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Treatment for asthma

Treatment for asthma

An asthma attack is a condition of acute respiratory failure that requires emergency assistance. In an asthmatic attack, a person experiences severe airway spasms and suffocation. Tablets, syrups or shots will not help to remove the attack quickly. An asthma inhaler can cope with it – the device sends the drug directly to the respiratory tract and to the bronchus system. Inhalers are very popular in both adults and children, they are easy to use and safe.

Types of inhalers and their action

Inhalers for bronchial asthma is an indispensable thing for a person suffering from this disease. The device provides instant delivery of drugs that relieve cramps in the respiratory tract, which removes the attack. At the moment, there is a huge number of inhalers of different types, which have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Spacers

The set of the spacer includes special valves, they are attached to the instrument body. Medicines are released only when you inhale, the flow of the substance is blocked at the time of expiration. Such a system allows for more economical use of medicines and is also very convenient for treating babies who are still unable to independently control their breathing process. With the help of the spacer, the medicinal substance gets into the respiratory tract of the child regardless of breathing. The disadvantage is that such an inhaler is larger than a pocket one, so it is not always convenient to take it with you.

Nebulizers

A nebulizer is an inhaler, which is characterized by the most effective distribution of the mixture to the internal respiratory organs. Evenly distributed, the solution falls into the farthest part of the respiratory tract, which gives an excellent and preventive effect.

However, such a device will not be a rescue for asthmatics with frequent attacks, since its size will not allow you to take it with you and to use instantly with a choking attack. The nebulizer is great for home use. It heals rather than relieves an attack. The device can be compressor and ultrasonic, in this case, the substance is sprayed through a special membrane, which fluctuates, causes the medicine to spray. The quality and speed of treatment depends on the type of nebulizer.

At the moment, manufacturers are actively developing portable nebulizers powered by batteries or rechargeable batteries. However, there are still few willing to buy such an inhaler, as long as the cost remains high.

Liquid inhalers

The dosed liquid inhaler allows the use of different aerosols. The benefits are affordable price and ease of use. If we talk about the cons, they are much more numerous. First, the drug enters the respiratory system solely on the inhale, and this requires certain skills from the patient. Secondly, part of the contents of the inhaler remains in the mouth and the substance enters the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to unpleasant side effects. Therefore, you should consult your doctor to get a recommendation on the dosage.

Powder aerosols

Powder inhaler is good because the dose of medication in a dry form gets in the required amount in the respiratory tract, not settling in the mouth. This device is efficient and simple to use. The downside is the high price compared to other options.

Hormonal inhalers

Such inhalers act with the help of steroid substances of wide action. These tools help get rid of puffiness and inflammation through the hormones of adrenaline. These inhalations are prescribed only by a doctor and only after the treatment with more benign means. Drugs based on hormones do not penetrate into the blood, thus avoiding strong side effects and metabolic disorders. Repeated laboratory tests allowed scientists to identify errors that are characteristic of asthmatics and that leads to a decrease in the quality of treatment. Studies have allowed to develop devices for inhalation, which are activated on the breath. That is, the inhaler itself is able to determine when it is necessary to emit a drug substance.

The most popular asthma medication

Each inhaler has its own medication and method of exposure. Some are used to relieve acute attacks, others – for a long course of therapy. Some substances replace others over time and their list is quite large. Most often, doctors prescribe the following drugs:

  • Flixotide and Symbicort;
  • Bekotid;
  • Salbutamol;
  • Ingakort,
  • Benacort.

Some inhalers have anti-inflammatory properties, that is, they help get rid of the very cause of the disease. Others have a bronchodilator effect, that is, it has an instant withdrawal of the suffocating attack.

Also, an allergic reaction can manifest as choking cramps.

Treatment of asthma requires the use of drugs with different action:

  • Sympathomimetics, such as terbutaline, levalbuterol, and salbutamol they have a widening effect on the bronchi and stimulate them.
  • Blockers of the M-cholinergic group include Ipratropium and Atrovent, which help relax the bronchi.
  • Aminophylline and Theophylline belong to the methylxanthine group. They act by blocking enzymes that relax the bronchi.

For inhalation procedures, doctors usually prescribe Salbutamol or Symbicort. They are the most popular asthma medication because they get rid of the painful symptoms very quickly and can be used not only for adults but also for children. To avoid side effects, the patient must learn how to use an inhaler properly.

There are other, less popular but no less effective options:

  • Atrovent;
  • Magnesium sulfate;
  • Fluimucil;
  • Berotec and Berudual;
  • Lasolvan and others.

Also, sometimes you can inhale mineral water, for example, saline. This harmless option is most often used for children or patients who have an intolerance to medicinal substances.