Allergies are just one of the factors that trigger asthma. There are people who are not allergic but have asthma, and there are people who have asthma but do not suffer from allergies.
Certain current health problems can also contribute to the development of asthma symptoms, or make them worse. These include obesity, stress, depression, heartburn, and sleep apnea. If there are such deviations, then you should tell your doctor about it, effectively control both your health condition and asthma symptoms. Colds and sinusitis can only make the condition worse.
Effective asthma treatment involves identifying the allergens that trigger asthma symptoms, using medication, and developing a plan for dealing with an asthma attack. The healthcare provider may also advise the patient to monitor asthma using a peak flow meter. This small hand-held device can show how much air the patient is breathing out through the lungs. If the amount of exhaled air is less than normal, the doctor may recommend a change in the course of treatment, for example, may include additional exercise or other drugs for asthma.
Use of medicines
There are many effective medications for asthma. Most patients with asthma need two types of medication: symptomatic medications and long-acting medications. Immunotherapy can also be helpful. Patients are usually reluctant to buy drugs because of the high cost and side effects. If you have this kind of concern, you should talk to your doctor. He will work with the patient to find the right drug or drug combination to prevent asthma and adjust the dose according to the patient’s symptoms. Symptomatic medications are taken at the first manifestation of symptoms for quick relief:
- Fast-acting beta 2 agonists
- Anticholinergics
Both types of drugs are bronchodilators. Bronchodilators widen the airways that lead to the lungs, that is, the bronchi, so that more air can pass in and out of the lungs. They also help the lungs flush out excess mucus by allowing the mucus to move freely and be drained out. If the patient suffers from exercise-induced asthma, then the doctor may advise taking bronchodilators before physical activity. Symptomatic medications can stop the symptoms of asthma, but they do not control the inflammation in the airways that is causing the symptoms. If the patient uses symptomatic drugs more than 2 times a week, then his asthma is poorly controlled. Long-acting medications are taken every day to help prevent symptoms and seizures:
- Antileukotrienes
- Cromoline sodium
- Corticosteroids
- Long-acting beta-2 agonists
- Methylxanthines
- Immunomodulators
These medicines are taken every day, even if there are no symptoms. The most effective, long-acting medications help reduce inflammation and control asthma.