Inhaled Cromones (Mast Cell Stabilizers)

Mast cell stabilizers act by reducing the inflammation of the bronchial tubes and seem to be effective in mild asthma. They are also found to be more effective in children than in adults. These medicines include Cromolyn and Nedocromil. To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses. Side effects are minimal, but include the following:

■ Oral inhalation. Sore throat and dry mouth, which may be managed by frequent mouth care, sucking harder on the MDI, sucking sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum.

■ Nasal. Nasal irritation.

Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics block the chemical that causes the contractions of bronchial tubes as well as excessive mucus production. Ipatropium bromide is a commonly used anticholinergic. It may be used alone or in
combination with a fast-acting, emergency medication like albuterol. Some studies have shown that the combination of the two drugs (available in one MDI) increases bronchial dilation better than if either is used alone. This treatment should be used for long-term maintenance of asthma.

Sinus Tips:

Surgical Treatments

There are no surgical treatments that can control asthma symptoms, but for patients who suffer from both sinus disease that requires surgery and asthma, I have found that these pat

Lifestyle Changes

Asthma related to allergies and CAID can be controlled, and often prevented, through avoidance and education. If you can recognize your triggers, as well as your trigger symptoms,

Children and Asthma

Children usually experience complete remission from asthma more frequently than adults do. Between 30 and 70 percent of children who develop asthma either improve or are totally as

ASTHMA MEDICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY

Women with asthma used to be discouraged from becoming pregnant, but advances in medication have made pregnancy extremely possible. Yet like all other aspects of pregnancy, it can

OXYGEN

During an acute attack, it is necessary to administer oxygen continuously until the flare-up is completely over. As described earlier, during an asthma flare-up, your oxygen levels

ORAL CORTICOSTEROIDS

Steroids in an oral or intravenous form are used to treat a range of asthma attacks. Their role is to reduce the inflammation of the bronchial tube’s lining, thus reducing the ac