Asthma is a chronic disorder just like diabetes mellitus. This means there is no complete treatment for asthma. In no way you can fully eradicate asthma but does that mean that you should continue suffering? No. if not able to remove it completely but we can surely control its symptoms to the extent that they do not obstruct our daily life.
Asthma is a situation in which the airways get contracted and it becomes difficult for air to pass in and out through it. Hence, the person feels difficulty in breathing, and a wheezing sound is emitted and shows intense coughing and sneezing. But this condition is not present always in the persons. Whenever the person is exposed to some specific substance these symptoms start showing.
For Example, if Someone is Allergic to Dust Particle. Then as soon as he/she comes in contact with dust particles the person sneezes and coughs terribly. Therefore, the dust particle is an asthma trigger for that person. Triggers are generally elements to which the person shows signs of allergy and discomfort. It may be different or the same or people. For example, just like the previous example someone might sneeze and cough terribly when coming in contact with cigarette smoke. Few asthma triggers are mold, room freshener, pests, pollen grains, etc.
To avoid asthma attacks the affected person must avoid coming in contact with his/her specific triggering agent. But we cannot ensure not coming in contact with some triggers because they are also present everywhere. Hence, we cannot sit in our homes rather we need to find medical treatment or control for asthma. Fortunately, there is a medical treatment by which you can keep symptoms under control. Let’s discuss all such treatments in detail.
Using Inhalers
You must have seen in movies that people who suffer from shortness of breath carry a small device that they pump into their mouth whenever they feel breathlessness. That device is called an inhaler or Asthma Inhaler. During an attack when airways get narrowed and the air is unable to pass through it take a few puffs of the inhaler.
These inhalers have chemicals like salbutamol or Levosalbutamol in spray form. Thus, when puffs are taken these chemicals are applied to the affected area. The work to ease the contraction and restore the Way of air through it. Thus, relieving the person from an asthma attack. This is surely not a preventive method but one to be used during the attack.
Inhalers are just like normal drugs therefore they must be taken as per the prescription. Inhalers mostly come in two types, Levolin Inhaler and Asthalin Inhaler. Both of them work similarly to ease the contraction of the airways, the difference is just in the chemical used. Asthalin Inhaler uses Salbutamol whereas Levolin Inhaler uses Levosalbutamol. So, do not go and start using any inhaler just by your wish. The doctor will decide whether you would use salbutamol or levosalbutamol. Using different inhalers will result in side effects which may even worsen existing asthma.
Other medications
Inhalers are useful but as discussed, they are relief measures, not preventive ones. Besides carrying an inhaler, you must take this medication if even after using an inhaler for more than 2 weeks symptoms keep troubling you. This medication will have long-term benefits by reducing the frequency of asthma attacks. Thus, inhalers are safety measures that must be followed when the attack has happened but these medications correct the mistakes internally. Few commonly used medications are given below:
Corticosteroids
More specifically inhaled corticosteroids, are chemicals that reduce the inflammation in the lungs that causes asthma. Corticosteroids examples are beclomethasone, budesonide, flunisolide, etc. These are also chemicals hence; proper consultation of the doctor is required before using it. Only use when prescribed by the doctor.
Bronchodilators
We know that in asthma the airways get narrowed which is the main reason behind all the fuss. Now corticosteroids work to reduce the inflammation for treating asthma but bronchodilators widen the airways to let air pass through. When taken for long durations the drug permanently widens the airways and relieves the affected person. Thus, the chances of asthma attacks again are very less. Even if it happens again the intensity is much less because now the airways are widened.
Conclusion
Medications are an unending list so leave it with the doctor because he/she has the medical expertise, not us. We must know the basics of some commonly used medications. Asthma today is affecting much more people than a few decades ago. This is due to increased air pollution; today metropolitan cities have air quality at a dangerous level. Hence, kids, teenagers almost all humans are exposed to harmful pollutants every day. Preventing asthma can be done by wearing a mask whenever going out, avoiding smoking, and minimizing instances of coming in contact with allergens.
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