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Asthma
patients rarely take just one medication.
Some of the drugs taken by asthmatics include: |
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BRONCHODILATORS
dilate the small airways to increase airflow. Long-acting
bronchodilaors are given prophylactically to prevent asthma
attacks, and may last up to 12-hours. Rapid-acting
bronchodilators have effects that last 3-4 hours and are
used to relieve a sudden attack. Rapid-acting bronchodilators may also
be used as a preventative in some cases, as before exercising to prevent
exercise induced asthma. |
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
medications are used to prevent and/or relieve airway inflammation, thus
reducing the patient's susceptibility to a sudden attack. Most of these
medications are steroids, although there are some widely used non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medications. |
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LEUKOTRIENE
MODIFIERS are oral medications that interrupt the body's
allergic response, thus preventing attacks in some patients. They are
more effective in patients with allergies than in those with chemical
sensitivity. |
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NEBULIZERS
and NEBULIZED MEDICATIONS
are used not only by EMS and medical facilities, but are not uncommon
in home use. Basically the same medications as are supplied in inhalers,
nebulization usually results in a more rapid response to the medications. |
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INJECTIBLE
MEDICATIONS may be taken by severe asthmatics in extraordinary
distress or in patients with extremely severe allergic reactions.
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SPACER
devices may be used by patients using a multi-dose inhaler (MDI) to mix
the powdered medication with air more efficiently, resulting in more of
the medication getting into the lungs rather than adhered to the tissues
of the mouth. Infants and small children cannot use a MDI without a spacer
device. |
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Often,
asthma patients will track their respiratory efficiency using a
Peak Flow Meter. The patient blows into the mouthpiece as hard
as they can, usually 3 times, and records the highest reading of the three.
Patients may adjust the dosage of their "Quiet Drugs" accordingly.
DO NOT HAVE A PATIENT USE THEIR PEAK
FLOW METER DURING AN ASTHMA ATTACK! |
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