Directions for Taking the Right Asthma Medication

Asthma medicines are available in various types, some are inhaled using inhalers, but some are in the form of tablets, liquid, and even injections. Asthma medication for each person varies, depending on age, symptoms and triggers of asthma. Asthma is an inflammatory disorder in the respiratory tract that is characterized by attacks of shortness of breath, can be accompanied by coughing or breathing sounds (wheezing). This disease can occur at any age, both children and adults. Although there are now a variety of asthma medications, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor about the recommended medication, so you can use it appropriately.

Various Asthma Medication and How to Use it

In general, asthma medications cannot cure illnesses, but only control your symptoms so that your asthma can be controlled. If you have an asthma attack, you may need to use some fast-acting asthma medication. This type of asthma medication, is able to work quickly to prevent, reduce or overcome asthma attacks, but the work time is fairly short. In certain conditions, your doctor may also suggest the use of this drug before exercise. Some types of asthma medications are fast reactions, including:

• Beta short-acting agonists (albuterol and levalbuterol)

This type of medication can be used with a portable inhaler or nebulizer that is inhaled through a face mask or funnel.

• Ipratropium

This drug works quickly relieve respiratory tract.

• Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids can be taken orally (drunk) or intravenously (injected or through an IV). Useful to relieve respiratory tract inflammation due to asthma attacks. To avoid side effects, generally only used to deal with severe symptoms of asthma briefly.

However, if you need asthma treatment for fast reactions more than 2 times each week, then there may be other things that underlie the emergence of complaints that need to be looked at further, or you need more appropriate treatment to control the asthma attack that you experience. In addition to the fast-acting asthma medication, there are also long-term asthma control medications that your doctor may give. Long-term asthma medication taken every day so that your asthma is under control. Here are some types of long-term asthma control medications:

• Inhaled corticosteroids

These anti-inflammatory drugs include budesonide, mometasone, and fluticasone furoate. These drugs have a relatively low risk of side effects and are generally safe for long-term use.

• Theophylline

Theophylline helps keep the airways open by relaxing the muscles around the airways.

• Long-acting beta agonist

These inhalation drugs include salmeterol and formoterol, which are useful for opening narrowed airways due to asthma attacks. Often combined with inhaled corticosteroids to prevent an increased risk of severe asthma attacks.

• Combination Inhalers

These drugs such as fluticasone-salmeterol, budesonide-formoterol, and formoterol-mometasone which contain long-acting beta agonist and corticosteroid drugs.

• Leukotriene modifiers

These oral medications include montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton which help with asthma symptoms for up to 24 hours. Taking this drug should be recommended by a doctor, and with special attention. Because although rare, in some cases these drugs may be related to psychological reactions, such as rowdy, hallucinations, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Taking long-term asthma medication can reduce your need to use asthma medication in a fast reaction. Use long-term asthma medication in accordance with doctor's advice, after going through consultation and examination.

What about natural asthma medicines?

It is known that there are herbal medicines and natural food supplements that can alleviate asthma symptoms, such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, honey and omega 3. These ingredients do have high nutrition which is associated with healing asthma, but not enough data to be used as medicine asthma. There is research that shows that yoga can improve quality of life, and muscle relaxation therapy can improve lung function. Yoga and relaxation therapy can help you manage asthma by practicing deep breathing techniques and reducing stress.

Supports asthma medication with a healthy lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is important for asthmatics. Expand to consume fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Be sure to avoid foods that can cause allergies because they can trigger asthma attacks. Also avoid foods with preservatives because some people can trigger asthma attacks, and also monitor calorie intake, because obesity can also aggravate asthma symptoms. Asthma sufferers are advised to exercise regularly. Some suggested sports include swimming, biking, aerobics, walking and jogging. Bring asthma medication to anticipate sudden asthma attacks. No less important, avoid smoking and keep the environment clean, especially around your neighborhood. Using asthma medication, it must be appropriate. It is recommended that routine control to the doctor and undergo treatment in accordance with the doctor's recommendations. Support asthma treatment with a healthy lifestyle, so that asthma can remain well controlled.