5 Treatment Options for Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory disease that may be acute or chronic. It can cause wheezing, breathlessness, and other respiratory symptoms that can cause a lot of distress. Asthma can be treated, and people need not suffer from these symptoms.
Asthma, a respiratory ailment, when severe, can lead to death. Acute asthma is where asthma conditions occur due to an allergy. On the other hand, chronic asthma is where the symptoms repeatedly occur for a long time.
The objective of asthma treatment is to provide relief from the symptoms of an asthma attack. It also aims to prevent an asthma attack through the use of different treatment options. Sometimes, asthma occurs due to allergies or some trigger factors. Avoiding these triggers can help prevent asthma.
1. Inhalers
One of the key treatment options for asthma is the use of inhalers. An inhaler allows the medication to be directly sent to the lungs. This ensures immediate relief from symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness. These inhalers can have bronchodilators that help to open up blocked airways. A combination of beta-antagonist for bronchodilation and a steroid help relieve inflammation in inhalers. Steroid inhalers can be helpful in providing long-term relief from symptoms. However, long-term use can cause side effects.
2. Oral medications
There are different types of oral medications used for asthma treatment. Leukotriene modifiers, like montelukast, help to open up airways. Theophylline is another popular medication that relaxes the muscles around the airways. Corticosteroids can also be given as oral medication to manage asthma symptoms.
3. Allergy medications
Asthma can occur due to allergens. Since allergy is the root cause, anti-allergic medicines can help prevent the worsening of symptoms. These anti-allergic medications include antihistamines.
Allergy shots involve the use of injections that contain small quantities of allergens. This helps the immune system to produce antibodies to manage the allergens. Regular allergy shots can help the body to quickly produce antibodies, thus reducing the symptoms of asthma.
4. Bronchial thermoplasty
This is a procedure used for very severe cases of asthma. It involves the use of an electrode to heat the airways in the lungs. It reduces the smooth muscles of the airways and prevents the airways from tightening.
5. Nebulizer
The problem with inhalers is that during severe symptoms, it may be difficult to use them. A nebulizer is a machine with a face mask. The nebulizer heats the liquid medicine and converts it into a mist that is inhaled through the mask. This provides better relief and is suitable for children, elderly people, and those who have difficulty using inhalers.
The treatment options for asthma can be helpful in managing the symptoms of asthma. It can provide relief from the distressing symptoms and help a person lead a normal life.