This includes aminophylline (Mudrane) oxtriphylline (Choledyl), theophylline , and dyphylline . These drugs, which are chemically related to caffeine, relax and open the airways, allowing more air to flow. They also make the heart beat faster and stimulate breathing. Difficulty in finding the right dosage is their major drawback, because the margin between a safe, effective blood level and a dangerously high one is very narrow. Theophyllines work best when they are taken daily, thereby maintaining a constant level of the drug in the bloodstream. Adverse reactions to a small overdose include agitation, headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, and palpitations. A larger overdose can cause serious irregular heartbeats and convulsions. Once a safe dosage is found, however, the drugs are highly effective.
Adrenocorticoids
These drugs are related to steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Aerosol steroids include becomethasone (Vanceril and Beclovent), flunisolide (AeroBid), and triamcinolone (Azmacort), the most common oral and injected form is prednisone. Steroids are potent anti inflammatory medications that are highly effective in treating severe asthma. Experts recommend that they be used in high doses for a short period of time to stop a sustained flare up. Their long term use is limited by their side effects, which include lowered immunity, bone loss, weight gain, and mood swings and other mental changes. Because they can cause growth problems and other long-term adverse side effects, their use in children is limited to severe asthma that cannot be controlled by other medications.
Cromolyn Sodium
This inhaled anti histamine, marketed as Intal, is highly effective in preventing asthma, but it does not help during an actual attack. It is especially beneficial in preventing asthma that is triggered by allergens, exercise, and environmental chemicals or pollutants. It may be taken just before exercising or, if appropriate, used several times a day. Because some people briefly experience coughing or breathlessness immediately after inhaling cromolyn sodium, it can worsen an asthma attack. Otherwise, it is a safe drug with minimal side effects.
Alternative Therapies
Despite favorable anecdotal accounts, it has not been proven that acupuncture, chiropractic, reflexology, and other manipulative techniques are of much help against asthma. Also, the Bach flower remedies and other forms of aroma therapy may actually trigger an attack in asthmatics who are sensitive to perfumes. In contrast, alternative approaches that emphasize breathing exercises and relaxation, or that help to increase physical endurance are important adjuncts to medical treatment, especially if they reduce the need for steroids and other powerful drugs.
Alexander Technique
By using this training to improve posture and learn proper breathing methods, asthma patients are often able to increase their control over the disease.
Biofeedback Hypnosis and Visualization
These techniques help asthmatics gain a measure of control over breathing and other normally involuntary functions. When practiced during the early, or prodrome, stages of an attack, they may even abort it.
Homeopathy
Practitioners recommend a number of substances, including aconite, arsenicum album, and phosphorus. If a flare up does not improve within a few minutes, however, a conventional drug should be used.
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