Preventive medicines may obviate the need for bronchodilators altogether; in nearly all cases, these medicines reduce the frequency of asthma symptoms. Preventive medicines have an anti-inflammatory action. Doctors believe that a reduction of muscosal inflammation reduces the severity of asthma symptoms. This type of medication helps repress the underlying ‘irritability’ of asthmatic airways by reducing bronchial sensitivity. Commonly used preventive medicines are:
•Sodium cromoglycate (Intal);
•Inhaled steroids, which act on the surface areas of the respiratory system, as opposed to digested oral steroids;
•Anti-allergy injections. People with moderate to severe chronic or frequent asthma are normally placed on long-term preventive medication to maintain their maximum lung function. Such medicines need to be used regularly to be beneficial. It is not unusual for chronic asthmatics to stay on pteventive medication indefinitely as part of their long-term asthma management plan. Preventive medicines work slowly and are commonly used in conjunction with other medications, especially bronchodilators such as Ventolin. After several months on preventive medicines, many asthmatics find they are able to reduce their use of bronchodilators dramatically. However, never reduce preventive medication without consulting your doctor.
If you use a bronchodilator or Intal before exposure to an identified asthma trigger (such as an allergen or exercise), your normal asthmatic reaction may not occur. An inhaled steroid, such as Becotide, is not effective in these situations, as it functions only for long-term preventive treatment. However, once an attack of asthma has started, preventive medication has little or no effect. It is virtually useless in treating a severe acute attack.
The benefits obtained from preventive medication vary between individuals, but generally the results are good. Provided that a large enough dose is taken for a long enough period, a significant proportion of asthma sufferers are able to lead full and active lives due to preventive medicine. When asthma becomes stable, preventive medication usually can be reduced under medical supervision.
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PREVENTIVE ASTHMA MEDICATION
Posted: December 23rd, 2010 under Asthma.
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