Your Asthma Can Be Controlled: Expect Nothing Less! Adapted from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, N.H.L.B.I.
Do you know someone that had to visit the hospital emergency room for an asthma attack? If so you are not alone. More than 14 million people in the United States have lung disease. Proper care could prevent the problems we as pharmacists see with these asthmatics.
"Almost all asthma patients become free of symptoms with proper treatment. Patients and their families should expect nothing less." This is a common and true statement made by many who treat asthma patients. This article will help you work with your doctor and pharmacist to become free of symptoms. How? By helping you learn what questions to ask and what information to share with your doctor and pharmacist. This is basic information all people with asthma can use. Read on to learn:
Are You Meeting the Asthma Treatment Goals?
Look at the list above and put a checkmark next to each goal that you are meeting. Print this page and bring it to your doctor or our MedAsess pharmacist to show which goals you are meeting and which you are not. Bring this list with you to every doctor visit. All these goals can be met with long-term treatment. Having asthma is part of life and cannot be cured. Taking care of your asthma will be part of your life even if it is mild. You need to work with your doctor and pharmacist to achieve every goal. If you are not meeting, your treatment may simply need to be changed or you may need some assistance in the proper use of your medications. Our MedAsess pharmacist will work with your doctor to help you achieve your goals. Ask about our MedAssess Asthma Education Program.
Learn What Things Start Your Asthma Symptoms and Control Them
Most asthma symptoms start when your airways are bothered by something. These things are called triggers. Your symptoms will be reduced when you stay away from or control your triggers. Your asthma will be more controlled.
Check the things that trigger your asthma symptoms: Colds or flu Viral Infections Gastroesophageal reflux Sinusitis, an inflammation of the nasal sinuses. Childhood symptoms include wheezing, postnasal drip, nighttime cough, and enlarged lymph node Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds House dust mites or mold Cockroaches Certain Foods Sulfites used as food and beverage preservatives, commonly found on food bars in restaurants. Dogs, cats, or other animals Strong odors from perfumes, paints, sprays, or other items Symptoms are worsened or caused by exposure to occupational vapors, dust, gases, or fumes. Other chemicals such as coal, chalk dust or talcum powder Smoke from cigarettes, an increased incidence of asthma has been reported in children whose mothers smoke burning wood, paper, or other items Weather changes or very cold air, inhaled cool and dry air seems to be a strong asthma trigger Air pollution Crying, laughing, or yelling Emotional anxiety and nervous stress cause fatigue Exercising, what type of exercise?_____________________________ Aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, etc.or other medicine Other, please list__________________________________________
Peak flow meters can help you find out what your triggers are. Peak flow meters measure how well you are breathing. The peak flow meter is simple and small. It can be used at home or at work. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the way a peak flow meter will help you self-manage your asthma.
What types of medications are used to treat asthma and how do they differ?
1. Those that help with the long-term control 2. Those that give short term quick relief from the symptoms
Long term controller medications are taken every day (Serevent, Corticosteroids, Cromolyn, Theophylline, Leukotriene Modifiers) to prevent the symptoms from occurring. It may take several weeks depending on the medication for these agents to work where the patient sees the full benefit from the therapy. Long term control medications are aimed at suppression, control and reversal of inflammation.
Quick Relief medications are used for the treatment of the acute bronchospasm. They quickly relax and open your airways and relieve asthma symptoms. But they usually only work for about 4 hours. Quick relief medications cannot keep symptoms from coming back-only long term control medications can do that.
Take quick relief medications when you first begin to feel symptoms- like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. Your doctor may tell you to use a peak flow meter to help you know when to take your medications. Do not delay taking your quick relief medications when you have symptoms. However, please let your doctor know when you are using more of this type of medicine than normal. It is often a sign that your long term control medication needs to be changed or increased.
Anti-inflammatory agents prevent or stop the further development of inflammation in the lungs. They are considered long term controller medications. Inhaled corticosteroids are safe and effective for the treatment of asthma. Because this medication works on the inflammatory aspect of asthma, it is used as the primary medication for moderate and severe asthma. Possible side effects include oral candidiasis and occasional coughing caused by the aerosol device. Sometimes the oral form is used for a short period of time when the patient's asthma is out of control. Possible side effects include weight gain, high blood pressure, cataracts, weakening of bones, muscle weakness, and swelling.
Cromolyn sodium and nedocromil are preventive medications that are inhaled directly into the lungs to prevent immediate as well as later symptoms, sometimes called the late phase. They work to stop the effects of environmental irritants or allergens (including after exercise, and after exposure to cold air and sulfur dioxide).
Bronchodilators' main job is to open up the airway by relaxing the bronchial smooth muscle. They can be considered long term and short term depending on the type of activity of the medication. The two types of bronchodilators are beta-adrenergic agonists (beta2 agonists) and methylxanthines (theophylline). Beta2 agonists work to relax the airway smooth muscle and to aid in the control of persistent airway narrowing. They are adrenalin-like medications that can be taken orally through tablets or liquids, by inhalation or through injection. Injections are used primarily in emergency situations. Inhaled beta2 agonists are the medication ofchoice for the treatment of acute flare-ups of asthma and for the prevention of exercise-induced asthma. Inhaled beta2 agonists are available in metered-dosed inhalers, dry-powder capsules and compressor-driven nebulizers.
Theophylline is the major methylxanthine used in asthma therapy. It serves as a mild-to-moderate bronchodilator. The sustained release formula is useful in controlling nighttime asthma. It is sometimes used with inhaled beta-agonists to provide additional bronchodilation. It also may help to reduce muscle fatigue and has some anti-inflammatory benefits. Possible side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, and insomnia.