Content
The medications used to treat asthma will depend on several factors, such as age, symptoms and frequency with which they appear, health history, severity of the disease and intensity of the attacks.
In addition, there are medications that are used daily, to control the disease and prevent crises, improving quality of life, while others are indicated only in acute situations, for immediate crisis relief.
Remedies to control asthma
These medications are indicated to control asthma in the long term, and prevent crises, and should be taken daily:
1. Long-acting inhaled bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are remedies that dilate the bronchi of the lungs by facilitating the entry of air. For long-term treatment, those that are indicated are long-acting bronchodilators, which have an effect for about 12 hours.
Some examples of long-acting inhaled bronchodilators are salmeterol and formoterol, which should be used in combination with a corticoid. These remedies should not be used during an asthma attack.
2. Inhaled corticosteroids
Corticosteroids have an anti-inflammatory action, which reduces the chronic inflammation present in the lungs of asthmatics. These should be used daily to control asthma and prevent asthma attacks.
Some examples of inhaled corticosteroids are beclomethasone, fluticasone, budesonide and mometasone, which must be associated with an inhaled bronchodilator, as mentioned above. Generally, the doctor recommends the use of an inhaled medicine, popularly known as an asthma 'inhaler', which contains a bronchodilator and an inhaled corticosteroid, which facilitates the treatment and control of the disease. See step by step how to use your asthma inhaler correctly.
3. Leukotriene blockers
In some cases, the doctor may also prescribe a leukotriene blocker, which works by preventing the narrowing and swelling of the airways in the lungs caused by leukotrienes.
Some examples of these remedies are montelukast and zafirlukast, which must be administered in the form of tablets or chewable tablets.
4. Xanthines
Theophylline is a xanthine with a bronchodilator action, which, although it is not widely used today, can also be indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma, since it contributes to the relaxation of the muscles of the airways.
Remedies to treat asthma attacks
The remedies indicated to treat asthma attacks, should only be used when the crisis arises or before making efforts, which imply an increase in respiratory rate, if so recommended by the doctor.
1. Short-acting inhaled bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are remedies that dilate the bronchi of the lungs by facilitating the entry of air. For the treatment of seizures, those that are indicated are short-acting bronchodilators, which act in a few minutes and exert an effect for about 4 to 6 hours.
Some examples of short-acting inhaled bronchodilators are salbutamol and fenoterol.
2. Corticosteroids with systemic action
If an asthma attack occurs, it may be necessary to administer systemic steroids, orally or intravenously, as is the case with prednisone and methylprednisolone. These remedies should not be used for a long time to treat asthma.
Pregnancy Asthma Remedies
Generally, the remedies for asthma in pregnancy are the same as the woman already used before becoming pregnant. However, before continuing treatment, the woman should speak to the doctor, as there are medications that can be safer in pregnancy.
Excessive use of drugs should be avoided during pregnancy and, therefore, it is recommended to avoid factors that exacerbate the disease and increase the risk of crises, such as contact with pollen, dust, dogs and cats, perfumes and intense aromas.
Watch the following video and see what to eat to help control asthma: