ASTHMA ATTACK (PART 2 OF 3)
1. Types of asthma medications
· Asthma medications are of 2 types – reliever and controller.
a) Reliever medications are used for immediate relief from symptoms in asthma attack.
b) Controller medications reduce the inflammation and prevent further attacks.
· Currently, both are available in one inhalation capsule or spray, so it is convenient for the patient to take these medicines regularly, irrespective of whether a person is having symptoms or not.
· Besides, a patient can also take an extra puff (inhalation) when in need during an attack.
2. Types of asthma inhalers
· Asthma inhalers are of 3 types.
a) Short-acting bronchodilators, often called ‘rescue inhalers’, relieve symptoms immediately in an emergency situation by relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes, whose effects last between 4-8 hours.
· Overuse of these short-acting beta2-agonists, without consulting the doctor, could worsen asthma in the long run, as only muscle contraction is addressed while swelling of the inner linings of the airway remains.
· If this swelling remains unattended, then after 6 months to one year, the inflammation gets replaced by scar tissues, causing inflexibility of the airways which can become dangerous.
· In general, you may need more long-term treatment if you are using short-acting beta2-agonists on more than 2 days a week (except before exercise).
b) Long-acting bronchodilators last for 12 hours, but are not for use in an emergency situation.
· They are used to relax bronchial muscles for longer periods as treatment for chronic problems.
c) Inhaled corticosteroids are used as a long-term preventive medication.
· They work by reducing the underlying bronchial and pulmonary inflammation.
· Most are prescribed for use once or twice a day on an ongoing basis.