Anti-Asthmatic Drugs are
medicines that treat or prevent asthma attacks.
Purpose
For people with Asthma, the simple act of breathing can be a
struggle. Their airways become inflamed and blocked with mucus
during asthma attacks, narrowing the opening through which air
passes. This is not such a problem when the person breathes in,
because the airways naturally expand when a person takes a breath.
The real problem arises when the person with asthma tries to breathe
out. The air cannot get out through the blocked airways, so it stays
trapped in the lungs. With each new breath, the person can take in
only a little more air, so breathing becomes shallow and takes more
and more effort.
Asthma attacks can be caused by allergies to pollen, dust, pets or
other things, but people without known allergies may also have
asthma. Exercise, stress, intense emotions, exposure to cold,
certain medicines and some medical conditions also can bring on
attacks.
The two main approaches to dealing with asthma are avoiding
substances and situations that trigger attacks and using medicines
that treat or prevent the symptoms. With a combination of the two,
most people with asthma can find relief and live normal lives.
Description
Three types of drugs are used in treating and preventing asthma
attacks:
- Bronchodilators relax the smooth muscles that line
the airway. This makes the airways open wider, letting more air
pass through them. These drugs are used mainly to relieve sudden
asthma attacks or to prevent attacks that might come on after
exercise. They may be taken by mouth, injected or inhaled.
- Corticosteroids block the inflammation that narrows
the airways. Used regularly, these drugs will help prevent
asthma attacks. Those attacks that do occur will be less severe.
However, corticosteroids cannot stop an attack that is already
underway. These drugs may be taken by mouth, injected or
inhaled.
- Cromolyn also is taken regularly to prevent asthma
attacks and may be used alone or with other asthma medicines. It
cannot stop an attack that already has started. The drug works
by preventing certain cells in the body from releasing
substances that cause allergic reactions or asthma symptoms.
