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Article Series: Asthma
Asthma Causes, Triggers & Treatments
Asthma
Medicines & Side Effects
With any medical treatment and the use of
drugs there is always the possibility of side effects. And
at times they can be troublesome. However, there may not be
much in the way of choice when it comes to severe asthmatic
symptoms. When we or someone we love is gasping for breath
we may be very grateful that there is immediate relief in the
form of some modern medicine.
So when discussing the side effects of certain medications
it is good to keep things in some perspective. First of all
there is the very real situation of controlling asthma attacks
that if they are severe in nature can be life threatening.
Second, not everyone will experience the same reaction to the
medicine.
It is important to do research and to feel free to ask questions
that will help you and your health care provider make the best
possible decision with regard to your long term treatment.
With that in mind, one of the most common treatments is the
use of corticosteroids. Used through inhalers and not swallowed
like pills, it has the advantage of going straight to the lungs.
This can lessen certain side effects. Some side effects can
include hoarseness of the throat and/or a thrush or yeast infection
that is evidenced by a whitish layer on the tongue. To help
prevent problems it is recommended that a user rinse their
mouth and spit out the water after using their inhaler.
Corticosteroid pills are essentially the same treatment but
may be 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
over being inhaled. 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 stomach irritation.
Some of these prescriptions can also create a dependency that
may mean tapering off slowly to lessen withdrawal symptoms.
Leukotriene
receptor antagonists are medications that 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 a medication that is not commonly prescribed
for asthma unless it appears that the shortness of breath is
disturbing the sleep of an asthmatic, 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. This particular medication
can be affected by others - even over the counter medicines
- so it is good to let your doctor know everything that you
are currently taking.
Bronchodilators that are used as rescue medicines during an
asthma attack have produced some common reactions such as an
increased heart rate, flushing, trembling and over all nervousness.
Ultimately it is up to each individual to take the opportunity
to go over these factors with their doctor with the endeavor
to choose the best path of treatment that will help them gain
control over their asthma and be able to have the best quality
of life possible.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2008
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