition to preventing the recurrence of asthma symptoms, corticosteroids can also be used to help treat asthma attacks when they recur. The only difference is in the dose given.
The dose of corticosteroid drugs used to treat asthma symptoms that are relapsing is usually higher than the dose of corticosteroids to prevent asthma symptoms.
In addition to drugs, symptoms of shortness of breath due to asthma can also be prevented by staying away from trigger factors or triggers for asthma symptoms, avoiding cigarettes or cigarette smoke, pollution, and reducing stress.
To determine the right type of drug to use, asthmatics need to consult a pulmonary doctor. The doctor will give shortness of breath medication for asthma that is appropriate according to the severity of the asthma suffered.
Each of the above types of drugs is used by drinking or by inhalation. Asthma drugs that are used by inhalation are called inhaler. Some types of asthma drugs are also used by inhalation using a special device called a nebulizer.
While using shortness of breath medication for asthma, be sure to follow the instructions for use as recommended by your doctor. Patients also need to have regular check-ups with their doctor to evaluate whether their asthma has improved or is getting worse.
If your asthma worsens and forces you to use inhaler more than recommended, immediately consult a doctor again to get further examination and treatment.