Asthma is a long-term illness. It requires constant medical attention and a particular focus on medication to manage symptoms. You will need to be in touch with an asthma specialist like Dr Amitabha Saha to monitor your symptoms in the long run.
Moreover, to manage the asthma condition, you will need medication based on your age, the severity of symptoms, and the side effects of the medication. So, in this blog, we will look at the different medication that is available for asthma. However, to know which one is the right fit for you, you need to consult with your physician.
What is Long-term Asthma Control Medication?
This medication prevents asthma attacks and helps to control chronic symptoms. Also, it is the most important type of treatment for people with asthma.
Types of Long-term Asthma Medication
Here is a short guide on the long-term asthma medication that you may require to manage your condition.
- Inhaled corticosteroids
These medications are anti-inflammatory drugs used most commonly to manage asthma. They are also used to reduce swelling and tightening of the airways. Examples of the drugs include:
- Beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler)
- Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler)
- Ciclesonide (Alvesco)
- Fluticasone (Flovent HFA, Arnuity Ellipta, others)
- Mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler)
One should use these drugs for the long term so that the condition remains under control. However, in children making use of these drugs can slightly hamper growth. Typically, these medications do not cause any side effects. However, they cause throat and mouth irritation and oral yeast infection.
- Leukotriene modifiers
These medications block the effects of leukotrienes. These medications help to manage symptoms for up to 24 hours. Examples of the medication include:
- Montelukast (Singulair)
- Zafirlukast (Accolate)
- Zileuton (Zyflo)
In some rare cases, the drug Montelukast can manifest various mental effects like agitation, aggression, hallucination, depression and suicidal thinking.
- Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs)
These drugs open airways and reduce swelling for up to 12 hours. These help to prevent night-time symptoms. However, they are known to have been linked with severe asthma attacks, hence, LABAs are used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. Consult with an asthma specialist before using. Examples include Salmeterol (Serevent) and Formoterol.
- Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs)
These medications can be used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. They can also be used in combination with LABAs to better manage your asthma.
- Theophylline or alike
Such pills are used to help treat mild asthma. It relaxes the airways and helps to reduce the lungs’ response to irritants. Moreover, it is helpful for night-time symptoms of asthma.
Conclusion
Hence, these medications help to control asthma in the long term. Visit an asthma specialist today and get treated for the condition effectively. Choose to consult Dr. Amitabha Saha.