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Asthma is a chronic condition just like diabetes mellitus. This means that there is no complete treatment for asthma. Asthma cannot be completely eradicated, but does that mean that one has to continue suffering? No, we canno
You must have seen in movies that people who suffer from breathlessness carry a small device that they pump into their mouth when they feel shortness of breath. This device is called an inhaler or asthma inhaler. During an attack, when the airways are constricted and air cannot pass through, you take a few puffs of the inhaler.
These inhalers contain chemicals like salbutamol or levosalbutamol in a spray form. So when a puff is taken, these chemicals are applied to the affected area. They relieve the contraction and restore the airway. This is how the person gets relief from an asthma attack. This is certainly not a preventive method but one that is used during the attack.
Inhalers are like regular medicines and so they need to be taken as per the prescription. Inhalers are mainly available in two types, Levolin inhaler and Asthalin inhaler. Both work similarly to relieve airway contraction, the difference is only in the chemical used. The Asthalin inhaler uses salbutamol while the Levolin inhaler uses levosalbutamol. So don't just start using any inhaler on your own volition. The doctor will decide whether you use salbutamol or levosalbutamol. Using different inhalers will result in side effects that can even worsen existing asthma.
Inhalers are useful, but as mentioned earlier, they are relief measures, not prevention. In addition to carrying an inhaler, you must take this medication if you continue to have symptoms even after using an inhaler for more than 2 weeks. This medication has long-term benefits by reducing the frequency of asthma attacks. So, inhalers are safety measures that must be followed after an attack, but these medications correct the errors internally. Below are some commonly used medications:
To be more specific, inhaled corticosteroids are chemicals that reduce the inflammation in the lungs that causes asthma. Examples of corticosteroids are beclometasone, budesonide, flunisolide, etc. These are also chemicals, so a thorough consultation with the doctor is necessary before using them. Use only after a doctor's prescription.
We know that in asthma, the airways get narrowed, which is the main reason for all the fuss. Corticosteroids work as anti-inflammatory to treat asthma, whereas bronchodilators widen the airways to allow air to pass through. When taken for a long time, the medication widens the airways permanently and relieves the condition of the affected person. This makes the chances of another asthma attack very low. Even if it recurs, the intensity is much less as the airways are now dilated.
The list of medications is endless, so leave it to the doctor as he/she has the medical expertise, not us. We need to know the basics of some commonly used medications. Asthma affects many more people today than it did a few decades ago. This is due to increasing air pollution; today, the air quality in big cities is dangerous. Therefore, children, teenagers and almost everyone are exposed to harmful pollutants on a daily basis. Asthma can be prevented by wearing a mask when going out, avoiding smoking and minimizing contact with allergens.
