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Medicines for asthma are mainly of two types. According to symptoms and nature of asthma, different types of medicines are used. For quick relief ‘reliever’ medicines are used. For long term treatment of persistent asthma controller medicines are used.

Relievers

Quick acting bronchodilators are known as relievers. These medicines are taken at the first signs of asthma symptoms or in early phase.

Quick acting bronchodilators open the airways quickly by relaxing the tightening muscles of the airways. They can just relieve symptoms but cannot prevent the swelling of the airways.

Following are some of the reliever medicines:

Beta 2 agonists (short acting): – terbutaline, salbutamol etc.

Methylxanthines (short acting): - aminophylline, theophylline etc.

Anticolingeries: - iraprodium bromide.

Generally patients are advised by doctors to take bronchodilator medicine at the earliest stage of asthmatic attack like cough, wheezing, chest tightness etc. For serious attacks of asthma anti-inflammatory medicines may be taken.

Controllers

For controlling persistent asthma controller medicines are used long acting bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medicines are controllers. Continue Reading »

If allergens or irritants from the surroundings of patients of asthma are reduced then risk of asthmatic attacks can also be reduced and patients will need less medication.

Dust mite allergens: -

(i) Carpets should be cleaned occasionally.
(ii) Such covers which are impermeable to mites should be used for pillows, blankets, quilts etc.
(iii) Bed clothes, curtains should be washed frequently and should be dried with sun.
(iv) Use chemical agents for killing mites.
(v) Mattresses should be kept frequently under the sun.

Animal allergens: -

(i) Bathe your pets at least once a week.
(ii) If possible don’t allow pets to enter your bed room.
(iii) Either avoids visiting your friends and relatives house where there are pets or keep asthma medicines with you.
(iv) Clean your hands whenever you touch your pets.
(v) Rats: Make your house rat free by using rat control measures
(vi) Cockroaches: Clean your house regularly specially your kitchen. Use insecticides. Avoid sprays that may irritate your airways.

Pollen grains and moulds: -

(i) Avoid sniffing flowers.
(ii) Keep windows of your house closed in the season when pollens and mould are very high.
(iii) If possible reduce excess humidity by installing dehumidifiers.
(iv) Clean damp areas with water and bleaching powder.
(v) Basements, bath rooms, kitchens should be well ventilated.

Smoking: -

(i) As tobacco smoke increases the risk of asthma so avoid smoking.
(ii) Avoid going near the people who is smoking.
(iii) Precaution should be taken for children having asthma. Their parents should not smoke near their children.
(iv) Don’t travel with smokers. Continue Reading »

There are certain things and factors which bring on asthma symptoms. List of some of those are given below:-

A. Allergens

1. Dust mites: - These are the most common indoor allergens which are associated with asthma. Mites are microscopic insects. Mites and their faeces in house dust constitute the main source of dust-derived allergens. Like animals, human beings also shed dander’s (skin flakes), which are food of dust mites. Mites are usually found in bed sheets, beds, pillows, carpets, mattresses, furniture’s etc. Mite sensitive patients develop sneezing and wheezing mainly in the morning.

2. Cockroaches: - Allergy to cockroaches is found in many persons.

3. Pet animals: - Pet animals like dogs and cats can cause asthma in people who are sensitive when pets go outside then pollen, fungus spores get stuck to their furs which are carried by them when they return back and enter inside the house. Pet shed saliva fur and dander all over the house. The sticky saliva holds together the fur and the dander.

Pollen, fungus spores, fur, dander all can trigger off symptoms of asthma. Even a slight exposure to dander can cause narrowing of the airways of peoples who are sensitive to dander.

4. Fungus: - In some persons symptoms of asthma may occur more frequently in some particular season. It means those persons are sensitive to fungi and pollen. Through the windows or other openings of the house fungus spores can enter inside the house along with the wind and settle on house hold goods like mattresses, bed, cushions, furniture etc. In damp, dark and poor ventilated places fungi can grow. In basement, within systems used for cooling and humidification fungal growth can be seen.

5. Pollen grains: - Pollens from grasses, weeds and trees are common pollen allergens associated with asthma.

6. Moulds: - Yeast products including cakes, mushrooms, airborne spores etc.

7. Food: - Those babies who have food allergies have chances of asthma later in life. Milk, ice-cream and other dairy products are likely to cause coughing, wheezing, etc. Some other foods which are associated with asthma are wheat, eggs, oranges, grapes, nuts, bananas, mushrooms, processed foods etc.

8. Chemicals in food (food additives): - There are various types of food additives like food colors, chemicals added to foods for artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives etc. Some of these may cause allergic reaction. Continue Reading »