SolveYourProblem Article Series: Asthma
Asthma Causes, Triggers & Treatments

Asthmatics - Medicine & Their Usage

Asthma sufferers understand that coping with this difficult disease requires a combination of a number of things. For individuals with milder symptoms they be able to accomplish a lot through environmental adjustments and through behavioral changes. However, people with severe symptoms will not only have to make dramatic changes in their lifestyle, they may also require the help of prescription medicines.

It can be said that there are two basic 'types' of medicines for asthma sufferers. One type is a preventer medicine that works to inhibit the swelling that can result in airways due to triggers in the environment and thus curtail an asthma attack. The other type works as a reliever medicine that may be taken during an asthma attack that can help reduce the symptoms quickly.

An important principle in learning about asthma medicines and taking them is to understand the importance of using them as they are designed to be used. Your doctor, in all likelihood, will stress the need to follow any treatment as outlined. And while this may seem obvious on the surface, it is necessary, because very often there is a tendency to adjust the medicine personally when some of the symptoms disappear. Very often this works counter productively and can worsen the situation.

Preventer medicines are designed for long term care use. These are usually taken through an inhaler. The most effective medicine used is a corticosteroid that reduces the swelling in the airways that brings on the attacks. At times this medicine is given in the form of liquid or tablets for a short period.

Another preventer type of medicine is termed a long-acting beta-agonist. This 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 are 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 always constant. It does not go away on it's own. Without the preventer medicine the lungs can be overworked and become weaker. This will leave the asthmatic more vulnerable to the next trigger and attack.

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 will open the door for the asthma to be worsened and force the need for greater medication.

Over time and observation, however, your doctor may decide to change your dosage or your medication. It could be that an alternative treatment is available that would simplify your routine or it could be to help gain better control over your asthma. This can be a little unsettling for some individuals. But the key is to be open to discussing the pros and cons of each decision in your personal treatment with your doctor.

In line with this, it is important to keep in mind that all medicine comes with the possibility of side effects. This is another factor to discuss frankly and to be prepared for and to keep in perspective with your over all medical treatment program.

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by SolveYourProblem.com : 2008

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