Asthma Medications

There are oral asthma medications that an individual can take to control their asthma, inhaled at the onset of an asthma attack. People with asthma can carry a peak flow meter; a hand-held tool for measuring their air flow to determine whether an attack is imminent, thus requiring their asthma medications. With help from medical providers and age-appropriate printed materials, children can learn to monitor their asthma and self-medicate with their asthma medications. Taking such control of their asthma medications not only decreases its symptoms, but also promotes the children’s feelings of self-confidence, with the management of their asthma and its medications.

There are dozens of asthma medications available in the UK; the most frequently prescribed of these medications being: Ventolin; Bricanyl; Becodite; Pulmicort; Intal and Tilade. The first 2 asthma medications are essentially relievers, whilst the others are preventers. The preventer drugs are taken by an inhaled route and must be taken regularly to gain maximum effect. They belong to either the steroid or anti-inflammatory groups of asthma medications. The reliever drugs do not need to be taken as often; indeed there is evidence to support that these medications are more effective when they are taken only occasionally. Naturally there will be a concern about side effects, but in the main, asthma medications are safe and free from problems.

One such treatment which can have side effects is a steroid called prednisolone; which is taken by tablet form. These asthma medications dampen down and reduces inflammation, swelling and phlegm. There is a soluble form of these medications called Prednesol, which is useful for children and people who struggle to swallow tablets. If used in short courses there should be no risks at all; it is only when these asthma medications are prescribed over a period of years that certain side effects can occur. These include skin changes, thinning of the bones, increased blood pressure, indigestion, ulcers and the development of diabetes. Once again the emphasis is on serious long term prescriptions of these asthma medications and a brief course has no history of causing any of the above side effects.