Understanding Asthma

• Asthma is a condition characterized by bronchial inflammation and spasm, wheezing, cough and difficulty breathing. There are different types of asthma, with different causes.
  Allergic asthma is caused by irritation from allergens. Exercise-induced asthma is caused by physical activity, especially in cold air. Non-allergic asthma is similar to allergic asthma except that it is not triggered specifically by allergens. Non-allergic asthma is very problematic because anything, from strong odors to stress, can cause an attack.
  There are several treatments for asthma and the method of treatment depends on the type of asthma, the severity of the condition and frequency of attacks. Some treatments act as a prophylactic, preventing attacks before they start. Others are rescue methods, designed to treat acute attacks as they occur.
  
  

Preventative Treatment

• The most effective treatment for asthma attacks is to prevent an attack from occurring in the first place. Preventative medicines provide long-term control of asthma symptoms by reducing airway constriction. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred method of preventative maintenance and have the most success in preventing airway inflammation. Some inhaled corticosteroids also include a long-acting beta2-agonist which opens the airways and augments the anti-inflammatory effects of the steroids.
  Other inhaled medications include leukotriene modifiers, which open the airways, reduce inflammation and decrease mucus production, and tilade, which reduces allergic reactions. Tilade is often an secondary choice to corticosteroids, because it must be administered three or four times a day.
  Theyphylline comes in pill form and acts as a bronchodilator by relaxing the muscles around the airways.
  People with allergic asthma may rely on allergy shots in conjunction with long-term asthma care.
  
  

Rescue Medications

• Even with preventative treatment, it is possible to experience an acute attack. Once an attack occurs, the preventative medications are no longer effective. Rescue medications provide quick relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing air for increased airflow. Rescue medications should be administered at the first sign of attack.
  Inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists are the most common rescue medications because they act within minutes. Ipratropium also relaxes the airways, but it is used most often for COPD diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
  People with exercise-induced or allergic asthma may rely more on rescue methods than long-term preventative methods. However, while rescue medications increase airflow, they don't reduce inflammation--a major cause of an asthma attack. Even people with intermittent asthma should consider long-term medication to reduce inflammation and prevent an attack.
  Rescue medications are not designed to take the place of long-term, preventative care. If severe enough, asthma attacks can be fatal. If an asthmatic is using rescue medications more than twice a week, it's a sign that their asthma is either poorly controlled, or becoming more severe, and they should seek medical assistance.