Types of Asthma Medication

Asthma can be a difficult condition to live with. It can be caused by various environmental causes, at it can affect the respiratory system well enough that it can make it difficult to breathe. Many different types of asthma medication are used to treat this problem. Inhalers are commonly used among patients, and there are various forms of asthma medication that are used in conjunction with an inhaler. Here’s a look at some of the kinds of asthma medication that are available for asthma patients today.

The inhaler is the most common type of asthma medication used by asthma patients today. The two kinds of inhalers used as asthma medication are the metered-dose inhaler and the dry powder inhaler. A metered-dose inhaler uses a chemical propellant to move medication from the inhaler into the lungs, and this is done by squeezing the canister or by inhaling. A dry powder inhaler works differently, as it requires the patient to inhale at a quicker rate.

There are various different kinds of asthma medication that are released from inhalers. The type of asthma medication that is used will depend on the severity of the person’s asthma and what types of personal circumstances the person’s asthma has. Short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators are commonly used. The short-acting kind, which includes albuterol and pirbuterol, work to provide immediate asthma symptom relief. Long-acting forms work to relieve symptoms for longer periods of time.

There are some other forms of asthma medication that are common in use today. Corticosteroids are long terms forms of asthma medication that can help to prevent asthma attacks from occurring. Beclomethasone dipropionate and budesonide are common forms of corticosteroids.

Nedocromil and cormolyn are asthma medications that are nonsteroidal medications. They are used by patients in the long term to help prevent asthma attacks. They work to prevent inflammation in the lungs and airways, which can cause asthma attacks over time.

Corticosteroids that work with a long-acting bronchodilator work as well to treat long term asthma symptoms. Of course, a short-acting type will be better for treating sudden symptoms of asthma.

These are some of the many different kinds of asthma medication that are available today. It is important for a person with asthma to talk with a doctor about what type of asthma medication is best for that individual person’s needs. The type of medication that is needed will be different according to how bad a person’s asthma is and how it is triggered, among other concerns. With the right kind of asthma medication being used a person with asthma will be able to have a healthy life and not have to worry about what to do when there is trouble breathing.

Athletes' 'sweat and tears' linked to asthma (EurekAlert!)

( American College of Chest Physicians ) A new study from the September issue of the journal Chest shows that an athlete's ability to sweat may do more than keep the body cool. It also may prevent the development of exercise-induced asthma, a common respiratory condition among trained athletes.

Sweaty people 'less asthma prone' (BBC News)

The ability to sweat may cut the risk of developing exercise-related asthma, say scientists.

Coughing or gasping in your workout could mean asthma (Dallas Morning News)

If you experience coughing or difficulty breathing within the first 20 minutes of your workout, you may have exercise-induced asthma. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology recommends seeing a doctor to confirm a diagnosis.

Journalists: Register for Annual Meeting of Allergists in Seattle (Newswise)

Journalists are invited to report on the latest developments in the treatment of allergic diseases presented at the ACAAI Annual Meeting, Nov. 6-11, 2008, at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle. Physicians, researchers and international experts will discuss allergies, asthma and immunologic disorders that afflict more than 50 million Americans.

Small Doses column (Cape Cod Times)

It's big business, but it may not have the impact that drug companies hope and that medical ethicists have long worried about. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising has only a modest effect on the sale of drugs, according to research.