Inhaled bronchodilator medications
Inhaled bronchodilator medications are
the most effective in opening airways narrowed by the effects
of asthma. The limited side effects when used in the recommended
dose and frequency contribute to their wide use They are available
by both metered dose inhaler and nebulizer.
For children with mild asthma, inhaled
bronchodilator medication is often the only medication they will
need. It is important to use the medication as prescribed by your
physician, overuse of inhaled bronchodilator medications may worsen
the asthmatic condition and increase the possibility of death
from asthma.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATIONS
Inhaled anti-inflammatory medications are
recommended by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
This panel of asthma experts recommend that one of these medications
be given daily to children with moderate or severe asthma, because
they are considered safe and effective for long-term use.
Cromolyn has very few side effects. Inhaled
corticosteroids are very effective and safe but should be given
with a spacer device in the recommended dose to prevent side effects,
primarily throat irritation due to yeast infection.
These anti-inflammatory medications must
be taken regularly to be effective. You should continue your dose
long after you or your child is feeling better. Ideally you should
complete the entire dosage that has been prescribed. One of the
biggest pitfalls is you begin to feel better and then you stop
taking the medication. Their benefit occurs gradually of months
of continued use.
Therefore, it is important for children
to take these medications regularly with consistently.
SYSTEMIC BRONCHODILATOR MEDICATIONS
Systemic bronchodilator medications are
effective but have more associated side effects that can be unpleasant
although rarely life threatening. These medications are available
in slow release tablets or capsules that are effective for 12
to 24 hours. These are especially helpful for nocturnal or night-time
asthma. They are also used for daily control of asthma symptoms.
Side effects can be a problem and should
be brought to the attention of your doctor. When taking theophylline,
blood levels are monitored periodically to help reduce side effects
and ensure proper dose.
SYSTEMIC CORTICOSTEROID MEDICATIONS
Systemic corticosteroid medications are
highly effective in controlling asthma and reversing severe episodes.
Unfortunately they can cause serious side effects and their use
is therefore limited to severe episodes or chronic severe asthma
which cannot be controlled with the first three groups of medication
listed above.
Corticosteroid a hormone produced by the
adrenal gland, it is very effective in the control of allergies,
asthma and many other diseases.
When your child is having a severe allergy
or asthma episode, his or her adrenal gland responds by producing
more corticosteroids (up to ten times more). In this way, the
body can help control asthma.
When asthma is not controlled, despite
maximal therapeutic doses of bronchodilator medication, additional
corticosteroids must be given. A short course of systemic corticosteroids
for less than two weeks is rarely associated with significant
side effects. For most children, 3 to 5 days of use is adequate.
LEUKOTRIENE MODIFIERS
Leukotriene modifiers are medicines that
block the action of asthma-causing chemicals called Leukotriene,
which results in significant lessening of symptoms in some people
with asthma.
Leukotriene modifiers are long-term control
medications; they need to be taken once or twice daily on a regular
basis to be effective. Currently they are available in oral (pill)
form only. These drugs are not indicated for use during an acute
asthma attack.
