|
|
|
|
Medical Guides - Asthma and Medicines | |
|
The four basic groups of medicines used in the control of asthma are detailed here - bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, systemic/oral steroids and mast cell stabilisers. For more information ask your doctor or you may ask a basic question of our online doctors using our Ask A Doctor page! Bronchodilators B Agonists These medicines open up the airways or stop the spasm of airway muscles and relieve the symptoms of asthma and is often called a 'reliever' medicine. They are usually inhaled via an inhaler or nebuliser. Common types ventolin, bricanyl, respolin, airomir and atrovent. The side affects of this medicine is the typical 'shakes' that the patient gets and the racing of the heart beat. Although the side affect can be annoying it is not harmful. Theophilline An older asthma medicine that is useful but not used as often these days as it used to be. Trade names are- Nuelin, Theodur. This medicine is taken by mouth and is also a bronchodilator. The side affects are tremor and rapid heart beating and occaissionally vomiting. This medicine is dangerous to the heart if taken in excessive amounts especially in overdose. Inhaled Steroids These medicines prevent the occurence of asthma symptoms if taken regularly at adequate doses. The medicine is taken via an inhaler only. Thus the inhaler is termed a ' preventor '. The side affects are of thrush if the mouth is not rinsed and occaissionally alteration in the voice. If a very large dose of steroid is used over a very long period of time there may be systemic steroid affects which you will hear about below. The medicine does not work unless it is taken at adequate doses all the time at the regular interval suggested by your doctor (usually twice a day). Systemic or Oral Steroids If someone has a bad asthma attack they may be asked to take steroids by their doctor. The human body produces these chemicals naturally but your doctor will give you a synthetic version. There are usually negligible side effects if steroids are taken for a period of less than a week, but if taken for longer over very frequent lesser doses then the following side affects may be seen.
This list is quite ominous and may make one think twice about using steroids. But you must remember that these affects do not occur with less than a weeks treatment and usually only occur after treatment for years on steroids. Mast Cell Stabilisers Mast cell stabilisers e.g. Vicrom? , Intal? and Tilade? . these are medicines that are usually inhaled and are similar to inhaled steroids but they do not have any known side affects. The draw back is they usually have to be used more often e.g. four times a day. Also they may be slightly less effective. More information on: Asthma Asthma and Treatment/Monitoring
| |
| Return to the Medical Guide Index |