As of now, there is no cure for Asthma, but its symptoms can be kept under control using various treatment methods, like taking tablets or administering Nucala. This allows people to live normal lives and carry out day-to-day activities without any issues. If you have asthma, leading a comfortable life without any assistance becomes very difficult.
Treatment Types
There are four common treatment methods for asthma patients: inhalers, tablets, injections, and surgery. Tablets, injections, and surgeries are suggested only when it is serious. Your doctor will help you create a personal action plan for treating symptoms. It will allow you to monitor your condition and handle yourself better in case you get an asthma attack.
Inhalers
There are three types of inhalers you get in pharmacies. These are:
Reliever inhalers: As the name suggests, these inhalers will provide relief from symptoms when they occur.
Preventer inhalers: Preventer inhalers reduce the chances of your symptoms developing.
Combination inhalers: Combination inhalers are a combination of reliever inhalers and preventer inhalers. These are used by people who require both.
Reliever inhalers
Reliever inhalers are prescribed to almost everyone with asthma. These inhalers are blue. Patients use them as soon as they experience any symptoms. It will take only a few minutes for them to disappear.
If you have asthma and are using the inhaler more than three times a week, it is something you should discuss with your doctor. Additional treatment might be required in such cases.
You do not have to worry about any serious side effects of reliever inhalers. However, you may experience your body shaking or a fast heartbeat after inhaling it.
Preventer inhalers
People who use a reliever inhaler more than three times a week are often prescribed a preventer inhaler. Regular use of a preventer inhaler helps reduce inflammation and sensitivity of your airways. As a result, you do not have the symptoms of asthma anymore. If you continue to have the symptoms after using a preventer inhaler, you must speak to your doctor. Additional treatment methods will be suggested.
Preventer inhalers are effective in preventing symptoms because they contain steroid medicine. People do not suffer from side effects after using them in most cases, but here are a few that you can experience:
- Oral Thrush (a fungal infection in your mouth or throat)
- A sore throat
- A rough voice
Do not get worried after reading about the side effects. They can easily be prevented. You just need to use a spacer. A spacer is a hollow plastic tube attached to your inhaler. Also, they can be avoided if you rinse your mouth with water every time you use the inhaler.
Combination inhalers
In some cases, it cannot be controlled using a reliever inhaler and a preventer inhaler. A combination inhaler is used in such cases. These inhalers are used regularly to combat the symptoms. Therefore, they provide long-lasting relief from asthma symptoms. Just make sure that you use it regularly, even when you are not experiencing any symptoms.
The combination inhaler combines the properties of both reliever inhalers and preventer inhalers. Therefore, the side effects associated with it are the same as the reliever inhalers and preventer inhalers.
Tablets
You might be prescribed tablets when using only an inhaler is not useful. They can prove to be very beneficial in getting rid of asthma symptoms.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs)
The most popular tablet used for treating asthma is Leukotriene receptor antagonists or LTRAs. Besides the tablet form, you can also get them in powder and syrup forms. These tablets are taken every day to stop the symptoms. You may experience two side effects after taking these tablets; tummy aches and headaches.
Theophylline
Doctors also recommend Theophylline to patients when other treatment methods are not proving effective. These should be taken daily, like Leukotriene receptor antagonists or LTRAs, to stop the symptoms. Some patients complained about headaches and feeling sick after taking them.
Steroid tablets
Steroid tablets can be recommended by doctors when the rest of the methods fail. They are taken during an asthma attack to keep it under control. However, your doctor can recommend taking them regularly to control your symptoms. It is only recommended when your asthma condition is severe and the inhalers are not proving effective. The chances of side effects are quite high when you take steroid tablets for a long time or frequently. These can include:
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain due to increased appetite
- Easy bruising
- Sudden mood changes
- Osteoporosis
If you take steroid tablets, your doctor will closely monitor you.
Injections
Injections are not commonly prescribed to asthma patients. These are only for people who have severe cases of asthma. The injection treatment method is called biologic therapy. It is done once every few weeks to keep the asthma symptoms under control. For instance, Nucala is prescribed by doctors to patients suffering from severe eosinophilic asthma. It is administered in addition to the current asthma treatment. You will have to visit your doctor and get a Nucala injection every 4 weeks. Besides a headache, you can experience itchiness and a burning sensation at the injection site. Some people also complained about back pain and fatigue.
You must visit renowned clinics only if you require Nucala injection for your asthma. Kratz Allergy & Asthma can help you with that. Our clinic is one of the leading asthma clinics in the Port Richey and Trinity areas. All our experts are well-experienced, and we offer cutting-edge treatments that are safe and effective. To book an appointment, call us at 727-819-1610 today!
Surgery
The surgery performed for asthma is called Bronchial Thermoplasty. It is only done when other treatment methods fail. There are no side effects of the procedure if performed properly. A thin, flexible tube will pass through your throat to your lungs. Then, heat will be used on the muscles to stop the asthma symptoms.
Contact Kratz Allergy & Asthma today to get relief from your asthma symptoms.