Definition
Asthma is defined as a chronic pathological condition in which there is inflammation and constriction of the bronchi, responsible for coughing, difficulty breathing, overproduction of mucus and a feeling of suffocation.
Causes
The cause underlying asthma is not yet undisputed; certainly, a combination of elements may favor its appearance. The genetic component heavily affects the onset of asthma; moreover, the chances of manifesting the disease increase when the genetically predisposed patient comes into contact with allergens (eg pollens, food), respiratory infections, medicines (eg NSAIDs), physical exertion, excessive emotions, stress, smoking.
Symptoms
For some patients who are affected, asthma is easily controlled, while for others the severity of the condition is such as to interfere with normal daily activities. Symptoms, of varying intensity, may include: phlegm, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, dyspnea, sleep disorders due to shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, catarrhal or dry cough.
Diet and Nutrition
Information on Asthma - Medications for Asthma Care is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Asthma - Asthma Treatment Medicines.
drugs
Although there is still no complete cure for asthma, some drugs can lighten the symptoms and keep the prodromes under control.
Prevention and long-term control are the key to preventing asthmatic attacks: before prescribing a drug, the patient is subjected to all the medical tests useful to diagnose the type of asthma and the severity of the condition. To underline that the asthmatic patient does not manifest the typical symptoms every day: the disease is defined as "chronic" because it is characterized by asymptomatic phases alternated with periods of exacerbations, even rather serious ones. Asthma can appear suddenly and the patient must be ready to intervene before the condition gets worse.
During the asymptomatic phases, it is important not to interrupt the therapy, even in full health: in this way sudden asthma attacks are prevented.
Anticholinergic bronchodilators : by dilating the airways, they release the bronchial muscles allowing the patient to breathe better. Short and long-term bronchodilators are available: the former are referred to as "life-saving drugs" and are a valid aid to clear the respiratory tract in a short time, useful for acute asthma attacks. Long-term bronchodilators are used in the prophylaxis of asthma.
The bronchodilators do not intervene on the inflammation of the respiratory tract, nor are they able to reduce the hyperactivity of the bronchi.
- Ipratropium bromide (eg Atem, Breva): the drug can be found in formulations made up of the only active ingredient or in association with beta2-agonist drugs. Using aerosol, repeat 2 inhalations (36 mcg) 4 times a day (do not exceed 12 inhalations per day). Alternatively, take a 500 mg single-dose vial (nebulised solution), 3-4 times a day. Ipratropium is indicated for lightening asthma symptoms in the context of COPD and for treating rhinorrhea.
- Isoetarin: the drug exerts a discrete relaxing activity in the vascular and bronchial smooth muscles. Consult your doctor.
Methylxanthines : class of bronchodilators
- Difillin: in general, the drug is available in association with Guaifenesin (eg Broncovanil, Vicks Tosse Fluidific), a substance with antitussive-expectorant activity. The dosage and method of administration of the drug must be established by the doctor
- Theophylline (eg Aminomal Elisir, Diffumal, Respicur): it is a xanthine drug used in therapy to reduce bronchoconstrictor stimulation. Theophylline is indicated for the treatment of chronic bronchitis and COPD associated with asthma: the drug should be taken at a loading dose of 5 mg / kg. The drug is often recommended in association with antitussives / expectorants; there are also already dosed pharmacological preparations. Consult your doctor.
Inhaled glucocorticoids : reduce inflammation of the respiratory tract. They are particularly useful for allowing the patient to breathe better and to alleviate shortness of breath. It is important to remember that steroid drugs should not be taken in excessive quantities, nor are they recommended for long periods, as they can increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes, weakened bones and cataracts.
- Fluticasone (eg Avamys, Alisade, Fluspiral, Nasofan): for patients previously treated with bronchodilators, it is recommended to start therapy with 88 mcg of drug, twice a day (aerosol). Do not exceed 440 mcg, twice a day. Instead, for asthmatics previously treated with inhaled corticosteroids, it is recommended to start the treatment with fluticasone at a dose of 88-220 mcg, twice a day; again, patients previously treated with oral steroids should start therapy with this drug with higher doses (aerosol: 880 mcg, twice a day. Do not exceed 880 mcg, twice a day.)
- Beclometasone (eg. Clenil): indicated for maintenance therapy in the asthma contest. It is recommended to take 40-80 mcg of active per aerosol (2 inhalations of 40 mcg, twice a day). Do not exceed 640 mcg per day.
- Flunisolide (eg Flunigar, Nisoran): this drug, widely used in therapy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, is sometimes used to treat asthma. Consult your doctor.
- Ciclesonide (eg. Alvesco): indicated for the treatment of asthma maintenance. The dosage varies from 80 to 320 mcg, to be taken by inhalation, based on the previous treatment; for example, if the asthmatic patient has previously been treated with a bronchodilator therapy, the dosage of ciclesonide is minimal, while it is maximum if the asthmatic has been previously treated with corticosteroids for oral use against asthma.
- Triamcinolone (eg Kenakort, Triamvirgi, Nasacort): particularly suitable for the treatment of asthma in children. It is recommended to administer 1-2 inhalations (75-150 mcg), 3-4 times a day. Alternatively, it is possible to administer 2-4 inhalations (150-300 mcg), twice within 24 hours.
- Methylprednisolone (eg Advantan, Metilpre, Depo-medrol, Medrol, Urbason): for the treatment of acute asthma attacks, it is recommended to take an active dose of 40-80 mg a day, or intravenously, 1 -2 times a day. For maintenance therapy, it is recommended to take the drug orally at a dose of 7.5-60 mg, preferably in a single dose in the morning or evening.
- Budesonide (eg. Biben, Pulmaxan): often formulated with beta2-agonist drugs. The drug is administered by inhalation: to repeat two applications (200-400 mcg) twice a day. Do not exceed 400 mcg per day. In case of previous treatment with corticosteroids, it is possible to increase the dose up to 800 mcg per day (divided into 4 inhalations twice a day).
BETA2-AGONISTS : these are drugs derived from noradrenaline. They work very quickly and are particularly suitable for alleviating the symptoms that occur during acute asthma attacks.
- Salbutamol (Ventolin): by inhalation, it is recommended to take 0.2 mg (1 spray) per nostril; the drug is also available as a solution for injection, in 0.5 mg ampoules. Oral administration (2-4 mg tablets) and parenteral (0.5 mg) is recommended when asthma attacks become particularly frequent and violent.
- Salmeterol (Serevent): at a dose of 0.25 mg per spray (to be inhaled 1-2 times per nostril per day), this drug is recommended for maintenance treatment.
- Formoterol (eg Oxis Turbohaler, Sinestic Mite, Symbicort Mite, Kurovent): indicated for the treatment of asthma maintenance. It is recommended to take 12 mcg of drug (1 spray) per nostril every 12 hours. Do not exceed 24 mcg. The drug is also available as inhaled capsules.
ANTILEUCOTRIENICI : these drugs are sometimes used in therapy for the treatment of asthma, since they are able to block the CYS and LT1 receptors in the bronchi and lungs.
- Montelukast (eg Singulair): reduces the frequency of asthma crises and bronchial swelling. Indicatively, it is recommended to take 10 mg of active per os, once a day.
- Zafirlukast (eg. Accoleit, Zafirst): the recommended dose for asthma maintenance therapy is 20 mg, to be taken orally twice a day, preferably one or two hours before meals.
Deepening: treatment for allergic asthma
When asthma is directly related to allergic reactions, the most widely used drugs are antihistamines; the choice of a drug rather than another is of medical competence.
Furthermore, allergic asthma can be treated with immunotherapy, based on the administration of immunomodulatory drugs such as Omalizumab (eg xolair): it is recommended to administer this drug by injection of 75-375 mg, every 2-4 weeks, based on the severity and intensity of asthma.
