Different Types of Asthma Medicine
Once you have visited the doctor and been diagnosed as suffering from asthma, your doctor will evaluate the severity of your asthma and determine what type of asthma medication will work best for you. While there are literally hundreds of different drugs that can be used to treat asthma, essentially there are two different categories of
medicine that can be prescribed: controller medicines and quick-relief medicines.
Controller Medicines
This type of asthma medicine will aid in controlling the inflammation in the lungs which will allow for easier breathing and less attacks. Some known controller medicines are Vanceril, Tilade, Intal, AeroBid and Accolate. This type of asthma medicine is usually prescribed in the form of an inhalant or a pill. If you experience frequent asthma attacks, or cough uncontrollably, your doctor will probably instruct you to take this kind of asthma medicine every day.
Quick-Relief Medicines
While this type of asthma medicine can be quite effective, it is normally not safe for daily use. Its use is intended to control an active asthma attack, or prevent an attack once symptoms have become apparent. This type of asthma medicine is also sometimes referred to as a “rescue medicine.” Some of the known quick-relief medicines are Albuterol, Atrovent and Prednisone. This type of asthma medicine can be prescribed as a liquid, a pill and as an inhalant.
Other Asthma Medicine
There is also another group of medicines that are used to treat asthma. This type of asthma medicine is known as a combination medicine. Combination medicines contain both a controller medicine and a quick-relief medicine in the same inhaler. In the recent past, an inhaler has been approved that lets the user adjust the amount of medication that is being administered so it can be changed according to a person’s condition.
Side Effects of Asthma Medicine
All medicines have the ability to cause side effects, and an asthma medicine is no exception. While most people are able to receive asthma treatment free of unwanted side effects, there have been some side effects reported by those using an asthma medicine. Some of the common side effects reported are headache, voice changes, sore throat, swollen glands in the neck, runny nose, hoarseness and congestion. If you experience side effects as the result of taking an asthma medicine, be sure to inform your doctor at once.
With the help of an asthma medicine, many asthma sufferers are able to lead full, active lives that are productive. While not all sufferers will experience the same level of control over their asthma, using an asthma medicine can greatly improve their quality of life.
