Anti-asthmatics are a group of drugs used to treat and manage asthma, a chronic respiratory disease characterized by difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. The primary goal of anti-asthmatics is to relieve the symptoms of asthma and prevent acute asthma attacks. Here is a full guide to anti-asthmatics, including their uses and side effects.
- Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS): Inhaled corticosteroids are the most commonly prescribed asthma medications for long-term control of asthma. They reduce inflammation in the airways, making them less sensitive to triggers that can cause asthma symptoms. ICS are typically taken daily, even when symptoms are not present. Common examples of inhaled corticosteroids include:
- Fluticasone (Flovent)
- Budesonide (Pulmicort)
- Beclomethasone (Qvar)
- Mometasone (Asmanex)
Uses: ICS are used for long-term control and prevention of asthma symptoms in people with persistent asthma. They are not used for quick relief of symptoms during an acute asthma attack.
Side effects: The most common side effects of ICS include oral thrush, hoarseness, and throat irritation. Long-term use of ICS can also lead to a decrease in bone density, cataracts, and an increased risk of pneumonia.
- Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs): Long-acting beta-agonists are bronchodilators that help to relax the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. They are typically used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for long-term control of asthma. Common examples of LABAs include:
- Salmeterol (Serevent)
- Formoterol (Foradil, Perforomist)
- Vilanterol (Breo Ellipta)
Uses: LABAs are used in combination with ICS for long-term control of asthma symptoms in people with persistent asthma. They are not used for quick relief of symptoms during an acute asthma attack.
Side effects: The most common side effects of LABAs include tremors, nervousness, and headache. Long-term use of LABAs can also lead to an increased risk of asthma-related deaths and hospitalizations.
- Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs): Short-acting beta-agonists are bronchodilators that help to quickly relieve the symptoms of asthma during an acute asthma attack. They work by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Common examples of SABAs include:
- Albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin)
- Levalbuterol (Xopenex)
- Pirbuterol (Maxair)
Uses: SABAs are used for quick relief of symptoms during an acute asthma attack.
Side effects: The most common side effects of SABAs include tremors, nervousness, and headache. Long-term use of SABAs can also lead to an increased risk of asthma-related deaths and hospitalizations.
- Leukotriene Modifiers: Leukotriene modifiers are a type of medication that block the actions of leukotrienes, which are substances that cause inflammation in the airways. They are typically used as an alternative to inhaled corticosteroids for long-term control of asthma in people with mild to moderate persistent asthma. Common examples of leukotriene modifiers include:
- Montelukast (Singulair)
- Zafirlukast (Accolate)
- Zileuton (Zyflo)
Uses: Leukotriene modifiers are used for long-term control of asthma symptoms in people with mild to moderate persistent asthma. They are not used for quick relief of symptoms during an acute asthma attack.
Side effects: The most common side effects of leukotriene modifiers include headache, stomach upset, and elevated liver enzymes. Rarely, they can also cause psychiatric symptoms such as depression and suicidal thoughts.
- Combination Inhalers: Combination inhalers contain both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist in a single inhaler device. They are typically used for long-term control of asthma symptoms in people with moderate to severe persistent asthma. Common examples of combination inhalers include:
- Fluticasone/Salmeterol (Advair)
- Budesonide/Formoterol (Symbicort)
- Mometasone/Formoterol (Dulera)
Uses: Combination inhalers are used for long-term control of asthma symptoms in people with moderate to severe persistent asthma. They are not used for quick relief of symptoms during an acute asthma attack.
Side effects: The side effects of combination inhalers are similar to those of their individual components (ICS and LABAs).
- Theophylline: Theophylline is a medication that helps to relax the muscles in the airways and improve breathing. It is typically used as an alternative to inhaled corticosteroids for long-term control of asthma in people with mild to moderate persistent asthma. Theophylline is taken orally and is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations.
Uses: Theophylline is used for long-term control of asthma symptoms in people with mild to moderate persistent asthma. It is not used for quick relief of symptoms during an acute asthma attack.
Side effects: The most common side effects of theophylline include nausea, vomiting, and headache. In high doses, it can also cause seizures, irregular heartbeat, and other serious side effects.
It is important to note that the use of anti-asthmatic medications should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Always follow the prescribed dosage and frequency of use, and report any side effects to your healthcare provider immediately.