Some Asthma Medications and its uses
Asthma is controlled and treated by short term and long-term medicines to control and prevent the symptoms of asthma.
Salbutamol inhaler
Salbutamol inhaler is a short acting beta 2 agonist drug. It works by targeting the receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. When these receptors are stimulated by salbutamol it causes the muscles in the airways to relax and allow the airways to open. Inhaling the medicine sends it directly where it is needed most, in the lungs. Salbutamol inhalers are known as a reliever because it works fast and relieves asthma attacks.
Beclomethasone inhaler
The beclomethasone inhaler belongs to a group of drugs called inhaled corticosteroids (steroids). This medication goes directly into the lungs to decrease the inflammation or swelling of the airways. It is a long term medication and is used to prevent asthma attacks and not treat it.
Prednisolone
Prednisolone is an anti-inflammatory medication (Steroids). It is a systemic steroid, meaning it is absorbed into the blood stream. It is used with other asthma medications to either control or treat asthma. It is also used to treat allergies which cause inflammation or swelling affecting the lungs. It is a short term medication and it can be taken in high doses as a steroid burst for a few days. It can also be given in for long-term asthma control in a low dose.
Cetirizine
Cetirizine is a non-drowsy antihistamine that works by stopping the actions of histamine. Histamine is a material made by the body to help the body’s defence mechanisms. During an allergic reaction, the body releases histamine which binds to H1 receptors in the body and causes a sequence of reaction that results in allergy symptoms, such as, inflammation of the airways. This medication does not stop the release of histamine, but stops it from binding the receptors which cause the allergic symptoms. Dust, pollen, food and even medication are some substances that trigger an allergic reaction. The aim of the use of cetirizine is to prevent an allergic reaction and it is also no drowsy so it will not affect daily activities.
References
Normal versus asthmatic bronchiole - PubMed Health. (n.d.). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved April 11, 2013 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001196/figure/A000141.B19346/?report=objectonly
Prednisolone and asthma. (n.d.). BootsWebMD – Health information you can trust. Retrieved April 11, 2013 from http://www.webmd.boots.com/asthma/guide/prednisone-asthma
Prednisolone medical facts from Drugs.com. (n.d.). Drugs.com | Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side Effects. Retrieved April 11, 2013 from http://www.drugs.com/mtm/prednisolone.html
Salbutamol Inhaler Review. (n.d.). Salbutamol Inhaler Review. Retrieved April 11, 2013, from http://salbutamolinhaler.com/
What Are Beclomethasone Inhalers Used For?. (n.d.). Lungs Home Page. Retrieved April 11, 2013, from http://lungs.emedtv.com/beclomethasone-inhaler/what-are-beclomethasone-inhalers-used-for.html
Prednisolone and asthma. (n.d.). BootsWebMD – Health information you can trust. Retrieved April 11, 2013 from http://www.webmd.boots.com/asthma/guide/prednisone-asthma
Prednisolone medical facts from Drugs.com. (n.d.). Drugs.com | Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side Effects. Retrieved April 11, 2013 from http://www.drugs.com/mtm/prednisolone.html
Salbutamol Inhaler Review. (n.d.). Salbutamol Inhaler Review. Retrieved April 11, 2013, from http://salbutamolinhaler.com/
What Are Beclomethasone Inhalers Used For?. (n.d.). Lungs Home Page. Retrieved April 11, 2013, from http://lungs.emedtv.com/beclomethasone-inhaler/what-are-beclomethasone-inhalers-used-for.html