Asthma: About, Types, Drugs and Treatment, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions

Introduction

Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, which impacts millions of individuals around the world.
It is defined by an increased responsiveness of the trachea and bronchi to various stimuli, causing multiple symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, and chest tightness.
The pathogenesis of SRS is related to the narrowing of the airways, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and increased production of mucus.
Asthma can develop in kids and in adults, and although it can’t be cured, it can be well-controlled with treatment — and by avoiding contact with my triggers.
Asthma is a world phenomenon and its prevalence is rising, thus emerging as 1 of the most frequent chronic pulmonary diseases.
Triggers are many and varied, and may include allergens (such as dust mites and pollen), respiratory infections, air pollution, smoke, exercise, stress, for some people certain medications.
The various types of asthma and the treatments available are critical to the management of long-term control and prevention of life-threatening attacks.

Types of Asthma

Asthma is not one disease but several distinct syndromes with similar symptoms. The major types include:
Allergic (Extrinsic) Asthma
– That are due to allergens like pollen, mold, pet dander, or dust.
– Develops mostly in childhood and is frequently linked with other allergic disorders such as eczema or hay fever.

Non-Allergic (Intrinsic) Asthma
Not associated with allergens, but instead provoked by irritants like smoke, cold air, strong scents, stress, or cold and flu viruses.
– More common in adults than in children.

Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA)
– They experience symptoms during or after exercise.
– Often seen in athletes and can be easily controlled with pre-workout medication.

Occupational Asthma
— Induced by workplace exposures, including chemicals, dust and fumes.
– Symptoms usually get better in the vicinity of work.

Severe Asthma

A harder to treat form that often needs high doses of medication or biologic therapies.

Despite treatment there is a breakdown in the headache pattern with frequent attacks in a number of patients.

Childhood and Adult-Onset Asthma
— Asthma in childhood typically goes into remission over time, while adult-onset asthma rarely remits.

Causes and Triggers

Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the disease, asthma. A family history of allergies or asthma raises the risk. There are some well-established causes, such as environmental exposures (tobacco smoke, air pollution, and occupational irritants). Triggers may differ between persons and can comprise:
Allergens (pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander)

Lung infections (common cold, flu, bronchitis)

Air pollution and smoke

Physical activity, particularly in cold or arid air

Emotional stress or intense emotion

Some drugs that you take, such as aspirin or beta-blockers

Diagnosis

Asthma is often diagnosed by the medical history, symptoms, and a test of lung function. Common diagnostic tools include:
Spirometry: Determines how much and how quickly a person can expel air.

Peak Flow Monitoring: Monitors airflow and may assist in identifying a deterioration in your condition.

Allergy Testing: The test will help determine the allergens that could spark asthma.

Treatment and Management

Asthma cannot be cured, but most people with asthma can manage the disease and lead active lives. Treatment is intended to reduce the effects of symptoms, decrease the number of asthma attacks and enhance lung function.
1. Quick-Relief (Rescue) Medications
Short-Acting Beta Agonists (SABAs): These include albuterol, which helps relieve asthma symptoms quickly during an attack.

Anticholinergics: These are combined with SABAs for acute symptoms.

2. Long-Term Control Medications
I.C.S. (Inhaled Steroid Corticosteroid): The best long term remedy for lowering inflammation in the airways.

Long-Acting Beta Agonists (LABAs): Commonly used with corticosteroids when treating moderate to severe asthma.

Leukotriene Modifiers: These are oral medications that help prevent inflammatory chemicals.

Biologic Therapies: Drugs that target specific parts of the immune system for patients with severe asthma.

3. Lifestyle and Preventive Strategies
Identifying and avoiding triggers.

Using a peak flow meter to check how well your lungs are working.

Using an asthma action plan created with a doctor.

Getting vaccinated against flu and pneumonia to protect against respiratory complications.

Adverse Effects of Asthma Drugs

As with all drugs, asthma drugs have side effects.
Short-Acting Beta Agonists (SABAs)
Tremors

Nervousness

Rapid heartbeat

Inhaled Corticosteroids
Infection inside the mouth (oral thrush)

Hoarseness

Sore throat

Infrequent systemic side effects with high doses, including thinning of the bones

Long-Acting Beta Agonists (LABAs)
Not to be used alone; may result in severe asthma attacks if not combined with corticosteroids.

Leukotriene Modifiers
Headaches

Nausea

Uncommon changes in mood or behavior

Biologic Therapies
Injection site reactions

Allergic responses

Expensive compared to regular drugs

Drug Interactions

Asthma drugs can interact with of other medications and affect their efficacy or produce side effects. Some important interactions include:
Beta-blockers (heart disease and high blood pressure)

It can make asthma worse by constricting the airways.

Aspirin and NSAIDs

It can induce asthma attacks in some people.

Certain Antidepressants

May interact with bronchodilator, causing the heart to race or be jittery.

Diuretics

They can decrease potassium levels when used with beta agonists.

Other Steroids

The more drugs you’re taking that contain steroids, the greater your odds of developing side effects like weight gain or a compromised immune system.

Complications of Poorly Controlled Asthma

Asthma, if not treated or controlled effectively, can result in:
Frequent hospitalizations

Decreased quality of life

Irreversible (permanent changes/scarring) in the airways

Increased chances of suffering from serious asthma attacks, which can be fatal

Prevention and Lifestyle Tips

Asthma cannot be entirely prevented, but exacerbations can be reduced by:
Not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke

Decrease in allergens (dust mite-proof bedding, air cleaner, cleaning regularly)

Coping with stress by using relaxation methods

Regular exercise with few precautions

Following prescribed medications consistently

Conclusion

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that requires ongoing management.
But it is not curable, although most patients can get excellent control with the right mix of medications, tweaks to lifestyle, and guidance from a physician.
It is important for patients and their caregivers to know the types of asthma and treatment, side effects of those treatments, and possible drug interactions.
Asthma action plans and proactive management means people with asthma can be fit, healthy and active.

Top Categories

Sildenafil
(Generic Viagra) | Tadalafil (Generic Cialis) | Ivermectin | Generic Cialis | Hormonal Disease | Dapoxetine(Generic prodigy) | Skin Care | Asthma | Anti Fungal | Antibiotic