 Asthma is a chronic disease in which the lungs react to "triggers" such as pollen, dust mites, or other irritants, including cold air. Stress and exercise can also trigger attacks. During asthma attacks the airways of the lungs become inflamed and constricted, causing wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Prescription drugs can prevent asthma attacks or stop them before they become severe. Commonly prescribed medications can be grouped into quick-relief and long-term control drugs. Quick-relief inhalers, known as bronchodilators, treat asthma attacks by helping open airways. They help relax the constricted muscles that have squeezed airways shut. The most widely used bronchodilators usually contain the drug albuterol (brand names Ventolin and >Proventil). When used properly, quick-relief inhalers are very effective. But they shouldn't be overused: High doses can make you feel jittery, and the products have no effect on inflammation—the underlying cause of asthma attacks. If you find you need to use your quick relief inhaler often, talk to your doctor about finding better ways to avoid asthma attacks in the first place. Long-term control medications are drugs you use every day to prevent asthma attacks. They include anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and noncorticosteroid medicines. Corticosteroids prevent attacks by reducing inflammation. They're available in both inhaler and pill form. Doctors prefer to prescribe inhaled corticosteroids rather than steroid pills because with inhaled products, the drug is less likely to reach other parts of the body and cause side effects. Inhaled steroid products contain drugs such as beclomethasone (Vanceril), budesonide (Pulmicort), triamcinolone (Azmacort), flunisolide (Aerobid), beclomethasone (Qvar), or fluticasone (Flovent). Corticosteroids in pill form, such as prednisone (Orasone), may be prescribed for severe asthma that can't be controlled by inhaled steroids. Cromolyn (>Intal) and nedocromil (>Tilade), alternatives to steroids for reducing inflammation, aren't as potent as steroids. Salmeterol (Serevent) is a nonsteroidal, long-acting bronchodilator that, when used on a daily basis, can help prevent asthma attacks. Another long-term control medicine pill is theophylline (>Slo-phyllin). Three newer oral medications—zafirlukast (>Accolate), montelukast (>Singulair), and zileuton (>Zyflo)—also may help prevent asthma attacks. These long-term control drugs work by relieving airway swelling and muscle tightness in the chest. Sources:
Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Murphy, S. "Expert Panel Report 2: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma," National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 1997.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Diseases and Conditions, "Asthma." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 12/20/2006.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
This answer prepared 9/15/2000.
This information updated 12/20/2006.
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