Wednesday 21 December 2011

Treatment of Asthma: The Secret to a Better Life

By Timothy Branks


Asthma is a health condition that needs the best treatment so that people who have this disease can have a chance to live happy and normal lives. Several factors can lead to the development of asthma and these must be avoided to prevent complications. Also, another way to control asthma is by taking the right drugs. Asthma treatment involves preventive and management techniques which needs long-term and short-term medications. The symptoms felt, the patient's age, and the factors that trigger asthma must be considered in choosing the right set of medications. The development of asthma may vary in different individuals so the treatment may not be the same as well. If asthma worsens, it may require a high dosage or a stronger type of medication to keep it under control.

Long-term control medications are intended for inflammation, mainly to lessen it to prevent appearance of symptoms. Quick-relief medications on the other hand are given to aid short-term symptoms during an asthma attack. Inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone and budesonide are examples of long-term medications which offer less risk in having side effects. Leukotriene modifiers also belong in the long-term category and common examples are montelucast and zileuton which are also associated with psychological behaviors like being aggressive and suicidal thoughts. Asthma treatment medications that belong in the long-term group are long-acting beta agonists like salmeterol and formoterol. These are only administered together with inhaled corticosteroids. Theophylline is also useful in keeping the airways open and it also relaxes the muscles around the airways. Another example of long-term medications for asthma treatments are combination inhalers such as fluticasone and salmeterol.

Under quick-relief asthma treatment medications are short-term beta agonists. These drugs provide instant relief on symptoms but the effects are known to last. Oral and intravenous corticosteroids are also quick-relief medications that lessen inflammation in the airways which resulted from severe asthma attacks. Atrovent is also a good quick-relief asthma treatment which acts by relaxing the airway muscles during episodes of asthma.

Allergens can cause asthma and allergy shots are used as asthma treatment in this situation. Immunotherapy injections act on the patient's immune system by lowering its level of reaction. Omalizumab is given to people with allergies and chronic asthma since it alters the patient's immune system. Other allergy medications that are effective for asthma treatment include oral and nasal spray antihistamines and decongestants, corticosteroids, ipratropium and cromolyn nasal sprays.

The patient must also show interest in his asthma treatment. He must keep in mind the things that set off his attacks and create an asthma action plan. It will also help to have an asthma diary to serve as a record of symptoms, treatments and triggers. Think of affordable, healthy, and natural ways to relieve your asthma. Also, make sure to take time to relax and monitor your peak flow rate.

Asthma can be dealt with. Patients can still live normally as long as the asthma treatment plan will be implemented properly. A clean environment plays a big role in lives of children with asthma so parent should be able to provide it. Monitoring of asthma must be done daily for better results.




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