Physical Health Guide

Asthma is a chronic condition which is characterized by wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulty which is caused by the body’s reaction to allergens that are present in the surroundings. In handling asthma, those with the condition depend on bronchodilators to help them deal with the attacks. Bronchodilators open up the bronchial tubes so that oxygen may pass freely over the lungs and clears up the build up of mucus at the same time making it easier to cough out.

Bronchodilators are divided into three groups, mainly; beta2-agonist, anticholinergics, and theophylline which are available in inhaled, tablet, liquid, and injectable forms. Bronchodilators are further broken down into two categories namely, the short acting or rescue medication and the long-acting or control medication. Fast acting bronchodilators provide immediate relief by opening the airways quickly during an asthma attack, the effect can be felt within minutes and can last for about two to four hours. When using short acting bronchodilators try to observe the frequency, overuse of this medication, whether in inhalers, tablets or in liquid form, is a sign or an unstable condition that needs more aggressive treatment. On the other hand long acting bronchodilators are used to provide control. The effects can last for up to 12 hours and can start from 15 to 45 minutes after taking.

Anticholinergic bronchodilators are used for smoking-related COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This medication is approved by the FDA for treatment of asthma symptoms in emergency room settings but not in other settings. Theophylline is a relatively weak but inexpensive bronchodilator that has a chemical similar to caffeine. It stimulates the heart and the brain while also relaxing the skeletal and smooth muscles, making breathing easier. Theophylline is sometimes used in conjunction with anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent nighttime asthma symptoms.

There are also drugs which are readily available without prescription. OTC or over the counter drugs contain adrenaline, which relaxes the muscles around the airways, providing short term relief of asthma symptoms, but these type of medicine do not control the symptoms or prevent asthma attacks from happening. Likewise, people with high-blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid or heart disorders should not take these kinds of medication as this may trigger their condition.

If you think that your bronchodilator is not doing much in terms of relief or you are using it more often to handle your condition, talk with your doctor or asthma specialist immediately. They will be able to offer you advice or change your medication in order for you to benefit more from it.

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